And So The World Was Formed

Exploring Islamis a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the foundations of the Islamic faith, including its history, theology, and spiritual practice. The book also deals with issues such as jihad, the status of women, and the various sectarian divisions in Islam. Most distinctive about this work is its analysis of the lived experience of Muslims in modern American life. The book explores questions such as: - What are the foundations of Islam? - How do Muslims relate to and interpret the Qur'an? - Who is the Prophet Muhammad? - What does Shari'a law really mean? - What are the major themes of Islamic theology? - What are the theological and political issues that led to divisions among Muslims? - Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God? - How do Muslims practice Islam in America? - What are the challenges and opportunities for American Muslims? In addressing these questions, Sayilgan offers readers a perspective that is scholarly, judicious, and engaging.

 

 

Over a billion copies of the Qur`an exist - yet it remains an enigma. Its classical Arabic language resists simple translation, and its non-linear style of abstract musings defies categorization. Moreover, those who champion its sanctity and compete to claim its mantle offer widely diverging interpretations of its core message - at times with explosive results. Building on his intimate portrait of the Qur`an's prophet in Muhammad the World-Changer, Mohamad Jebara returns with a vivid profile of the book itself. While viewed in retrospect as the grand scripture of triumphant empires, Jebara reveals how the Qur`an unfolded over 22 years amidst intense persecution, suffering, and loneliness. The Life of the Qur`an recounts this vivid drama as a biography examining the book's obscured heritage, complex revelation, and contested legacy. The Qur`an re-emerges with clarity as a dynamic life force that seeks to inspire human beings to unleash their dormant potential despite often-overwhelming odds - in order to transform themselves and the world.

Jonathan D. Sarna's award-winning American Judaism is now available in an updated and revised edition that summarizes recent scholarship and takes into account important historical, cultural, and political developments in American Judaism over the past fifteen years. Sar­na describes, with cap­ti­vat­ing detail, the social, cul­tur­al and his­toric fac­tors which have shaped today’s vibrant Jew­ish Amer­i­can com­mu­ni­ty. Sar­na rec­og­nizes that it is impos­si­ble to sep­a­rate the sec­u­lar his­to­ry of Jews in Amer­i­ca from our reli­gious expe­ri­ence. Look­ing at our his­to­ry through the lens of reli­gious change is a unique approach. Sar­na uses it effec­tive­ly to guide us through the dilem­mas faced by gen­er­a­tions of Amer­i­can Jews. We learn that con­cerns about anti-Semi­tism, inter­mar­riage, edu­ca­tion, Zion­ism and reli­gious obser­vance are not unique to our gen­er­a­tion. Nei­ther are the result­ing respons­es.

Exploring what it means to come of age in an era marked by increasing antisemitism, readers see through the eyes of Jewish Gen Zers how identities are shaped in response to and in defiance of antisemitism.Using personal experiences, qualitative research, and the historic moment in which Generation Z is coming of age, Jewish educator Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath uses antisemitism from both the political left and the right to explore identity development among Jewish Generation Zers. With insights from educators, students, activists, and more, she holds a lens up to current antisemitism and its impact on the choices and opinions of the next generation of Jewish leaders.Chapters cover Holocaust education for the final generation able to speak directly to Holocaust survivors and learn their stories firsthand; anti-Zionism as a modern manifestation of antisemitism; and how the realities of 21st-century America have shaped the modern Jewish experience, ranging from the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh to how Generation Zers use social media and understand diversity. The core of this book is a collection of stories: of intersectional identity, of minority affiliations, and of overcoming adversity in order to flourish and thrive.