Wahhabism; a peculiar interpretation of Islamic doctrine and practice that first arose in mid-eighteenth century Arabia; is sometimes regarded as simply an extreme or uncompromising form of Sunni Islam. This is incorrect; for at the very outset the movement was stigmatized as aberrant by the leading Sunni scholars of the day; because it rejected many of the traditional beliefs and practices of Sunni Islam and declared permissible warfare against all Muslims that disputed Wahhabi teachings. Nor can Wahhabism be regarded as a movement of “purification†or “renewal;†as the source of the genuinely revivalist movements that were underway at the time. Not until Saudi oil money was placed at the disposal of its propagandists did Wahhabism find an echo outside the Arabian Peninsula. The author discusses the rise of Wahhabism at the hands of Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab; a native of Najd in the eastern part of the Arabian peninsula; the doctrines he elaborated to serve as the basis of the Wahhabi sect; and the alliance he concluded with the Saudi family; then rulers of the principality of al-Dir’iya. An early result of this union was a creeping conquest of the Arabian Peninsula; misnamed as jihad; it culminated in the sacking of Taif and the occupation of Mecca in 1803. This first Wahhabi occupation was short-lived but Wahhabism triumphed anew with the foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1925. Among the extensions of Wahhabism beyond Arabia must be accounted the perverse and brutal regime of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
#1465507 in Books imusti 2016-04-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x .50 x 8.50l; .0 #File Name: 185780371X272 pagesCrecy Publishing
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A neglected Soviet type gets its dueBy Jim DavisThough they're not numbered; this is the 11th book in the Famous Russian Aircraft series and the second one since finding a new home at Crecy Publishing. This one covers the Ilyushin Il-28 (Beagle to NATO); often referred to the Soviet Canberra; being; like that British aircraft; a first generation jet bomber.The book is uniform with others in the series but the two Crecy volumes released thus far have a jacket spine very distinct from the earlier Midland volumes which mars the aesthetics of the view on the shelf. Between the covers the format is identical since they are all laid out in Russia by Polygon Press. The book is relatively thin at 336 pages for this series but the peculiarities of the aircraft's history largely explains that.The aircraft was produced in large numbers just as the first generation jet bombers were passing into obsolescence. Thus there was comparatively little development and its use in actual combat relatively rare.As always; the authors cover this aircraft from conception to extinction. The background; construction; development; production; service history; and worldwide use are covered in great detail. The Chinese version; the H-5; is also covered although built without benefit of a proper license.Also as always; the text is well supported graphically with drawings (both contemporary and modern); tables; and photographs. Most of the latter are black and white as color photography seems to have been rare in the Soviet Union before the '60s. Many of the color photos are of the aircraft in service with other nations. There are also numerous color profiles of the aircraft. There is no general index but several separate ones of aircraft; engines; weapons; units; etc.Again as always; highly recommended. While the authors are proud of the accomplishments of the Soviet/Russian aircraft industry they are by no means mere cheerleaders; the shortcomings and deficiencies are not dismissed. If you've liked previous volumes in this series I can't imagine you won't like this one. I look forward to the announced MiG-17 book and hope others are in the pipeline as well.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy P. McDowellExcellent book as well as the seller - I would buy from them again - Thanks !1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. More than enough to satisfy most interest in the IL-28.By JCALThis was my first purchase of a book in the Famous Russian Aircraft series. This volume is very consistent with other books authored by Gordon and Komissarov. That means there is enough here to satisfy just about any interest in the IL-28 and it's well written and illustrated. There were a few areas where oblique references were made to various other aircraft; weapons; or programs that might cause a bit of confusion to someone who is unfamiliar with Soviet Aviation. I doubt that will be a problem for the vast majority of people who purchase this book.Often there is usually a sufficient lack of coverage in one area or another to justify the purchase of additional works on the same aircraft. In my opinion; unless you have a specific interest such as use of the IL-28 by the Soviet Navy or production of the H-5 this volume is sufficient as a stand alone volume as of its publication date.Highly Recommended.
