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Religion and State: The Muslim Approach to Politics Paperback – September 15, 2001

by L. Carl Brown (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
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If Westerners know a single Islamic term, it is likely to be jihad, the Arabic word for "holy war." The image of Islam as an inherently aggressive and xenophobic religion has long prevailed in the West and can at times appear to be substantiated by current events. L. Carl Brown challenges this conventional wisdom with a fascinating historical overview of the relationship between religious and political life in the Muslim world ranging from Islam's early centuries to the present day.

Religion and State examines the commonplace notion―held by both radical Muslim ideologues and various Western observers alike―that in Islam there is no separation between religion and politics. By placing this assertion in a broad historical context, the book reveals both the continuities between premodern and modern Islamic political thought as well as the distinctive dimensions of modern Muslim experiences. Brown shows that both the modern-day fundamentalists and their critics have it wrong when they posit an eternally militant, unchanging Islam outside of history. "They are conflating theology and history. They are confusing the oughtand the is," he writes. As the historical record shows, mainstream Muslim political thought in premodern times tended toward political quietism.

Brown maintains that we can better understand present-day politics among Muslims by accepting the reality of their historical diversity while at the same time seeking to identify what may be distinctive in Muslim thought and action. In order to illuminate the distinguishing characteristics of Islam in relation to politics, Brown compares this religion with its two Semitic sisters, Judaism and Christianity, drawing striking comparisons between Islam today and Christianity during the Reformation. With a wealth of evidence, he recreates a tradition of Islamic diversity every bit as rich as that of Judaism and Christianity.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Columbia University Press
  4. Publication date
    September 15, 2001
  5. Dimensions
    8.98 x 6.36 x 0.67 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0231120397
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0231120395
  8. Lexile measure
    1500L
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A balanced, scholarly assessment of Islamic politics.... A subtle and skilled rejoinder to the conventional schools of thought―and to fashionable assumptions about the 'post-Islamist' era. ― Foreign Affairs

Brown... is one of the giants of Middle Eastern studies and his books get better and better.... A well-written and lucid study. ― Middle East Quarterly

Both an important and a useful book. It is important for the light it sheds on the politics and also on the societies of the Islamic world by daring to make an unfashionable but highly productive comparison between Islam and Christendom.... It addresses very precisely the questions in the minds of many upper-level undergraduates taking courses in Islamic political thought. It should, however, be read by everyone interested in politics in the Islamic world or in international relations. ― Islamic Studies

Religion and State destabilizes entrenched conventional thinking about Islam and politics. This alone makes the book worth reading. ― The Journal of Religion

The image of Islam as an inherently aggressive and xenophobic religion has long prevailed in the West and can at times appear to be substantiated by current events. This book challenges this conventional wisdom with a fascinating, historical overview of the relationship between religious and political life in the Muslim world, from Islam's early centuries to the present day. ― The Middle East

Paves the way for grasping the Islamist phenomenon in its diverse forms in the contemporary Muslim world. ― History of Religions

This timely book on Islam and politics... paves the way for grasping the Islamist phenomenon in its diverse forms in the contemporary Muslim world... Brown has offered us the necessary epistemological tools to come to grips with the complex theme of Islam and politics both in the classical and modern phases of the Muslim world. -- Ibrahim M. Abu-Rabi ― Muslim World Journal

About the Author

L. Carl Brown, Garrett Professor in Foreign Affairs Emeritus at Princeton University, is editor of Imperial Legacy: The Ottoman Imprint on the Balkans and the Middle East.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Columbia University Press; First Edition (September 15, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0231120397
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0231120395
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1500L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.98 x 6.36 x 0.67 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

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L. Carl Brown

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
13 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

bientje88
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2012
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The book arrived within a few days, so it was fast. Even though I bought it used, it looked new, like it was never touched. So really satisfied about everything.
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omarali50
4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview. Not overburderned with theological claptrap
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2015
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An excellent overview. Not overburderned with theological claptrap, but written by someone who has clearly read a lot and knows a lot and has picked out what is practically useful to know...
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C
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT PRODUCT!
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2010
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This product was exactly as described, great condition, fast shipping also. I would definately reccommend this seller.
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Lori Porges
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written & informative
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2009
I have read many, many books on this subject. Brown has written an easy yet very informative read. He has an excellent grasp on the three monotheistic religions and their interaction. He outlines how Islam's tenets effect its political role. Well done.
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Top reviews from other countries

Reviewed in Canada
5.0 out of 5 stars An important subject that everyone on earth should know about ...
Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2016
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An important subject that everyone on earth should know about, which is political Islam. This is part of the fuel of international terrorism whose actors aspire to rule the world by applying their ideology, or else .....!
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