DOC Ibn Baklarish's Book of Simples: Medical Remedies between Three Faiths in Twelth-Century Spain (Studies in the Arcadian Library) by From The Arcadian Library in History

Description

Islam dominates the news; often in stories filled with images of violence. Yet these disturbing images are at odds with a faith that most adherents--who now number over a billion worldwide--would regard as no less pacific than Buddhism or Christianity. Indeed; the word Islam in Arabic means "self-surrender" and is closely related to salaam; the word for peace. In this thoroughly revised new edition; Malise Ruthven offers a balance; compact; and reliable overview of Islam. An internationally recognized authority on Islam; Ruthven offers essential insights into this major world religion; examining such issues as why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites; the Sunnis; and the Wahhabis; and the central importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life. He also provides fresh perspectives on contemporary questions: Why is the greatest Jihad (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam; rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfillment in Islamic societies? How must Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world? For the new edition; Ruthven brings the text up-to-date; shedding light on some of the most significant changes in the Muslim world in recent years; from the emergence of al-Qaeda and the attacks on New York and Washington on 9/11 and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; to the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. Ruthven includes a new chapter on "Globalized Islam;" which examines the effects of economic globalization; the impact of international events in Middle Eastern countries; the questions surrounding Islam and democracy; and the reception and perception of Islam in the West.