Islam in Context: Past, Present, and Future

by Peter G. Riddell

In recent months, much attention has been paid to Islam and the greater Muslim world. Some analysis has been openly hostile, while even more has been overly simplistic. Islam in Context goes behind the recent crisis to discuss the history of Islam, describe its basic structure and beliefs, explore the current division between Muslim moderates and extremists, and suggest a way forward.
Authors Peter G. Riddell and Peter Cotterell draw from sources such as the Qur'an, early Christian chronicles of the Crusades, and contemporary Muslim and non-Muslim writings. They move beyond the stereotypes of Muhammad-both idealized and negative-and argue against the myth that relatively recent events in the Middle East are the only cause for the clash between Islam and the West.
Riddell and Cotterell ask the non-Muslim world to attempt to understand Islam from the perspective of Muslims and to acknowledge past mistakes. At the same time, they challenge the Muslim world by suggesting that Islam stands today at a vital crossroads and only Muslims can forge the way forward.
Islam in Context will appeal to all those who are interested in an alternative to the easily packaged descriptions of the relationship between Islam and the West.

Genres: Islam, History, Nonfiction, Religion

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ethan Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, very helpful introduction to the diverse facets of Islam. The book offers introduction to the history, beliefs, and modern issues relating to Isalm. The major focus is history and modern issues. The book could have been strengthened with a chapter devoted to a more in depth description of Muslim belief and theology. I also didn't agree with all of the perspectives of the book, but still a helpful introduction.

[Joshua Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class. Useful overview.

[Mike Blyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is OK but suffers a bit from being too short and rather scattered if considered to be an introduction to Islam. It might be best described as an introduction to the history of relations between Islam and the West.

Bruce Bradshaw's review here is quite useful and accurate. The fact that the review discusses the tension between the Christian pacifist views of Yoder and those of Rheinhold Niebuhr, while the former is not even mentioned in the book, is illustrative of the spotty nature of the book. I'd really like to see an updated version, twice the length, with a lot of gaps filled. By now, seven years after the book was published, there must be better sources for reviewing the tensions between Muslim "fundamentalism" and Christianity.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro so far, from what I can see. My only complaint is that it's focussed mainly on Islam's interaction with Western / Christian civilisation. I'd love to know more about the spread of Islam into the Indian subcontinent & Indonesia, but these two movements are given only a couple of paragraphs each. The authors are very up front about their geographical focus; however, there are also a handful of unimpressive passages I've come across which suggest an unspoken philosophically Christian bias.

[Luís Branco · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read so far on Islam. It provides a clear understand of the Islamic way of life, Islamic history and Islamic controversial problems I do recommend the book! "There is a need to encourage and initiate audacious, free, productive thinking on Islam today."- Mohamed Arkoun

[Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent introduction to those looking for a simple overview of a struggling discourse inside and outside of the Islamic Community.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great broad introduction to Islamic history up through the early 21st century.