Sectarianism Without Sects

This volume analyzes the transformation of social sectarianism into political sectarianism across the Arab world, distinguishing between ta ifa and ta ifiyya and charting their evolution in Arab and Islamic history. It argues that sectarianism resurrects the sect in the collective consciousness and reproduces it as an imagined community under modern political and historical conditions.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 27 May 2021
\n Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
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This comprehensive volume delves into the profound transformation of social sectarianism into political sectarianism across the Arab world. Employing a framework rooted in social theories and socio-historical analysis, the book distinguishes between the traditional concept of a sect and the modern manifestation of sectarianism. It argues that sectarianism itself creates imaginary sects, thereby shaping the dynamics of religious groups within the Arab and Islamic contexts. The book charts and elucidates the evolution of these phenomena, shedding light on their unique development in Arab and Islamic history. It stands apart from other approaches used to study religious groups in Western contexts. Through meticulous documentation, Bishara explores the intricate role played by internal and external factors, as well as rivalries among political elites, in the formation of sectarian identity. He draws upon historical and contemporary models to illustrate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the resurgence and reproduction of sectarianism in the collective consciousness.

Sectarianism, as understood in this volume, does not arise from the sect itself but rather from the revival and reimagining of sectarian ideas within modern political and historical contexts. It is a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complex dynamics of the sectarian crisis in the Arab world. By providing a detailed historical background to the emergence of sectarianism in the region, the book offers a comprehensive theoretical framework for analyzing how social identities have assumed political significance in the struggle for power over the state.

In conclusion, Sectarianism Without Sects is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the intricate relationship between social sectarianism and political sectarianism in the Arab world. Through its rigorous analysis and comprehensive approach, the book provides valuable insights into the historical, social, and political factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of sectarianism. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the region's sectarian crisis.

\n Weight: 660g\n
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781787383210\n \n