New Methods in the Study of Islam

This collection provides a set of multi-disciplinary approaches to studying Islam, focusing on how data is created, studied, and disseminated. It offers an alternative to traditional methods that often reflect (neo-)orientalist and other political inclinations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Methods play a crucial role in our ability to access and organize data. However, there is a tendency among scholars to prioritize their data over the methodological processes that generate it. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the academic study of Islam. Many scholars continue to rely on established or classic methods that often reflect (neo-)orientalist and other political biases. In contrast, this collection presents an alternative approach, offering a diverse set of multi-disciplinary approaches that emphasize the creation, study, and dissemination of Islamic data.

The importance of methods in the study of Islam cannot be overstated. Methods provide the framework and tools for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, allowing scholars to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of Islam. By employing a range of methods, scholars can explore different aspects of Islamic history, culture, and society, and develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the religion.

One of the challenges facing the academic study of Islam is the tendency to rely on traditional methods that may be outdated or biased. Many scholars continue to employ (neo-)orientalist and other political inclinations in their research, which can lead to a narrow and incomplete understanding of the religion. This collection seeks to challenge these biases and provide a more inclusive and diverse perspective on the study of Islam.

The collection includes a wide range of multi-disciplinary approaches, including historical analysis, cultural studies, religious studies, and social sciences. Each approach brings its unique insights and perspectives to the study of Islam, and together, they provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the religion. For example, historical analysis examines the development of Islam over centuries, exploring the political, social, and economic factors that shaped the religion and its impact on the world. Cultural studies explore the diverse expressions of Islam, including art, literature, music, and architecture, and how they reflect the cultural and social contexts in which they were produced. Religious studies examines the beliefs, practices, and rituals of Islam, and how they relate to other religions and ideologies. Social studies explore the social and political implications of Islam, including its role in shaping gender, class, and race relations.

In addition to these multi-disciplinary approaches, the collection also includes a range of methods that are specifically tailored to the study of Islamic data. These methods include digital humanities, which involve the use of digital technologies to preserve and access historical and cultural materials, and social media analysis, which involves the use of social media platforms to study the spread and impact of Islamic ideas and practices.

Digital humanities provide a powerful tool for the study of Islamic data, as they allow scholars to access a vast range of historical and cultural materials that may not be available in traditional print or manuscript formats. For example, digital humanities include online databases, digital archives, and digital libraries, which contain a wealth of information about Islamic history, culture, and society. Digital humanities also allow scholars to analyze and interpret these materials in new and innovative ways, using techniques such as text mining, machine learning, and visual analysis.

Social media analysis is another method that is particularly relevant to the study of Islamic data, as it allows scholars to study the spread and impact of Islamic ideas and practices in real-time. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they have provided a platform for Muslims around the world to connect, share, and discuss their beliefs and practices. Social media analysis involves the use of statistical and qualitative methods to analyze the data generated by these platforms, including the frequency of tweets, posts, and likes, the types of content shared, and the networks of connections between users.

In conclusion, the academic study of Islam is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires a range the use of a range of multi-disciplinary approaches to gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the religion. This collection offers an alternative to traditional methods, providing a set of multi-disciplinary approaches that focus on the creation of, study, and dissemination of Islamic data. By employing a range of methods, scholars can explore different aspects of Islamic history, culture, and society the society. and develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the religion. The collection includes a wide range of multi-disciplinary approaches, including historical analysis, cultural studies, religious studies, and social studies, and includes a range of methods that are specifically tailored to the study of Islamic data, such as digital humanities and social media analysis. Digital humanities. and social media analysis. These methods provide a powerful tool for the study of Islamic data, allowing scholars to access a vast range of historical and cultural materials and analyze and interpret them in new and innovative ways. By embracing these approaches, scholars can contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the study of Islam and its role.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399503501