And God Knows the Soldiers: The Authoritative and Authoritarian in Islamic Discourses

(Paperback)

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This is a substantially expanded edition of the author's seminal work The Authoritative and Authoritarian in Islamic Discourses: A Contemporary Case Study. Beginning with the case study of a Muslim basketball player who refused to stand up while the American national anthem was playing, the author documents the disintegration of the Islamic juristic tradition, and the prevalence of authoritarianism in contemporary Muslim discourses. The author analyzes the rise of what he describes as puritan and despotic trends in modern Islam, and asserts that such trends nullify the richness and diversity of the Islamic tradition. By declaring themselves the true soldiers of God and the defenders of religion, Muslim puritan movements are able to degrade women, eradicate critical thinking, and empty Islam of its moral content. In effect, the author argues, the self-declared protectors of Islam become its despots and oppressors who suppress the dynamism and vigor of the Islamic message. Anchoring himself in the rich Islamic jurisprudential tradition, the author argues for upholding the authoritativeness of the religious text without succumbing to authoritarian methodologies of interpretation. Ultimately, the author asserts that in order to respect the integrity of the Divine laws it is necessary to adopt rigorous analytical methodologies of interpretation, and to re-investigate the place of morality in modern Islam.

Reviews

This short, brilliant, and timely book distinguishes between the authoritative and authoritarian in Islamic discourses. . . a brilliant use of the traditions of Islamic jurisprudence in arguing for an anti-authoritarian and anti-elitist position in Islamic hermeneutics. . .. Extensive footnotes and bibliography; HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for upper-division undergraduates and above. -- L.H. Mamiya, Vassar College * Choice Reviews *
Over all, the book is informative, educational, and interesting. -- Muhammad Tahir Mansoori * Islamic Studies *
provocative, brave, and compellingThe book highly recommended for all interested in Islamic law and contemporary Muslim progressive thought> -- Andrew Rippin, University of Victoria, Canada * Religious Studies Review *
Scholars of all legal, religious, and historical persuasions are urged to read this text, for it offers a multi-layered, painless introduction to the crux of a contemporary legal power struggle. -- D.A. Spellberg, University of Texas at Austin * Choice Reviews *
Scholars of all legal, religious, and historical persuasions are urged to read this text, for it offers a multi-layered, painless introduction to the crux of a contemporary legal power struggle. -- D.A. Spellberg, University of Texas at Austin * Choice Reviews *
Over all, the book is informative, educational, and interesting. -- Muhammad Tahir Mansoori * Islamic Studies *
provocative, brave, and compellingThe book highly recommended for all interested in Islamic law and contemporary Muslim progressive thought -- Andrew Rippin, University of Victoria, Canada * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

Khaled M. Abou El Fadl is Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law where he teaches Islamic Law, Immigration, Human Rights, Terrorism, and National Security Law.