Ever since a group of people came into existence who called themselves Muslims and followed Islam, questions of what it means to be a member of this group - who is to be included/excluded and what the requirements for membership are - have proven to be both divisive and defining. For scholars and critics, the issue of what constitutes or defines 'Islam' - whether examining the history of the religion, its specific traditions, sectarian politics, or acts of terrorist - is central to any understanding of issues, cultures and ideas. 'Defining Islam' brings together key classic and contemporary...

This volume is one of two edited by Andrew Rippin which are designed to complement one another, and to comprehend the principal trends in modern scholarship on the Qur an. Both volumes are provided with a new introduction by the editor, analysing this scholarship, and providing references for further study. The Qur an: Style and Contents reveals the variety of approaches followed within the study of the text. From NA

ldeke s examination of style through Arkoun s project for the future, these scholarly statements reflect the historical development of the discipline, while providing overviews...