Rethinking Islam

Book Description

Mohammed Arkoun, a distinguished Berber scholar from Algeria's mountainous regions, presents a transformative approach to understanding one of the world's major spiritual traditions. Rather than viewing Islam through conventional lenses, he invites readers to explore it as a rich stream of human experience that encompasses diverse communities, mystical traditions, and scholarly perspectives across centuries.

Through his responses to twenty-four thoughtfully crafted questions, Arkoun challenges both Eastern and Western assumptions about Islamic faith and practice. He examines fundamental concepts like revelation, tradition, and the connections between Islam and earlier spiritual paths including Judaism and Christianity. His inquiry extends to pre-Islamic Arabian customs and their influence on Islamic development, offering readers a nuanced understanding that transcends simplistic media portrayals.

This work serves multiple audiences simultaneously. Newcomers to Islamic studies will find an accessible introduction that avoids academic jargon while maintaining intellectual rigor. Those troubled by one-dimensional representations of Islam in contemporary discourse will discover a more complex and humanizing perspective. Advanced students can engage with Arkoun's innovative methodology, which applies modern insights from anthropology, philosophy, and sociology to spiritual tradition.

Arkoun occupies a unique position as both an insider to Islamic culture and a critic of established interpretations. His perspective addresses the contemporary identity struggles many face when navigating between imposed modernity and traditions co-opted for political purposes, making this essential reading for anyone seeking deeper spiritual understanding.