Islam in a World of Nation-States

This book discusses ways in which Muslim peoples adapt themselves to a world composed of sovereign nation-states.

James P. Piscatori (Author)

9780521338677, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 November 1986

204 pages
22.7 x 15 x 1.3 cm, 0.26 kg

Based on a reading of classical Islamic literature, the writings of modem Muslims and on extensive travel and interviews, this book discusses ways in which Muslim peoples adapt themselves to a world composed of sovereign nation-states, having peaceful and equal relations with both non-Muslim states and collectivities of other Muslims. The classical and medieval legal theory of Islam appears to place two obstacles in the way of such adaptations; it divides the world into two areas, Muslim and non-Muslim, between which relations can at best be those of truce; and it demands that the life of societies should be regulated by the will of God as revealed in the Qu'ran, not by the will of rulers or of the people. Dr Piscatori shows that the traditional theory provides for some degree of territorial pluralism, which has been clearly reflected in the historical experience whereby stable nation-states have emerged and become part of the international order.

List of illustrations
Preface
1. Interpreting Islam in the modern world
2. The nature of the Islamic revival
3. The theory and practice of territorial pluralism
4. The modern intellectual consensus on the nation-state
5. Nonconformist thinking on the nation-state
6. Development and the Muslim nation-state
7. Conclusion
Chronology of the Muslim world
Glossary
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]