Martyrdom in Islam »

David Cook is Assistant Professor in Religious Studies at Rice University. His publications include Studies in Muslim Apocalyptic (2002), Understanding Jihad (2005), and Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature (2005).

A fascinating history of the role of martyrdom in the Muslim faith.

Preface;

1. Martyrs in religion;
2. Martyrdom in the genesis of Islam;
3. Legal definitions, boundaries and rewards of the martyr;
4. Sectarian Islam: Sunni, Shi'ite and Sufi martyrdom;
5. Martyrs: warriors and missionaries in Medieval Islam;
6. Martyrs of love and epic heroes;
7. Patterns of prognostication, narrative and expiation;
8. Martyrdom in contemporary radical Islam;
9. Conclusions; Glossary; Chronology; Appendices; Bibliography.