Muslim Endowments and Society in British India

Dr Kozlowski's important study pioneers a fresh approach to the study of a critical Muslim institution.

Gregory C. Kozlowski (Author)

9780521088671, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 October 2008

228 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

Dr Kozlowski's important study pioneers a fresh approach to the study of a critical Muslim institution: the endowments or awqaf which almost everywhere in the Islamic world provide support for mosques, schools and shrines. The wealthier Muslims who establish endowments inevitably have an eye on social, political and economic conditions and have traditionally used awqaf as part of an effort to preserve their wealth and influence, especially in periods of change and uncertainty. The book focuses on the use of endowments by Muslims suffering the dislocations caused by the imposition of British rule in India and examines in detail the social and political implications of the controversy over endowments that took place in the imperial courts and councils. The author's observations and insights can be applied to many periods and places in the Muslim world and his novel approach will attract all those interested in the study of Islam.

Acknowledgements
Note on transliteration
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Endowments in Muslim history, an overview
2. Muslim endowments and the temporal order in British India
3. Endowments and the faith
4. The unsettling of endowments
5. Creating a law of Muslim endowments
6. Muslim endowments and the politics of religious law
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Religious groups: social & cultural aspects [JFSR]