Religion Studies: Islam: Islamist, Folk and Contemporary Expressions of Islam

A global survey of Islamist strategies and tactics for missionary outreach (dawa) in the 21st century, this easy-to-read book analyses the process of Islamisation at an individual and societal level. Looking at politics, law, education and other spheres, in a wide range of countries, it reveals the underlying patterns, structures and organisation. It also examines the theological roots of dawa that inspire Islamists today. Suitable for any interested reader, but well referenced for students.

Islamist extremism is one of the most vital issues facing governments and populations today, as Islamist groups turn more violent, with increasingly radicalized recruits. These leading scholar's essays offer a detailed, compelling critique of the worldview, methodologies and motivations of violent Islamist groups, and of those pursuing a more gradualist approach. They present a significant contribution to the debate by showing how Islamist ideology may be confronted and effectively challenged.

The essays are an in-depth analysis that are unambiguously reformist in purpose, courageous in tone and cut to the heart of the problems besetting the Arab Muslim world. They focus on freedom of expression and progressive thinking, on religious pluralism and diversity, and they challenge static elaborations of law that rely upon an uncritical acceptance of foundational sources held to be immutable in form or interpretation. This book can serve as a reference source to help every reader.

The modern world struggles to make sense of the savage violence and terror perpetrated by Islamic State. In this timely publication Dr Patrick Sookhdeo analyses its ideology, theology, eschatology and strategy and scrutinizes key IS publications explaining the motivating beliefs of the leadership. He exposes the cruel nature of life under IS rule. He argues that it cannot be defeated by military means but must be delegitimised by the encouragement of reform movements within the Muslim community.