Understanding Islam: Positions of Knowledge

Bryan S. Turner's book "Understanding Islam in the 21st Century" examines the conflict between science and religion, the notion of positionality, islamophobia, feminist activism, the sociology of Islam, the demography of Muslim communities, Sharia, orientalism, and post-orientalism. He argues that understanding Islam has been dominated by political events, leading to western intellectuals and public figures becoming experts. Turner questions how they can have the authority to speak on this subject.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The long-standing conflict between science and religion is a topic that has been explored in depth by sociologists. The early development of the sociology of religion marked a significant turning point in this field, as it sought to understand the relationship between religion and society. One of the key concepts that emerged from this research was the notion of positionality. Positionality refers to the way in which individuals perceive themselves and their relationships to others, and it plays a crucial role in the study of contemporary Muslim religiosity.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the dynamics of islamophobia, insider-outsider knowledge, feminist activism, the development of the sociology of Islam, the demography of Muslim communities, Sharia, orientalism, and post-orientalism. These topics are explored through debates with modern philosophy, such as pragmatism, post-structuralism, postmodernism, and hermeneutics.

One of the central questions that these debates raise is whether we can understand a religion without believing and practicing it. Many scholars argue that it is impossible to have a complete understanding of a religion without engaging with it on a personal level. However, others argue that we can gain valuable insights into religion by studying it from an academic perspective.

Another key topic that is explored in this text is the notion of insider-outsider knowledge. Turner argues that there is a fundamental divide between insiders and outsiders when it comes to understanding religion. Insiders are those who have a deep understanding of a particular religion and its practices, while outsiders are those who are unfamiliar with it. Turner suggests that insiders often have a biased perspective on religion, as they are influenced by their own cultural and religious backgrounds. Outsiders, on the other hand, may have a more objective perspective, as they are not influenced by any particular cultural or religious beliefs.

Feminist activism is another topic that is explored in this text. Turner argues that feminist activists have played a crucial role in challenging traditional gender roles and promoting gender equality in Muslim communities. He suggests that feminist activists have been able to gain a better understanding of Islam by engaging with it on a personal level and by challenging the patriarchal structures that underpin it.

The development of the sociology of Islam is another topic that is explored in this text. Turner argues that the sociology of Islam has played a crucial role in understanding the complex and diverse nature of Muslim communities. He suggests that the sociology of Islam has been able to provide a more nuanced and accurate understanding of Islam than traditional religious studies.

The demography of Muslim communities is another topic that is explored in this text. Turner argues that the demography of Muslim communities is changing rapidly, as a result of immigration and globalization. He suggests that the demography of Muslim communities is likely to continue to shape the future of Islam and the broader world.

Sharia is another topic that is explored in this text. Turner argues that Sharia is a complex and multifaceted legal system that is based on the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith. He suggests that Sharia is a source of controversy and debate, as it is interpreted differently by different Muslim communities.

Orientalism and post-orientalism are two other topics that are explored in this text. Turner argues that orientalism is a Western-centric perspective that views the world as a collection of distinct and separate cultures. He suggests that post-orientalism is a more nuanced and complex perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of all cultures and the importance of cultural exchange.

In conclusion, this text provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the long-standing conflict between science and religion, the notion of positionality, the dynamics of islamophobia, insider-outsider knowledge, feminist activism, the development of the sociology of Islam, the demography of Muslim communities, Sharia, orientalism, and post-orientalism. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex and diverse nature of religion and its impact on society.

Dimension: 190 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474498739