Radical Islam: Medieval Theology and Modern Politics, Enlarged Edition

by Emmanuel Sivan

In recent years radical fundamentalists have had a formidable intellectual and social impact on Sunni Islam countries such as Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. This highly acclaimed book by an eminent Arabist focuses on the development of Sunni Muslim fundamentalism, discussing how it rejected Western values, broke with pan-Arabism, and took on an activist political position. This enlarged edition contains a new chapter, “In the Shadow of Khomeini,” which considers the growth and influences of Shi’ite radicalism since the Iranian Revolution, reviews the principal areas of controversy between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims, and assesses whether rapprochement between the two groups is likely. 
Review of the earlier
“Sivan . . . not only introduces Western readers to scores of important but little-known contemporary Islamic thinkers, . . . He also breaks new ground in his analysis of their work and activities.”―Shaul Bakhash, Wilson Quarterly
“A gem of a small book. . . . Sivan writes clearly, dispassionately, and with enviable command of his subject. His book makes a large and almost entirely new body of information available.”―Daniel Pipes, The New Leader
“Not just scholars but everyone seriously interested in the contemporary Middle East is in Sivan’s debt.”―G.H. Jansen, Los Angeles Times
“This study by Emmanuel Sivan is exceptional; it is professional, insightful, and persuasive. . . . A well-informed interpretation of recent events based directly on relevant Arabic writings.”―Michael W. Dols, History
“Thorough, thought-provoking, and very instructive.”―William M. Brinner, Middle East Review
Emmanuel Sivan is professor of history at Hebrew University and editor of the Jerusalem Quarterly

Genres: Middle East, History, Islam

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent explanation for Western readers on the phenomenon of Sunni radical Islam. It has an epilogue that discusses similarities with the Shia variety and the Iranian Revolution, but there is no intellectual lineage there. You have to already understand Islam, its texts and history to be able to effectively and profitably encounter this book.

There is a remarkable lack of bias as long as you can still accept the proposition that a scholar can be sympathetic and critical at the same time. The usual charge of orientalism has been levied, but that is a canard. Read the book to understand groups like Hamas, ISIS, and al-Qaeda.