Islam And Democracy Fear Of The Modern World With New Introduction

by Mernissi, Fatima

• ISBN13: 9780738207452
• ISBN10: 0738207454
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-04-18
• Publisher: Basic Books

Summary

Is Islam compatible with democracy? Must fundamentalism win out in the Middle East, or will democracy ever be possible? In this now-classic book, Islamic sociologist Fatima Mernissi explores the ways in which progressive Muslims--defenders of democracy, feminists, and others trying to resist fundamentalism--must use the same sacred texts as Muslims who use them for violent ends, to prove different views. Updated with a new introduction by the author written in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Islam and Democracy serves as a guide to the players moving the pieces on the rather grim Muslim chessboard. It shines new light on the people behind today's terrorist acts and raises provocative questions about the possibilities for democracy and human rights in the Islamic world. Essential reading for anyone interested in the politics of the Middle East today, Islam and Democracy is as timely now as it was upon its initial, celebrated publication.

Author Biography

Fatema Mernissi teaches Sociology at University Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Second Edition
Introduction: The Gulf War: Fear and Its Boundaries	p. 1
Fear of the Foreign West	p. 13
Fear of the Imam	p. 22
Fear of Democracy	p. 42
The United Nations Charter	p. 60
The Koran	p. 75
Fear of Freedom of Thought	p. 85
Fear of Individualism	p. 104
Fear of the Past	p. 114
Fear of the Present	p. 130
Women's Song: Destination Freedom	p. 149
Conclusion: The Simorgh Is Us!	p. 172
Notes	p. 175
Index	p. 193
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.