New Books in Islamic Studies

Youshaa Patel, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and author of The Muslim Difference, dives into the concept of imitation in Islam. He explores how a prophetic saying about imitation has shaped Muslims' understanding of identity across history. Patel discusses various examples, including forbidden practices and the differing views in Sunni and Shi'i traditions. He also touches on modern debates around cultural representation and the implications for Muslims living in non-Muslim contexts. Finally, he suggests rethinking how we define difference in plural societies.

Lin Hongxuan, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore, dives into the surprising interplay between Islam and Marxism in Indonesian history. He reveals how these ideologies coexisted from 1915 to 1965, challenging the belief in their incompatibility. The discussion highlights key figures like SK Trimurti and S. Yati, the importance of women's roles, and how political labels often fail to capture the nuanced reality. Lin also shares insights from his research in local archives, including the use of historical fiction to enrich our understanding.

From the end of the American Civil War to the start of World War II, the Protestant missionary movement unintentionally tilled the soil in which American Islamophobia would eventually take root. What ideas did missionaries in Islamic contexts pass on to later generations? How were these ideas connected to centuries-old Protestant discourses about Muslims and gender beginning in the Reformation? And what bearing does this history have on the birth of Islamophobia and on Christian-Muslim dialogue efforts in the US today? In answering these questions, Re-inventing Islam traces the gender constructs that have informed historical Protestant perceptions of Islam, especially in the far-reaching textual, visual, and material influences of the American and British movement for missions to Muslims. This book first considers Protestant discourse about Muslim women and men from the Reformation to the Enlightenment. Then it turns to the colossal archive of literature, images, and cultural objects that missionaries--and particularly missionary women--collected from Islamic contexts and used to inform and motivate their constituents.Anglo-Protestants in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries perpetually re-invented stereotypes about Muslims and used these negative images to achieve particular Protestant theological and political purposes, including missionary aims. They did so when disseminating gender critiques widely to Protestant men, women, and children. Why did they re-invent Islam? Deanna Ferree Womack argues that they did so to reinforce Protestant theological claims, to justify their evangelistic endeavors, to express both humanitarian concern and Eurocentric views of the world, and to support British and American cultural, economic, and military expansion. Simultaneously, however, this same missionary movement educated its constituents about diverse Islamic cultures, in part by providing humanizing images of Islam. Missionaries also formed personal relationships with Muslims that would open pathways toward formal efforts of Christian-Muslim dialogue after the mid-twentieth century. Americans have inherited all of these legacies. In revisiting this history readers will find new possibilities for building a more open and just future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

In this engaging discussion, Shabna Begum, the CEO of the Runnymede Trust and author of 'From Sylhet to Spitalfields,' dives into her efforts countering Islamophobia. She reflects on Runnymede's trailblazing work since 1997 and the impact of events like 9/11 on Muslim communities. Shabna emphasizes the importance of understanding structural causes rather than merely interpersonal hate. Highlighting the rise of far-right politics and the connections between local and global issues, she urges for community action and solidarity to combat racism.

John Tolan, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Nantes, delves into his latest work, which offers a fresh narrative of Islam's complex history. He challenges common misconceptions and highlights the religion’s inherent diversity, from Sufism to legalism. Tolan discusses the historical evolution of Islamic practices, the interplay of cultures from early Mecca to contemporary debates, and how figures like Rabia al-Adawiyya symbolize this richness. He also critiques Arab nationalism's impact on modern movements and anticipates a future filled with transformative possibilities.

Peter Hopkins, a Professor of Social Geography and author of Everyday Islamophobia, joins hosts Amina Easat Daas and Claudia Radiven to unpack the pervasive issue of Islamophobia. They discuss the troubling implications of UK counter-terror policy and its surveillance impact in education. Hopkins sheds light on how Islamophobic narratives gain traction globally through various media. He also stresses the importance of understanding structural inequalities and the need for systemic reform to combat these pervasive biases.

Shawkat M. Toorawa, a Yale professor and expert in Arabic literature, discusses his new work, a heartfelt selection of cherished Qur'anic verses. He shares insights about his multilingual upbringing and the inspirations behind choosing Arabic. Toorawa elaborates on the artistic choices in his translations, emphasizing poetry's influence. He curates surahs by their devotional significance and reflects on the impact of apocalyptic themes in the Qur'an. Listeners will appreciate his intention to create an accessible yet profound literary experience for diverse audiences.

Steve Tibble, an honorary research associate at Royal Holloway and expert on the Crusades, dives deep into the captivating world of the Assassins and Templars. He explores the rich political tapestry of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean and delves into the origins and strategies of the Nizari Ismailis. Tibble unveils the Templars' dual existence as warrior-monks and their theological justifications for violence. He highlights how both groups thrived for centuries and examines their cultural legacy, revealing the myths and modern narratives surrounding these legendary figures.

In this engaging conversation, Kamran Khan, an Associate Professor specializing in language, citizenship, and security, sheds light on the vital connection between linguistics and identity. He discusses how language requirements impact perceptions of belonging, tracing historical shifts in citizenship policies from multiculturalism to assimilation. Khan highlights the implications of language policing under the Prevent policy, linking it to issues of racialized perceptions and exclusion. He wraps up with a call for activism and linguistic justice, emphasizing the power of language as both resistance and protection.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Bracke, a professor focused on gender and sexuality, and Luis Manuel Hernández Aguilaran, a scholar of biopolitics, delve into the insidious 'Great Replacement' conspiracy theory. They explore its historical roots, linking it to colonial anxieties and eugenics, while discussing its mainstreaming in today's politics. The duo highlights the need for inclusive narratives of a post-white Europe and critiques how replacement discourse manipulates feelings of victimhood. Their insights reveal the urgent need for a reimagined history to combat these dangerous ideas.