Sectarianism in Islam

Reviews / Votes

'This is an enlightening, comprehensive analysis of how Muslims forged and re-forged their identities and sense of belonging to different sects and schools of thought. Through the lenses of belief, narrative, and memory, this volume outfits the reader with a new way of understanding 'Islamic sectarianism' from its origins at the dawn of Islam up to its reverberations today.' Ersilia Francesca, University of Naples L'Orientale 'This is a concise, instructive introduction to a complex topic that skilfully draws the broad outline without overlooking the necessary nuances. Adam Gaiser alerts the reader to the relevant terminological issues, the limits and ambiguities of sectarian affiliations, and the contextual nature of sectarian permeability and strife throughout the centuries of Islamic history.' Maribel Fierro, Spanish National Research Council 'Professor Gaiser's book is a brilliant history of Islamic sectarianism. Islamic history in its richness and complexity is presented in a sophisticated theoretical framework that will set a new standard in how we treat Islamic religious history. This is one of the best works to appear in recent years, and it is beautifully written.' Walid Saleh, University of Toronto 'The diversity within Islam and among its followers and their different rituals, beliefs, and experiences throughout history constitute a complex, multifaceted topic. Adam Gaiser's book provides a solid conceptual framework to understand notions such as 'sects' and 'schools' within the Islamic context and discusses some of the major strands within and beyond Sunnism. A fascinating read for specialists and non-specialists alike.' Sabine Schmidtke, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton NJ '... Gaiser's book makes a good addition to the studies of Islamic sects and sectarianism. The introduction and chapter seven also constitute useful material for teaching early Islamic history or Islamic sects/schools, which can potentially guide undergraduate students to think critically about the mainstay discourses about Muslim groups in the past and present.' I-Wen Su, JAOS 'Combining rich and varied historical documentation with a thoughtful theoretical approach, this book constitutes an excellent introduction to the pluralization of Islam, which can be offered to undergraduate students, as well as journalists and political decision-makers who, through intellectual laziness or ideological bias, are often quick to reduce Muslim groups to outdated stereotypes.' Jason Dean , Revue d'histoire et de philosophie religieuses