Professor John Esposito who is a prolific author, a lecturer at
Georgetown University and the editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia
of Islam, spells out at the outset that his aim is to produce an
introductory book on Islam. It covers dynamic topics divided into
five chapters: Muhammad and the Quran: Messenger and Message; The
Muslim Community in History; Religious Life: Belief and Practice;
Modern Interpretations of Islam and Contemporary Islam.
Islam the Straight Path
does not dwell on pre-Islamic Arabia. But it presents a thorough
introduction to the pivotal role that the personality of the blessed
Prophet Muhammad and the Quranic Message played in the formation of
the early Muslim community. The book covers the evolution of Islamic
history, its strengths and weaknesses, especially, the divisions and
political upheavals in the times of various Muslim empires.
The relationship of Islam with the West is explored, starting with
the Crusades. Islamic beliefs in the light of the emergence of
theological schools such as, Mu’tazilites and Asharites are given a
fair coverage. The evolution of various schools of Law among the
Sunni and Shi’ite sects, are presented in a brief survey. Sufi order
is given a relatively wide coverage.
Islamic revivalist movements and their background in various parts
of the Muslim world are identified. The ideology of the
traditionalists and the modernists has been compared and contrasted,
with the role played by the ulama (religious scholars).
The impact of the Western education in the Muslim modernist
thoughts and movements is highlighted.
The prominence gained for opening the door of ijtihad
(independent reasoning in the Islamic jurisprudence) in the thoughts
and teachings of the revivalist leaders such as, Jamal al-Din
al-Afghani, Muhammad Abduh and Muhammad Iqbal, provide a very
interesting reading. The reasons why the traditional
ulama
viewed with suspicion the modernists’
endeavours
for reforms by Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, has been covered. The
revivalist role played by Mawdudi in the sub-continent has also been
given a fair treatment.
The conflict of interest in the scenario set by the contemporary
Islam and the ideological worldview of revivalism, with spotlight on
Islamisation in Sudan and Iran have been reflected.
Islam the Straight Path
has been presented in a lucid and easy to follow style. The
arguments discussed are relatively well balanced. The author rarely
tries to impose his own views on his readers. The book has achieved
its purpose in presenting an introductory background to a subject
that can branch out into many avenues.
