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Themes in Islamic History
The Formation of Islam: Religion and Society in the Near East, 600-1800
Jonathan Berkey surveys the religious history of the peoples of the Near East from approximately 600 to 1800 c.e. After examining the religious scene in the Near East in late antiquity, he investigates Islam's first century, the "classical" period from the accession of the Abbasids to the rise of the Buyid amirs. He then traces the emergence of new forms of Islam in the middle period, deftly showing how Islam emerged slowly as part of a prolonged process.
301 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 16, 2020
حس خوبی داشت، حس خوندن یه کتاب جدی، با یه زبان جدی، بدون تلاش برای عامیانه کردن مباحث. البته برام سخت بود، سطحش بالاتر از سطح زبان من بود، ولی سعی کردم خودمو یه ذره هم که شده بالا بکشم. حالا امیدوارم کتابهای این طوری بیشتر بخونم، که آماده بشم برای ورود به عرصهٔ کتابهای جدیتر و تخصصیتر که قبلاً فقط از طریق ترجمه بهشون دسترسی داشتم.
January 22, 2022
A very informative book which really explores how Islam developed out of Jewish, Zoroastrian and Christian traditions and then found different ways to crystallize into a group with a distinct identity. A common focus of the book is who got to say what was correct for a Muslim to do in a situation and how that changed. The above is very interesting, but the text is repetitive and lacks a compelling style. The initial section of the book outlining the emergence of Islam from Arabia and the early caliphs is told in a much more exciting and detailed way in "Arabs: A 3000 year history" by Tim Mackintosh-Smith; here the outline is too brief to understand the forces at play and too long to be an effective summary.
August 12, 2022
Very brief survey almost entirely focused on religious and political history. I was hoping for more coverage of cultural and intellectual history, particularly in the Abbasid section, but that may have been too much to ask given the scope and size of the book
August 26, 2019
This is a good book, with numerous references for further reading. The style of writing is a bit heavy at times, and there are two many general statements which, in my impression, did not get enough substantial support in the book. Anyway, midway through the book I found that the topic was not interesting enough for me, so I dropped it. However, this has nothing to do with the quality of this work.
May 1, 2012
Berkey's brief book provides a sweeping and illuminating overview of the social and religious history of Islam. In a breathtaking and erudite survey of a period of some 1200 years, he succeeds in giving an excellent sense of the great diversity of views that have contributed to the formation of competing Islamic identities.
I very much appreciated what I would characterize as his "process approach." That is, rather than attempt to identify an essential historical entity or set of beliefs that properly characterize Islam, he has looked at the evolving set of compelling concerns with respect to which adherents of the Muslim faith have defined and expressed its character. It's an illuminating and enlightened approach that allows for a balanced consideration of topics as diverse as the formation of various competing schools of Islamic jurisprudence, the great Sunni/Shi'i divide, popular forms of piety, mysticism, and Sufism.
This book transformed my understanding of Islam and deepened my sense of how religious identities emerge from a dynamic interplay of tensions and forces.
Berkey writes in a brisk and academic style, and some familiarity with the cardinal points of Islamic doctrine and history will be useful. But any intelligent reader who is willing to periodically pause and look up unfamiliar terms or references will do fine, and learn a great deal.
My one criticism of this book is that it has very little to say - perhaps two or three pages - about women in the Muslim world. Unfortunately, this is all too common in histories of religion - I've read many a' book on the history of the Christian church that thought the female half of the population didn't warrant even a single mention.
That said, he is able to cover a great deal of ground and consider a topic of incredible complexity with admirable brevity and clarity. Very highly recommended.
I very much appreciated what I would characterize as his "process approach." That is, rather than attempt to identify an essential historical entity or set of beliefs that properly characterize Islam, he has looked at the evolving set of compelling concerns with respect to which adherents of the Muslim faith have defined and expressed its character. It's an illuminating and enlightened approach that allows for a balanced consideration of topics as diverse as the formation of various competing schools of Islamic jurisprudence, the great Sunni/Shi'i divide, popular forms of piety, mysticism, and Sufism.
This book transformed my understanding of Islam and deepened my sense of how religious identities emerge from a dynamic interplay of tensions and forces.
Berkey writes in a brisk and academic style, and some familiarity with the cardinal points of Islamic doctrine and history will be useful. But any intelligent reader who is willing to periodically pause and look up unfamiliar terms or references will do fine, and learn a great deal.
My one criticism of this book is that it has very little to say - perhaps two or three pages - about women in the Muslim world. Unfortunately, this is all too common in histories of religion - I've read many a' book on the history of the Christian church that thought the female half of the population didn't warrant even a single mention.
That said, he is able to cover a great deal of ground and consider a topic of incredible complexity with admirable brevity and clarity. Very highly recommended.
June 16, 2017
“The term; ‘Islam,’ like any other historical abstraction of comparable scope, indicates phenomenon of great complexity and constantly evolving dimensions (57).” With this statement Jonathon Berkey sets the tone for this expert analysis of the development of the Islamic religion. Dr. Berkey’s history discusses the highlights of the history of Islam and provides an intricate analysis of its development. Berkey asks the key question: What does it mean to be a Muslim? Berkey shows that there can be different answers according to time and place, since the story of Islam covers such a diverse geographic, cultural and chronological spread. Americans often have a monolithic or overly simplistic view of Islam, unaware of the rich variety that exists within the Islamic world. Common pitfalls in public perception of Islam include an overemphasis on the role of Muhammad while ignoring the complexity of influences that informed Islam, or ignoring the important role of commercial networks and urban centers in developing what many call a “religion of the desert.”
Berkey weaves the major themes of religious identity throughout the work. Islam is intimately bound to non-Muslim traditions such as Christianity and Judaism as well as pre-Muslim Arabian traditions and took some time to clearly articulate its distinctiveness from these other religious traditions. Berkey emphasizes that Islam did not emerge fully developed but took generations to fully formulate its doctrines, practices and relationship to the non-Muslim world. Berkey emphasized frequently that the major faith traditions grew out of a process of dialogue and confrontation with other faith traditions, which process led to them more fuller defining themselves against the others. Islam shared in this process.
The early period of Islam presents problems for the historian. Early in his book Mr. Berkey warns the reader of the nature of the sources and the problems that exist. The study of Judaism and its relationship with Islam, for example, has been problematic. As Berkey states, “Much of the historical record has to be pieced together from sources hostile to Jews and their faith (10).” Another instance is the jahiliyya: “time of ignorance” which refers to Arabia prior to the preaching of the Prophet. The Arabic sources on pre-Islamic Arabia and Muhammad date to a century and a half after the events they describe and are based on orally transmitted material. Additionally, Arabs, in recounting these narratives, felt free to take liberties. “We are Arab people: when we report, we predate and postdate, we add and we subtract at will, but we do not mean to lie,’ said one of the Prophets companions according to a ninth-century letter writer. These sources are considered dubious by scholars because they were written by Muslims who were not necessarily interested in historical accuracy, as the term jahiliyyar suggests.
By the end of this period, an identifiable Islamic tradition had emerged. Islam arose in an environment rich with established religious traditions, especially Christianity and Judaism. As Berkey states; “Islam…emerged from a religious matrix pregnant with ideas, stories, and attitudes (65).” Many of these ideas, stories and attitudes have parallels within the Jewish communities. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to draw a clear line between Christianity, Judaism, Paganism and Islamic stories and traditions. We are not sure of the extent of Muhammad’s, and other Arabs, understanding of Christianity. For example, they somehow had the idea that the Trinity included Mary. What is certain is there was a level of awareness of the Bible and Near Eastern Christianity, as evidenced by the many Qur’anic references to Biblical characters and narratives and biographical information on Muhammad. But the most important connection was with Judaism. The troubled relationship with the Jews leading to the expulsion or massacre of Jewish tribes ultimately served as a spur for Islam to more clearly delineate itself. For example, resistance and hostility of the Jews is believed to have led to the decision to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca. The later Qur’anic verses thus begin to manifest an increasing difference and antipathy toward the other monotheistic faiths. Surah 9:29, for example, instructs Muslims to struggle against those people of the Book who do not obey God “and his Messenger” unless they paid tribute “and are humbled.”
In discussing the origins of the Muslim community Berkey raises the question of whether Islam owes more to its Arabian origins or to the influence of the cultures which it conquered and interacted with as it spread out of Arabia. Here, again, religion and objective history come into play. Muslims prefer to highlight the uniquely ‘Islamic’ elements of the story, while historians must also recognize the larger influences of processes in Arabia and nearby areas.
Throughout The Formation of Islam Berkey takes a highly critical stance, assessing various historical arguments throughout his study. The author constantly alerts the reader to beware of having an overly simplistic understanding of historical forces and sets the highest standard possible for historical argumentation. On page 248 For example, Berkey asks the question; ‘In the medieval Islamic near East, did ‘popular religion’ constitute a distinctive phenomenon susceptible to analysis as such?” He answers by saying; “A preliminary answer to this question must be a cautious ‘yes’ (261).” This attitude of caution is reiterated consistently. The author constantly campaigns against outdated or naive theories. On page 51 Berkey relates a common view of the rise of Islam as sudden and unexpected, and representing “a breach in cultural continuity unparalleled among the great civilizations.” Berkey’s response is that “the cautious historian should eschew such a dramatic viewpoint, tempting as it may be (50).” Berkey demonstrates a thorough grasp of the historiography of Islam and the weaknesses of earlier approaches. He points out that some older perspectives seeing Islam as a religion of nomadism and the ‘semitic’ spirit, and others emphasizing the urban and mercantile angle are both “too sharp” or based on “simplistic models of socio-economic development.” Dr. Berkey’s book should serve as a model of scrupulous and careful scholarship for historians.
Berkey weaves the major themes of religious identity throughout the work. Islam is intimately bound to non-Muslim traditions such as Christianity and Judaism as well as pre-Muslim Arabian traditions and took some time to clearly articulate its distinctiveness from these other religious traditions. Berkey emphasizes that Islam did not emerge fully developed but took generations to fully formulate its doctrines, practices and relationship to the non-Muslim world. Berkey emphasized frequently that the major faith traditions grew out of a process of dialogue and confrontation with other faith traditions, which process led to them more fuller defining themselves against the others. Islam shared in this process.
The early period of Islam presents problems for the historian. Early in his book Mr. Berkey warns the reader of the nature of the sources and the problems that exist. The study of Judaism and its relationship with Islam, for example, has been problematic. As Berkey states, “Much of the historical record has to be pieced together from sources hostile to Jews and their faith (10).” Another instance is the jahiliyya: “time of ignorance” which refers to Arabia prior to the preaching of the Prophet. The Arabic sources on pre-Islamic Arabia and Muhammad date to a century and a half after the events they describe and are based on orally transmitted material. Additionally, Arabs, in recounting these narratives, felt free to take liberties. “We are Arab people: when we report, we predate and postdate, we add and we subtract at will, but we do not mean to lie,’ said one of the Prophets companions according to a ninth-century letter writer. These sources are considered dubious by scholars because they were written by Muslims who were not necessarily interested in historical accuracy, as the term jahiliyyar suggests.
By the end of this period, an identifiable Islamic tradition had emerged. Islam arose in an environment rich with established religious traditions, especially Christianity and Judaism. As Berkey states; “Islam…emerged from a religious matrix pregnant with ideas, stories, and attitudes (65).” Many of these ideas, stories and attitudes have parallels within the Jewish communities. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to draw a clear line between Christianity, Judaism, Paganism and Islamic stories and traditions. We are not sure of the extent of Muhammad’s, and other Arabs, understanding of Christianity. For example, they somehow had the idea that the Trinity included Mary. What is certain is there was a level of awareness of the Bible and Near Eastern Christianity, as evidenced by the many Qur’anic references to Biblical characters and narratives and biographical information on Muhammad. But the most important connection was with Judaism. The troubled relationship with the Jews leading to the expulsion or massacre of Jewish tribes ultimately served as a spur for Islam to more clearly delineate itself. For example, resistance and hostility of the Jews is believed to have led to the decision to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca. The later Qur’anic verses thus begin to manifest an increasing difference and antipathy toward the other monotheistic faiths. Surah 9:29, for example, instructs Muslims to struggle against those people of the Book who do not obey God “and his Messenger” unless they paid tribute “and are humbled.”
In discussing the origins of the Muslim community Berkey raises the question of whether Islam owes more to its Arabian origins or to the influence of the cultures which it conquered and interacted with as it spread out of Arabia. Here, again, religion and objective history come into play. Muslims prefer to highlight the uniquely ‘Islamic’ elements of the story, while historians must also recognize the larger influences of processes in Arabia and nearby areas.
Throughout The Formation of Islam Berkey takes a highly critical stance, assessing various historical arguments throughout his study. The author constantly alerts the reader to beware of having an overly simplistic understanding of historical forces and sets the highest standard possible for historical argumentation. On page 248 For example, Berkey asks the question; ‘In the medieval Islamic near East, did ‘popular religion’ constitute a distinctive phenomenon susceptible to analysis as such?” He answers by saying; “A preliminary answer to this question must be a cautious ‘yes’ (261).” This attitude of caution is reiterated consistently. The author constantly campaigns against outdated or naive theories. On page 51 Berkey relates a common view of the rise of Islam as sudden and unexpected, and representing “a breach in cultural continuity unparalleled among the great civilizations.” Berkey’s response is that “the cautious historian should eschew such a dramatic viewpoint, tempting as it may be (50).” Berkey demonstrates a thorough grasp of the historiography of Islam and the weaknesses of earlier approaches. He points out that some older perspectives seeing Islam as a religion of nomadism and the ‘semitic’ spirit, and others emphasizing the urban and mercantile angle are both “too sharp” or based on “simplistic models of socio-economic development.” Dr. Berkey’s book should serve as a model of scrupulous and careful scholarship for historians.
Read
July 29, 2011Best as a reference work for those already possessing some familiarity with the subject. I enjoyed the author's demonstration that pre-modern religious experience in the Islamic world was more complex and multifaceted than has often been supposed, but I wish the author had taken some firmer positions on various issues rather than simply say "it was complex" and suggest further readings--the effect makes the author seem almost too detached from his work.
Want to read
April 16, 2012Read this if you want a quick, brief history of islam and don't have time for Ira Lapidus' History of Islamic Societies.
February 1, 2024
While some of this was a dense, slow-going read, it was also very informative. I don't pretend to have absorbed all the details in this book, but it was very useful as a supplement to the lectures I listened to on the emergence of the Islamic world, the Umayyad Caliphate, the flowering of culture in the Abbasid period, and the differences between the Sunni, Shi'a, and Sufi interpretations of the religion. It was also really interesting to better understand the historical events that led to the major schism between Sunni and Shia in the first place. This entire subject represents a blank space in my formal education, and this did an admirable job of beginning to fill in these huge gaps in my understanding. Now I at least feel that I have some vague notion of what I don't know, which is always an excellent place to start.
May 6, 2020
Purchased this book to try and help my understanding of the Islamic Religion and its traditions. Instead was left with more confusion about the religion than when I started.
This book is meant for those who already have prior knowledge on Islam, NOT for those with no knowledge looking to expand.
Also be prepared, if you do read it, to be told the history of something, then later be told that we really dont know the reasons or events leading to another particular event.
I have never been so disappointed in a history book in my life.
This book is meant for those who already have prior knowledge on Islam, NOT for those with no knowledge looking to expand.
Also be prepared, if you do read it, to be told the history of something, then later be told that we really dont know the reasons or events leading to another particular event.
I have never been so disappointed in a history book in my life.
March 3, 2025
This is an excellent book for the serious scholar of Islam. It is not a book for a reader just interested in the religion's basic tenets. The serious study of Islam is not easy. The book gave me some basic tenets, but it was tough.
I give the author kudos for managing the history of the religion, and he did a magnificent job with several primary sources. However, since I am not a serious scholar, I got lost in the details. The fault is mine, not the author's.
I give the author kudos for managing the history of the religion, and he did a magnificent job with several primary sources. However, since I am not a serious scholar, I got lost in the details. The fault is mine, not the author's.
May 8, 2019
A good overview of the origins and foundation of Islam from its conception into the modern period.
June 9, 2022
For scholars only, I fear--this is just too short and too dense for anything else. But it was useful for me.
February 23, 2023
Not my fave history book. Kinda dry and excessively verbose. Doesn't even cover like 1600-1800, so he kinda lied about that
Read
April 3, 2023Read for religion and politics in Islamic history
December 5, 2024
fucking FINALLY
January 1, 2025
Excellent history of the period and development of Islam.
January 1, 2014
This is the only book in memory I really tried to force myself to finish, and failed. I wanted the knowledge, but the method of dispensation felt dry and discordant. I have described this book to others as being the stereotype of a book of history, and I don't think I'm capable of making it to the end, even with only 10% left.
That said, I learned a great deal. The differences between Sufi and Shi'i sects, Ismailism, the geography of the near East, and the history of the various caliphates and sultanships in the region. I cannot fault the choice of material, as it was beyond interesting. The delivery just fails to captivate, and I want to move on to something else.
That said, I learned a great deal. The differences between Sufi and Shi'i sects, Ismailism, the geography of the near East, and the history of the various caliphates and sultanships in the region. I cannot fault the choice of material, as it was beyond interesting. The delivery just fails to captivate, and I want to move on to something else.
September 13, 2015
Berkey does a great job in Part I, on the Near East before Islam (200bc-600ad), especially explaining the clash between Byzantine and Sasanian empires. Part II, the Emergence of Islam (600-750ad) is also well done. Some bias and distinctly liberal views creep in through the last two sections. Overall, worth the read for those wanting to understand more about the gradual emergence of the Islamic Empire, Religion and the environment in which it developed.
December 21, 2010
This is a scholarly text, but I think Berkey does a nice job giving contextual information that is helpful in better defining the Middle East today. Additionally, there is certainly some myth busting in this text, which in this era is very important.
May 14, 2010
Byzantium and Islam.
March 14, 2014
I read this as a text for a class! Great read! I learned so much about Islam, that I never knew!
March 16, 2014
Very, very dry. Avoid
March 20, 2016
Difficult, but satisfying. A state-of-the-art and subtle view on the complexities of Islam's gradual development.
September 12, 2012
Dry, dry, dry. Couldn't get through it, gave up about half way.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews