Global Salafism: Islamęs New Religious Movement - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0231154208 ISBN 13: 9780231154208

Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr, 2009

Synopsis

Given the salience of the terms 'Salafism' or 'Jihadi-Salafism,' not only in specialist analyses but also in the media, the currents of Islamic thought grouped under these terms are poised to become more widely known. Yet much western analysis suffers from a lack of sophistication and discernment on this important doctrinal trend in contemporary Islamic thought, so that 'Salafism' is somewhat liberally employed to denote, with far too much specificity, a phenomenon that is only opaquely defined to the western reader. The contributors to 'Global Salafism' are careful to map out not only the differences in the Salafist schools, but also to underscore the fluidity of this broad doctrinal tendency. They examine the phenomenon both in its regional manifestations - which demonstrate surprising diversities, ambivalences and contradictions - and in its shared essential doctrines.In so doing they highlight the ambivalences inherent in Salafism itself, and the Salafist believers' claimto be reviving Islamic thought for the modernage-albeit through the paradox of 'out-antiquing the antique' by appealing to a greater, older, purer authenticity. With considerable subtlety the tensions between the local and the global aspirations of exponents and claimants to the 'Salafist method' are explored and the parallels and divergences weighed. This is a unique book that can justifiably claim to be pioneering, as it is the first of its kind to take the phenomenon of Salafism as a whole, and address the task of defining what is, despite its crucial importance, a relatively neglected field.

About this title

Review

The first work of its kind on Salafism as a global phenomenon, this is an impressive collection of studies that question the received wisdom about the movement as much as they reveal the diversity of its religious and political motivations. (Dr Faisal Devji, St Antony’s College, Oxford University, author of 'The Terrorist in Search of Humanity')

This is a unique book, the first of its kind to take the phenomenon of Salafism as a whole and address the task of its definition. (Stephen Ulph, Senior Fellow)

This timely volume is a most welcome addition to the emerging scholarly literature on contemporary Salafism. It is a significant contribution to the endeavour both to elucidate its defining characteristics, and to situate it in relation to other trends in contemporary Islamic thought and activism. Its particular value lies in its comprehensiveness -- not only in terms of geographical scope, but in addressing the very diverse articulations and outcomes of the Salafi approach, from the apolitical to the militant. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an insight into the complex and expanding world of this key trend in the contemporary Islamic arena, it is also and invaluable teaching resource. (Suda Taji-Farouki)

This book is a stunning achievement and a major contribution to the study of contemporary Islam . . . The authors display a remarkable level of expertise on the topics discussed . . . The level of research is outstanding, which is manifested in the copious footnotes and bibliographies . . . This book should be required reading for anyone interested in contemporary Islamic activism . . . It demands our attention, careful reading, deep engagement, and understanding. (Insight Turkey)

About the Author

Roel Meijer trained as an Arabist and is Senior Lecturer in the History of the Middle East, Radboud University, Netherlands. He also heads a team at the International Institute for Social History, Amsterdam, that is building an archive on social movements in the Middle East and Islamist publications on the Internet.

Edition details

• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0231154208
• ISBN 13: 9780231154208
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 463
• Editor: Meijer Roel