Exploring Islam: Theology and Spiritual Practice in America

by Salih Sayilgan

Overview

Exploring Islam is a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the foundations of the Islamic faith, including its history, theology, and spiritual practice. The book also deals with issues such as jihad, the status of women, and the various sectarian divisions in Islam. Most distinctive about this work is its analysis of the lived experience of Muslims in modern American life. The book explores questions such as:

- What are the foundations of Islam?

- How do Muslims relate to and interpret the Qur'an?

- Who is the Prophet Muhammad?

- What does Shari'a law really mean?

- What are the major themes of Islamic theology?

- What are the theological and political issues that led to divisions among Muslims?

- Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God?

- How do Muslims practice Islam in America?

- What are the challenges and opportunities for American Muslims?

In addressing these questions, Sayilgan offers readers a perspective that is scholarly, judicious, and engaging.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506468037
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	09/21/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	251
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Salih Sayilgan is an assistant teaching professor at Georgetown University. and managing editor of the Journal of Interreligious Studies and Intercultural Theology. Sayilgan holds an MA in religious studies from the University of Alberta and a PhD in religion and culture from the Catholic University of America. His research concentrates on Islamic theology and practice, Qur'anic studies, Islam in America, and Christian-Muslim relations.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

Part 1 Historical Background

1 The Near East before the Birth of Islam 3

2 Muhammad's Life in Outline 9

3 Muhammad's Life in Context 19

Part 2 Foundations

4 Scripture: The Qur'an 29

5 The Legacy of Muhammad: The Sunna 43

6 Islamic Law: Sharia 55

Part 3 Theology: Articles of Faith

7 Who Is God? 73

8 Angels and Their Nature 85

9 Prophets and Scriptures 93

10 Death, Resurrection, and the Hereafter 101

11 Predestination, Good, and Evil 115

Part 4 Spiritual Practice: Pillars of Islam

12 The Profession of Faith: Shahada 127

13 The Five Daily Prayers: Salat 133

14 Almsgiving: Zakat 147

15 Ramadan Fasting 155

16 Pilgrimage: Hajj 167

Part 5 Contemporary Questions

17 Unity, Divisions, and Diversity 181

18 Mysticism: Sufism 195

19 Physical and Spiritual Struggle: Jihad 205

20 The Woman Question 215

Conclusion 225

Bibliography 229

Index 239

Editorial Reviews

"An accessible overview of the central dimensions of Islam that shows how they are integrated with one another by providing examples of how Islam is lived by Muslims from all walks of life." —Joseph E. B. Lumbard, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, translator and general editor of The Study Qur'an

"This volume is one of those rare texts that is utterly readable for the absolute newcomer and yet also conveys the heart of Islam as only an insider and believer can." —Michael Birkel, Earlham School of Religion, author of Qur'an in Conversation

"This book will be useful to both the average reader and the religious studies scholar for gaining an understanding of Islam as a major historic religion and an important tradition of individual and communal spirituality." —John O. Voll, Georgetown University, coauthor of Islam and Democracy after the Arab Spring

"Students and readers new to the study of Islam will find Sayilgan's book to be an incredible resource as they seek a better understanding of an often misunderstood and maligned tradition." —Todd Green, Luther College, author of The Fear of Islam

"Accessible and concise, this is a good primer to understand the sources of theological and spiritual praxis in Islam." —Bilal Ansari, Hartford Seminary

"This remarkable introductory book reminds us that this knowing—of each other and of God—is God's intention for us as diverse people made in God's image." —Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA

From the Publisher