The Cultural Atlas of Islam

Abstract

This magnifrcent book, published by Macmillan a month after the Faruqis’ deaths, presents the entire world view of Islam-its beliefs, traditions, institutions, and its place in the cultures in which it has taken mot. THE CULTURAL ATLAS OF ISLAM is not only a comprehensive introduction to the Islamic experience in history and the modern world. It is an authoritative and deeply felt statement of the faith of Islam, written for those of all faiths. Isma‘il and Lois Lamya’ al Faruqi’s book is, in fact, Islam explaining itself. Rich with more than 300 photographs, drawings, and other illustrations, and with some 75 original maps, this is a unique guide to the meaning of Islam and its shaping force on cultures from the Mediterranean to the Pacific. This is, however, much more than a history of events; it is a clear presentation of the essence of Islamic civilization in all its spheres, from everyday practices of Muslims around the world to the Islamic legacy in art, science, law, politics, and philosophy. The authors begin with the ancient setting of Islam, examining the different strands of influence-Arab, Mesopotamian, Canaanite, and Hebrew-that were its frontrunners. Islam, the authors demonstrate, brought together diverse traditions and from them forged the unique body of belief, thought, and practice that continues to animate Muslim life today throughout the world. Part Two explains the concept of Tawhid-the essence of Islam that binds together the lives of its believers. Tawhid is the affirmation of God as One, Absolute, and Ultimate; it deeply affects all aspects of Islamic thought, expression, and behavior. Part Three shows how this core of belief takes shape in scripture, social institutions, and the arts-the forms which God’s revelations to Muhammad assumed in the historical fabric of Islam. There is a concise introduction to the fundamental nature of the Quran, and to the collection of Muhammad’s sayings and deeds that clarify its statements-the Sunnah. The ways in which Islam affects social life and its institutions-from education and family life to the making of the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca-is also examined. So, too, is the central role of the Qur'an in defining artistic expression. part Four is a remarkable exploriltion of the manifestations of Islam in all ...