Theorizing Islam: Disciplinary Deconstruction and Reconstruction

The scholarly study of Islam has become ever more insular and apologetic. Academic Islamic studies has avoided discussion of social, cultural and ideological issues and has instead focused on issues of authenticity and meaning. Many scholars of Islam have presented themselves to their colleagues, the media and the public as the interpreters of Islam and have done so with an interpretation which tends, almost universally, to the liberal and egalitarian. The ignorance and hostility that the Islamic faith has faced since 9/11 has partly necessitated the taking of such a position. But, as Theorising Islam argues, the issue remains that only one interpretation of Islam is generally being presented and, as with any interpretation, this has its own assumptions. Theorizing Islam explores the potential for a fuller, more honest and more sophisticated approach to both theory and methodology in the academic study of Islam.