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Takfir in Islamic Thought

(Hardback)


Publishing Details

Full Title:

Takfir in Islamic Thought

Contributors:

By (Author) Hussam S. Timani

ISBN:

9780739194256

Publisher:

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Imprint:

Lexington Books

Publication Date:

8th November 2017

Country:

United States

Classifications

Readership:

Professional and Scholarly

Fiction/Non-fiction:

Non Fiction

Main Subject:
Other Subjects:

Theology

Dewey:

297.2

Physical Properties

Physical Format:

Hardback

Number of Pages:

124

Dimensions:

Width 160mm, Height 237mm, Spine 15mm

Weight:

327g

Description

This book provides an overview of the theological views on takfr in classical and medieval Islamic thought, explores the Islamic context of the concept, and considers the following questions: In what context does the term appear in the Qurn and adths (the sayings of the Prophet Muammad) In what circumstances did Muslim theologians engage in takfr, and what were the social, religious, theological, and political implications on the society How did the meaning of takfr evolve in classical and later Islamic theology, and what justifications did prominent medieval Muslim theologians and jurists provide for declaring other Muslims kuffr This book attempts to demonstrate how takfr has evolved throughout the centuries from being a term used to condemn (and warn against) unacceptable actions to a term used on individuals and communities to strip them of their belief, dignity, and linkage to the Divine (i.e., declaring them unbelievers). This book also attempts to shed the light on how the theological discourse on takfr in classical and medieval Islam has made its impact on twentieth- and twenty-first century groups.

Reviews

This study provides a clear and useful overview of early and medieval Islamic positions on takfr (declaring someone an infidel). Against this background, the recent ideological deployment of takfr by some extremists may be criticized and ultimately rejected as an illegitimate misuse of Islamic tradition. -- Marcia K. Hermansen, Loyola University Chicago
Hussam Timanis Takfr in Islamic Thought is a systematic and in-depth study of a practice that has, unfortunately, become increasingly prevalent in contemporary Islam: namely, branding a fellow Muslim as a non-Muslim. Drawing extensively on the Qurn, adths (the reported sayings of Prophet Muhammad), and classical Arabic texts, Timani demonstrates that there has always been a vigorous debate among Muslim scholars about the understanding of iman (belief) and kufr (disbelief) and, by extension, the definition and legitimate usage of takfr. I was particularly impressed by Timanis attention to questions of nuance and complexity. He not only contrasts a variety of theological schoolsthe Kharijites, Murjiites, Karramites, Mutazilites, Asharites, and Maturiditesbut even analyzes differing perspectives within these schools. This book will become essential reading for anyone interested in religious pluralism in Muslim contexts, especially in terms of intra-faith dialogue. -- Shadaab Rahemtulla, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Author Bio

Hussam S. Timani is associate professor of philosophy and religion and codirector of the Middle East and North Africa Studies Program at Christopher Newport University.

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