Radical Islam and the Revival of Medieval Theology

This compelling and timely book explores the relationship between classical Islamic theology and the contemporary radicalization of Islam.

Daniel Lav (Author)

9781107009646, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 February 2012

248 pages
23.4 x 15.7 x 1.6 cm, 0.46 kg

With a scope that bridges the gap between the study of classical Islam and the modern Middle East, this book uncovers a profound theological dimension in contemporary Islamic radicalism and explores the continued relevance of medieval theology to modern debates. Based on an examination of the thought of the medieval scholar Taq? al-D?n Ibn Taymiyya (d. 1328), the book demonstrates how long-standing fault lines within Sunni Islam have resurfaced in the past half-century to play a major role in such episodes as the Qutbist controversy within the Muslim Brotherhood, the split between radical salaf?s and politically quietist ones, the renunciation of militancy by Egyptian and Libyan jihadist groups, and the radicalization of the insurgency in the North Caucasus. This work combines classical Islamic scholarship with a deep familiarity with contemporary radicalism and offers compelling new insights into the structure of modern radical Islam.

Introduction
1. The early and classical Murji'a
2. Ibn Taymiyya's polemics on faith
3. The 'Murji'ite' Muslim brotherhood
4. Safar al-Haw?l?'s Z?hirat al-irj?
5. Salaf? Jih?d?s and the theology of faith
6. Theology and the changing shape of militancy.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX], Islamic theology [HRHT], History of religion [HRAX], Religion & politics [HRAM2], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1], History [HB]