Islam in the Modern World Challenged by the West, Threatened by Fundamentalism Keeping Faith with Tradition

ISLAM IN THE MODERN WORLD The foremost authority on Islam, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, discusses today’s hot button issues— including holy wars, women’s rights, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, and the future of Muslims in the Middle East— in this groundbreaking discussion of the fastest growing religion in the world. Nasr brings incomparable insight to this exploration of Muslim issues and realities, delivering a landmark publication promoting cross-cultural awareness and world peace. As Muslims grow in numbers, and as Islam’s role in world affairs becomes larger, we’ve begun to see the breakdown of unity among believers. The misunderstandings and friction between Islamic civilization and the modern West continue and Islam also seems to be at war with itself. Islam in the Modern World describes and defends traditional Islam against all critics— without and within the faith. This book deals with the hot-button issues of concern to the West: holy wars— women’s roles in Islam— the rise of fundamentalism— the future of Shi`ism in Iran. Additionally, the author explores lesser-known controversies within Islam, such as the challenge of modern science to religious belief, controversial art and architecture in Islamic cities, the role of the Madrassas in education, and urban conditions and challenges in the Islamic world. Islam in the Modern World offers an inside look at this increasingly factious religion with increasing global relevance.