islamic history reader
DESCRIPTION
This reader was compiled by Imam Zaid Shakir and was used as the basis for his 'Demystifying Muslim History' class at the RIS Knowledge Retreat that took place in Rabi' al-Awwal 1437 AH (late December 2015 to early January 2016 CE).The class sought to address the misconception that Muslims frequently look at Islamic history as successive periods of idealised prosperity or inexplicable failure, based on the literary heritage of the Ummah. This view and these sources rarely consider historical actors beyond the Caliphs, Sultans and the diverse empires and polities they headed. In this class, Imam Zaid examined neglected approaches and methodologies for studying Islamic history that is frequently overlooked by Muslims. This examination was carried out to introduce a wider set of historical sources and actors as part of an effort to attain a more realistic understanding of Islamic history and gave a deeper insight into many of the events currently shaping our world. This reader includes key sections from the following works:* The Spread of Islam in the World, a History of Peaceful Preaching by Professor Thomas Arnold * Islam, the view from the Edge by Richard Bulliet * Islamic & European Expansion, the Forging of a Global Order by Michael Adas * The Rise of Colleges, Institutions of Learning in Islam and the West by George MakdisiTRANSCRIPT
