The Cultural Atlas of Islam By Ismail and Lamya’ al Faruqi

Abstract

This magnifrcent book, published by Macmillan a month after the Faruqis’
deaths, presents the entire world view of Islam-its beliefs, traditions, institutions,
and its place in the cultures in which it has taken mot. THE CULTURAL
ATLAS OF ISLAM is not only a comprehensive introduction to the Islamic
experience in history and the modern world. It is an authoritative and deeply
felt statement of the faith of Islam, written for those of all faiths. Isma‘il and
Lois Lamya’ al Faruqi’s book is, in fact, Islam explaining itself.
Rich with more than 300 photographs, drawings, and other illustrations,
and with some 75 original maps, this is a unique guide to the meaning of
Islam and its shaping force on cultures from the Mediterranean to the Pacific.
This is, however, much more than a history of events; it is a clear presentation
of the essence of Islamic civilization in all its spheres, from everyday
practices of Muslims around the world to the Islamic legacy in art, science,
law, politics, and philosophy.
The authors begin with the ancient setting of Islam, examining the different
strands of influence-Arab, Mesopotamian, Canaanite, and Hebrew-that were
its frontrunners. Islam, the authors demonstrate, brought together diverse traditions
and from them forged the unique body of belief, thought, and practice
that continues to animate Muslim life today throughout the world.
Part Two explains the concept of Tawhid-the essence of Islam that binds
together the lives of its believers. Tawhid is the affirmation of God as One,
Absolute, and Ultimate; it deeply affects all aspects of Islamic thought, expression,
and behavior.
Part Three shows how this core of belief takes shape in scripture, social
institutions, and the arts-the forms which God’s revelations to Muhammad
assumed in the historical fabric of Islam. There is a concise introduction to
the fundamental nature of the Quran, and to the collection of Muhammad’s
sayings and deeds that clarify its statements-the Sunnah. The ways in which
Islam affects social life and its institutions-from education and family life
to the making of the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca-is also examined. So,
too, is the central role of the Qur'an in defining artistic expression.
part Four is a remarkable exploriltion of the manifestations of Islam in all ...