Classical Islam: A Sourcebook of Religious Literature

by Norman Calder (Editor), Jawid Mojaddedi (Editor), Andrew Rippin (Editor)

This definitive sourcebook presents more than fifty authoritative new translations of key Islamic texts. Edited and translated by three leading specialists and clearly contextualized for introductory-level students, it illustrates the growth of Islamic thought from its seventh-century origins, through to the end of the medieval period. Eight thematically-organized sections cover the Qur'an and its interpretation, the life of Muhammad, hadith, law, ritual, mysticism, and Islamic history. Among the selections are Ibn 'Abbas's account of the heavenly journey; al-Taftazani on the uncreatedness of the Qur'an as God's speech; al-Farabi on the faculties of the soul; and extracts from Rumi's Mathnawi.
Classical Islam includes a glossary, extensive bibliography and explanatory prefaces for each text. With many extracts translated here for the first time into English, this is an essential resource for the study of early and medieval Islam and its legacy.

Genres: Islam, History, Religion

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2003

Reviews

[Hillary Steckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for anyone who is being introduced to the religion of Islam. There are excerpts from the Qur'an, Hadith and early Muslim writers. One thing that anyone looking to buy this should know is that there is not much explanation about each text, so while this is an excellent resource for raw material you will likely need other books to support your studies, as well.

[Sabina]

Great collection of classical Islamic texts (excerpts) on various topics by both Sunni and Shia scholars and theologians. Thanks to this book my reading list has greatly expanded