Muslim Reception of European Orientalism: Reversing the Gaze

Orientalism, a book by Edward Said, is widely cited and assigned to undergraduates, but the question of how it was received by Muslim contemporaries has been overlooked. This volume aims to rectify this oversight by exploring how European scholars' writings on Islam were received by their Muslim counterparts.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 258 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2020
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

Orientalism, a seminal work that has graced the academic landscape for over fifty years, stands as a highly influential and widely referenced text across numerous disciplines. It is also the book that is most frequently assigned to undergraduate students in colleges.

In the wake of Edward Said's profound exploration of Orientalism, a multitude of questions have emerged. One of the central inquiries revolves around the role of scholars in Western Europe in providing support to the imperialist and colonialist endeavors of European regimes. Another pressing concern is whether their writings on Islam are tainted with demeaning, eroticized, and distorting biases, which have exerted a lasting influence on Western society. Furthermore, the question of what exactly constitutes Orientalism as it was invented by Europe and its ongoing impact in the contemporary world demands attention.

Yet, one question has remained relatively overlooked or under-explored: How did Muslim contemporaries receive the Orientalist writings of European scholars? To address this gap, an international team of contributors has come together in this volume to shed light on this critical aspect.

Through a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, the contributors to this volume explore the diverse perspectives and interpretations of Orientalist writings by European scholars of Islam. They examine the historical context, cultural nuances, and political implications of these texts, providing a rich tapestry of insights. The authors analyze how these writings shaped the perception of Islam and Muslims in the Western world, as well as how they influenced the formation of Muslim identities and ideologies.

Furthermore, the volume delves into the reception of Orientalist writings among Muslim contemporaries. It examines the various responses and reactions to these texts, including the challenges, debates, and negotiations that emerged. The contributors explore the ways in which Muslim scholars, intellectuals, and activists have engaged with Orientalist discourse, challenging its assumptions, contesting its biases, and forging their own narratives.

The insights offered in this volume are invaluable for scholars, researchers, and students interested in understanding the complex relationship between Europe, Islam, and the broader global context. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on Orientalism, challenging preconceived notions, and promoting a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the multifaceted dynamics at play.

In conclusion, Orientalism, a timeless masterpiece, continues to resonate with scholars and laypersons alike. This volume, by rectifying the oversight of the reception of Orientalist writings among Muslim contemporaries, adds a new dimension to our understanding of this critical field. It serves as a testament to the power of intellectual inquiry and the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in shaping our collective knowledge and understanding.

\n Weight: 416g\n
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367663902\n \n