Elijah Muhammad and Islam
Published on 1. March 2009
277 pages
978-0-8147-9123-3 (ISBN)
Description
Elijah Muhammad is arguably the most significant figure in the history of Islam in the United States. Successor to W. D. Fard, the founder of the Nation of Islam, and a mentor to Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad led the Nation of Islam for over forty years.
In Elijah Muhammad and Islam, Herbert Berg focuses on Elijah Muhammad's religiosity, which is frequently brought into question as the authenticity of the Nation of Islam as "truly Islamic" remains hotly debated. To better comprehend this powerful and controversial figure, Berg contextualizes Elijah Muhammad and his religious approach within the larger Islamic tradition, exploring his use of the Qur'an, his interpretation of Islam, and his relationships with other Muslims. Above all, Berg seeks to understand-not define or label-Muhammad as a Muslim. To do otherwise, he argues, is to misunderstand and distort the man, his teachings, his movement, and his legacy.
In Elijah Muhammad and Islam, Herbert Berg focuses on Elijah Muhammad's religiosity, which is frequently brought into question as the authenticity of the Nation of Islam as "truly Islamic" remains hotly debated. To better comprehend this powerful and controversial figure, Berg contextualizes Elijah Muhammad and his religious approach within the larger Islamic tradition, exploring his use of the Qur'an, his interpretation of Islam, and his relationships with other Muslims. Above all, Berg seeks to understand-not define or label-Muhammad as a Muslim. To do otherwise, he argues, is to misunderstand and distort the man, his teachings, his movement, and his legacy.
Reviews / Votes
"Offers an insightful and well-informed discussion of the theological underpinnings of the Nation of Islam. Berg's sensitivity regarding the complexities of Elijah Muhammad's thinking, as well as the evolving doctrinal ethos of his movement, offers a cautionary tale for those who would reduce this American phenomenon to the sum of its constituent personalities and public pronouncements." - Claude Clegg,Indiana University "Reveals the religious legacy of an irreplaceable Muslim American leader. This well-written historical, theoretical, and scriptural analysis puts Elijah Muhammad's thought at the center of debates about what it means to be Muslim. Berg rescues Elijah Muhammad from the Islamic studies ghetto, or better, puts a little ghetto into Islamic studies." - Edward E. Curtis IV,author of Black Muslim Religion in the Nation of Islam, 1960-1975 ""Herbert Berg argues persuasively that Elijah Muhammad, the leader and the Messenger of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, is one of the most significant figures in the history of Islam in the United States... This is a well-written and innovative book with important and refreshing insights on Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam, and Islam in the United States." (American Historical Review) "Berg has written an excellent study on the influence and legacy of Elijah Muhammad, who led the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975. Highly recommended." (Choice) "A well-written book on the life and legacy of Elijah Muhammad...this book is highly recommended and a welcomed addition to the growing literature on the Nation of Islam and he central role of Elijah Muhammad in its leadership and history." (Studies in Religion)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
ISBN-13
978-0-8147-9123-3 (9780814791233)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Herbert Berg
Elijah Muhammad and Islam
Book
03/2009
New York University Press
€61.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Herbert Berg is Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. He is the editor of Methods and Theories in the Study of Islamic Origins and author of The Development of Exegesis in Early Islam.
Content
Acknowledgments Introduction 1 American Islam before Elijah Muhammad 2 The Life of Elijah Muhammad 3 Elijah Muhammad and the Qur'an 4 The Major "Islamic” Themes in Elijah Muhammad's Quranic Commentary 5 Elijah Muhammad, Other Muslims, and Islam 6 The Legacy of Elijah Muhammad Notes Bibliography Index About the Author
