Unholy War

The September 11th attacks left the world stunned, angry, and uncomprehending. In this level-headed and authoritative book, John L. Esposito, one of the world's most respected scholars of political Islam, illuminates the teachings of Islam--explaining Quran, the example of the Prophet, and Islamic law regarding jihad, the use of violence, and terrorism. He chronicles the rise of extremist groups and examines their frightening worldview and tactics. In a new Preface for the paperback edition, the author discusses the changes that have occurred since 9/11--including the continued threat of terrorism, the American-led war against terror, and the exponential growth of anti-Americanism.

"Unholy War advances an excellent argument in lucid language to masterfully interpret Islam and Muslim understandings of jihad and the context within which it becomes a source of instability. This book achieves its goal of educating the public with its exceedingly clear and an easy flowing style."--Middle East Journal

Auteur
John L. Esposito is University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. A past president of the Middle East Studies Association, he is Editor-in-Chief of the four-volume Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, Editor of The Oxford Illustrated History of Islam, and the author of numerous books, including Islam: The Straight Path and The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality? His newest books include What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam and The Oxford Dictionary of Islam. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Texte du rabat

In this brief, clear-sighted book, one of the world's leading authorities on the Islamic world answers the many troubling questions raised in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attack.

Résumé
In this text, John L. Esposito clearly and carefully explains the teachings of Islam - the Quran, the example of the Prophet, Islamic law - about jihad or holy war, the use of violence and terrorism. He chronicles the rise of extremist groups and examines their frightening worldview and tactics.