The Idea of Idolatry and the Emergence of Islam
From Polemic to History
$48.99 (C)
Part of Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization
- Author: G. R. Hawting, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
- Date Published: November 2006
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521028462
$
48.99
(C)
Paperback
Other available formats:
Hardback, eBook
Looking for an examination copy?
This title is not currently available for examination. However, if you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact collegesales@cambridge.org providing details of the course you are teaching.
-
Why and under what circumstances did the religion of Islam emerge in a remote part of Arabia at the beginning of the seventh century? Traditional scholarship maintains that Islam developed in opposition to the idolatrous and polytheistic religion of the Arabs of Mecca and the surrounding regions. In this study of pre-Islamic Arabian religion, G. R. Hawting adopts a comparative religious perspective to suggest an alternative view. By examining the various bodies of evidence which survive from this period, the Koran and the vast resources of the Islamic tradition, the author argues that in fact Islam arose out of conflict with other monotheists whose beliefs and practices were judged to fall short of true monotheism and were, in consequence, attacked polemically as idolatry. The author is adept at unravelling the complexities of the source material, and students and scholars will find his argument both engaging and persuasive.
Read more- A book-length study of religion in pre-Islamic Arabia adopting comparative religious perspective
- Challenge to traditional scholarship which will provoke controversy amongst scholars of Islam
- Short, accessible approach; treats source material adeptly
Reviews & endorsements
"Hawting has accomplished his task with deep learning and with sharp, detailed arguments. All students of Arabia and early Islam will do well to read this book." Meas Bulletin
See more reviews"The book is original and challenging and should be read by all scholars interested in the Quran, Islamic origins, and how religions imagine their origins." Religious Studies Review
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: November 2006
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521028462
- length: 188 pages
- dimensions: 228 x 152 x 12 mm
- weight: 0.298kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface
Note on transliteration and dates
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. Religion in the jĂŁhiliyya: theories and evidence
2. Idols and idolatry in the Koran
3. Shirk and idolatry in monotheist polemic
4. The tradition
5. Names, tribes and places
6. The daughters of God
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×