Making Sense of Militant Islam

by Anne Davison

Overview

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand the complex world of militant Islam. It asks what is the justification, for example, for the barbaric executions of innocent people by the so-called 'Islamic State' On what grounds can this group claim authority to establish a 'caliphate' covering territory in Northern Iraq and Syria? These questions are addressed In the first two chapters by comparing mainstream traditional Islamic teaching with the ideology promoted by such groups as the so-called 'Islamic State'.

The following chapter looks at the works of early radical thinkers, for example Ibn Taymiyya and Al-Wahhab, both of whom who were to influence modern Islamists such as Sayyid Qutb of the Muslim Brotherhood and Osama bin Laden who founded Al-Qaeda.

All these radical thinkers formed their ideology against a particular historical background. For example Ibn Taymiyya crystalised the doctrine of military jihad in the context of the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. Al-Wahhab and Sayyid Qutb both lived at a time when the Ottoman Empire was in decline and the Arab world was moving into a period of instability following World War One. These issues, including the rise of Arab nationalism are discussed in chapter four.

The final three chapters examine the recent rise of militant Islamism including an exploration of the origins of Al-Qaeda and the subsequent growth of Al-Qaeda in Iraq which morphed into the so-called Islamic State.

The book is written in an accessible style and includes helpful maps and charts. As with other books in this series it would appeal to the non-specialist. It is aimed at the general reader who is interested in a particular topic but doesn't have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940151845625
Publisher:	Anne Davison
Publication date:	03/30/2015
Series:	In Brief
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Canon Doctor Anne Davison has had a lifelong interest in history and the religions of the world. Her journey into understanding other cultures began in her early 20s when she lived in Lagos, Nigeria. Later, a job with British Airways gave her the chance to travel the world more widely.

When she became aware of a global increase in religious intolerance she felt the need to better understand our world, past and present. She was particularly interested in how ‘religion’ interacts with politics. This led her to study for a Degree in History and Comparative religion, followed by a PhD in inter religious relations.

Whilst living in Switzerland in the 1990s Anne took on the role of Vice Moderator of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, before moving back to London to work with the Church of England as an Adviser in Inter Religious Relations.
In addition to organising pilgrim groups to Israel and Lebanon, Anne co-ordinated a Youth Exchange Programme for 16 to 18 year- old Jews, Christians and Muslims between Jerusalem and East London. In recognition of her work in inter-religious relations Anne was made a Lay Canon of the Church of England.
Since retiring from the Church of England she has lectured on many cruise ships and in the UK for the Arts Society

It was in response to people asking for her lecture notes, that in 2013 Anne decided to write her first book: From the Medes to the Mullah: A History of Iran. She has just published her ninth book on A History of China.

She remains convinced that many of the problems facing the world today are the result of an ignorance that can lead to intolerance at best and hatred at worst.

She firmly believes that one way to combat this ignorance is to promote a better understanding of our diverse world. Anne likes to think that by offering lectures and writing short, accessible books, she is playing her part in a small way.