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Throughout Islamic history, Muslim exegetes of all ideological orientations have delved into the depths of the Qur’anic text to better understand the divine revelation. The present work describes the exegetical work of a variety of scholars from the Shi‘i, Sunni, and Sufi traditions, spanning from the second Islamic century until the modern era. In addition to discussing well-known exegetes, such as Tabari, it also provides lesser-known details on early Shi‘a exegetes, such as ‘Ayyashi and ‘Ali ibn Ibrahim al-Qummi. The exegesis attributed to Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq is also discussed. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Sufism, and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.
Sufism is one of the most ancient and widespread Islamic movements. A broad term, it is used to refer to a mystical and inward approach to faith. However, some Sufi groups have also had a significant impact on political or social developments in the Islamic world. This book discusses Sufism in virtually all regions of the Islamic world. Notable Sufi orders throughout history are described with a focus on their history, leaders, and distinguishing features. The relationship between Sufism and pre-Islamic traditions as well as other religions is also explored. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.
Imparting lessons from the past, historians endeavoured to present standards for man’s actions. As mentioned in the Qur’an (11: 100, 120), the histories of the prophets and nations and the exposition of the factors leading to the rise and decline of nations urge man to take lessons and tread the path towards guidance. Abu ‘Ali Miskawayh entitled his work ‘Experience of Nations’. Ibn al-Athir maintained that historical knowledge may foster human intellect and provide him with further stamina to face vicissitudes and urge rulers to administer justice in an unstable world. This volume includes the articles devoted to the historians of the Islamic world, selected from the 16 hitherto published volumes of the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include History and Historiography, Historical Sources of the Isamic World, The Pahlavi Dynasty, Periodicals of the Muslim World, and Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya.
For centuries, the hawza system of seminary education has produced outstanding scholars and fostered the development of Islamic studies throughout the Shi‘i world. The present book discusses the hawza from its formative period in the second Islamic century until the modern day. In addition to discussing the major hawza centres of Qum and Najaf, it also discusses the history and development of hawzas in Rayy, Baghdad, Hilla, Jabal ‘Amil, Isfahan, Tehran, and Mashhad. Academic concerns – such as texts, curricula, and pedagogical methodologies – are discussed along with the sociopolitical conditions that affected the Îawzas. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, History and Historiography, Periodicals of the Muslim World, Muslim Organizations, Politics & Political Parties, Qur’anic Commentaries, Qur’anic Exegesis, Sufism, and Education in Islamic Civilisation.
Hadith are second only to the Qur’an in their importance in the Islamic tradition. The present book offers a comprehensive analysis of virtually all aspects of hadith. Both Sunni and Shi‘i hadith are discussed with respect to the Qur’an, including the role of hadith in Qur’anic exegesis. The hadith are also discussed with regards to various subjects, such as theology, ethics, philosophy, mysticism, and history. Both traditional and Western approaches to the question of the authoritativeness of hadith are examined. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, Qur’anic Exegesis, and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.
Islamic history is a vast and varied subject. This book discusses numerous Muslim approaches to history and historiography from early to modern times. It includes a discussion of the etymological roots of terms used by classical scholars for the study of history; the place of history in the traditional classification of Islamic sciences; Sunni and Shi‘i historiography, with a special section on Isma‘ili historiography; and Persian, African, and Andalusian historiography. The section on Persian historiography features particularly rich details and spans historiographical approaches across the various dynastic periods – including a section on medieval versified historiography – and the post-Revolutionary period. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, Hadith, Periodicals of the Muslim World, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, Qur’anic Exegesis, Sufism, and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.
The Pahlavi dynasty consisted of only two monarchs, a father and his son, who ruled Iran for a total of 54 years, from 1925 to 1979. The present book deals with the meteoric rise of Reza Khan from an unknown reserve infantry soldier in Iran’s Cossack regiment to the autocratic king and the life and times of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, known in the West as the Shah, whose reign was brought to an end by 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Pahlavis were Iran’s last dynasty and their downfall brought an abrupt end to over two millennia of monarchical rule in the land historically known as Persia. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, Sufism, and Education in the Islamic Civilisation.
Generation after generation of Muslim scholars have endeavoured to uncover the implications of the Qur’anic text through the science of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir). This book traces the development of Qur’anic exegesis from its formative period in the first century hijri until the modern era. It offers a comprehensive discussion of the primary approaches to Qur’anic exegesis; namely, exegesis by traditions, literary exegesis, jurisprudential exegesis, theological exegesis, mystical exegesis, scientific exegesis, modern exegesis, and orientalist exegesis. It also discusses the requirements for an exegete and approaches to exegesis which are considered unacceptable, such as exegesis by personal opinion. This book is part of a series of translations from the Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (EWI) which was originally compiled in Persian. Other entries from this encyclopaedia which are available in English include Hadith, Hawza-yi ‘Ilmiyya, History and Historiography, Muslim Organisations, Political Parties, Qur’anic Exegeses, and Sufism.
The fourth volume of the groundbreaking Handbook of Qurʾānic Hermeneutics comprises 29 chapters dealing with the hermeneutical approach to the Qurʾān by Muslim authors of the 19th and 20th centuries. These authors had to deal with the changes and influences of modernity on Muslim society. Scientific progress and related developments in the natural sciences and humanities posed new questions and challenges to the traditional interpretation of the Qurʾān. The confrontation with the colonial period also shaped the way of thinking of some of these authors and their hermeneutical work. This led them to a search for identity and a reassessment of their own traditions and beliefs. Authors in ...