Rather than focus solely on theological concerns, this well-rounded introduction takes an expansive view of Islamic ideology, culture, and tradition, sourcing a range of historical, sociological, and literary perspectives. Neither overly critical nor apologetic, this book reflects the rich diversity of Muslim identities across the centuries and counters the unflattering, superficial portrayals of Islam that are shaping public discourse today.

Aaron W. Hughes uniquely traces the development of Islam in relation to historical, intellectual, and cultural influences, enriching his narrative with the findings, debates, and methodologies of related disciplines, such as archaeology, history, and Near Eastern studies. Hughes's work challenges the dominance of traditional terms and concepts in religious studies, recasting religion as a set of social and cultural facts imagined, manipulated, and contested by various actors and groups over time. Making extensive use of contemporary identity theory, Hughes rethinks the teaching of Islam and religions in general and helps facilitate a more critical approach to Muslim sources. For readers seeking a non-theological, unbiased, and richly human portrait of Islam, as well as a strong grasp of Islamic study's major issues and debates, this textbook is a productive, progressive alternative to more classic surveys.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Religious Studies and the Academic Study of Islam
Part I. Origins
1. Setting the Stage: Pre-Islamic Arabia
2. The Making of the Last Prophet
3. The Quran: The Base Narrative
Part II. Identity Formations
4. Islam Beyond the Arabian Peninsula: A Historical Overview
5. Early Sectarianism and the Formation of Shi'ism
6. Legal Developments and the Rise of Sunni Islam
7. Sufism
Part III. Beliefs and Practices
8. Constituting Identities: Beliefs and Schools
9. The Performance of Muslim Identities
Part IV. Modern Variations
10. Encounters with Modernity
11. Constructing Muslim Women
12. Islam Post–September 11
Glossary
Index