Radical Islam: Medieval Theology and Modern Politics, Enlarged Edition

By Emmanuel Sivan

Book Overview

In recent years radical fundamentalists have had a formidable intellectual and social impact on Sunni Islam countries such as Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. This highly acclaimed book by an eminent Arabist focuses on the development of Sunni Muslim fundamentalism, discussing how it rejected Western values, broke with pan-Arabism, and took on an activist political position. This enlarged edition contains a new chapter, "In the Shadow of Khomeini," which considers the growth and influences of Shi'ite radicalism since the Iranian Revolution, reviews the principal areas of controversy between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, and assesses whether rapprochement between the two groups is likely. Review of the earlier edition: "Sivan . . . not only introduces Western readers to scores of important but little-known contemporary Islamic thinkers, . . . He also breaks new ground in his analysis of their work and activities."-Shaul Bakhash, Wilson Quarterly "A gem of a small book. . . . Sivan writes clearly, dispassionately, and with enviable command of his subject. His book makes a large and almost entirely new body of information available."-Daniel Pipes, The New Leader "Not just scholars but everyone seriously interested in the contemporary Middle East is in Sivan's debt."-G.H. Jansen, Los Angeles Times "This study by Emmanuel Sivan is exceptional; it is professional, insightful, and persuasive. . . . A well-informed interpretation of recent events based directly on relevant Arabic writings."-Michael W. Dols, History "Thorough, thought-provoking, and very instructive."-William M. Brinner, Middle East Review Emmanuel Sivan is professor of history at Hebrew University and editor of the Jerusalem Quarterly

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300049153
• ISBN13: 9780300049152
• Release Date: September 1990
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

a good primer to Muslim fundamentalism

Islamic fundamentalism (or "radicalism" if you prefer) is not a recent development, in spite of recent events. A case could even be made that Wahabism is a strand of fundamentalism in the broader interpretation of the word. Sivan examines Islam's fundamentalist appeal in Egypt (with the "Muslim Brotherhood", the group responsible for the murder of Sadat), Islamic Jihad in Lebanon and Syria, and the briefly touches on the shi'i revolution in Iran. At the heart of each of these groups is a disaffection with the Middle East's place in the world economy, and the political notion of a "nation-state." The appeal of fundamentalism is explored, and a good introduction to the interpretations of the Qu'ran that fundamentalists find is also discussed.However, the book is not without its shortcomings. As a reader mentioned earlier, there is a Sunni slant to the fundamentalist movement (Shi'ii's are scarcely mentioned at all, and when they are are put in a 'negative' light), and Wahahbism - perhaps the first "fundamentalist" movement within Islam is ignored entirely. Furthermore, I had hoped that some discussion would have taken place regarding "where do we go from here?" Needless to say the issues that give fundamentalist (or even "radical") groups their appeal have not changed, so the continued existence of these groups is a foregone conclusion.It is a good introduction to the "radical" movement, but is hardly the final word or greatest authority on the topic.

Excellent, objective analysis

forcefully written, sharp, profound analysis of Fuindamentalism