Combining chronological and thematic principles, this book examines Muslims' political struggles and intellectual disputes over the meaning and practical implications of their faith. Treating Islam as a language that various factions and generations of Muslims have used to express their grievances, aspirations and personal experiences and preferences, the book shows the religion's remarkable potency as a social, political and cultural force and source of identity. It also describes and analyses Muslim devotional practices, emotional responses to the revelation, artistic and intellectual creativity and patterns of everyday existence. The goal of this book is to help the reader to develop personal empathy for the subject by showing the relevance of the dilemmas faced by Muslims in different epochs and geographical locations to the burning issues of today's world. The pivotal events, trends and personalities of Islamic history are illustrated by witness accounts to demonstrate how they were perceived and interpreted by Muslims themselves.

This new edition features a thoroughly revised text, updated bibliography, new illustrations, study questions and chapter summaries and is an outstanding resource for students of Islamic Studies.