"In this survey of Islam, Vartan Gregorian focuses on Muslim diversity and division, portraying the faith and its people as a mosaic, not a monolith." "The book begins with an overview of Islam's tenets, institutions, evolution, and historical role. Gregorian traces its origins and fundamental principles, from Prophet Muhammad's call to faith nearly 1,400 years ago to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, and the subsequent abolition of the Caliphate. He focuses particular attention on the intense struggle between modernists and traditionalists, interaction between religion and nationalism, and key developments that have caused bitter divisions among Muslim nations and states: the partitions of Palestine and the Indian subcontinent, the break up and Islamization of Pakistan, the 1978 revolution in Iran, and the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan." "Gregorian emphasizes the importance of religion in today's world and urges states, societies, and intellectuals to intervene in order to prevent Islam - as well as other religions - from becoming the political tool of various parties or of states. He recommends continuing contact and dialogues between modernist and traditionalist Muslims, as well as among the educated, secular elite and their clerical counterparts. He advocates for U.S.-led efforts to engage and better understand the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States and the world."--Jacket.
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