Islam Through Objects

Book Description

Discover the rich spiritual landscape of Islam through the lens of everyday objects that have shaped Muslim devotional life across centuries and cultures. Anna Bigelow assembles a diverse team of scholars from multiple disciplines to explore how material items serve as gateways to understanding Islamic faith and practice.

This illuminating collection challenges common misconceptions about Islam's relationship with the physical world by examining objects that Muslims have treasured and used in their daily spiritual lives. From prayer beads that mark countless recitations to protective amulets carried close to the heart, from ceremonial clothing that honors sacred occasions to jewelry that carries deep symbolic meaning, each chapter reveals how these tangible items connect believers to their faith.

The book traces the fascinating histories behind familiar objects, exploring how their designs, materials, and uses have evolved across different regions, time periods, and Islamic communities. Readers will gain insight into the creative and imaginative ways Muslims have expressed their devotion through material culture, discovering how seemingly simple items carry profound spiritual significance.

By focusing on objects rather than abstract concepts, this approach makes Islamic spirituality accessible and relatable. The scholarly yet engaging narratives demonstrate how physical items serve as bridges between the sacred and everyday life, offering readers a fresh perspective on how material culture enriches religious experience and community identity across the diverse world of Islam.