The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World

The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World is a comprehensive six-volume reference work covering Islamic history, religion, culture, and society from its origins to the present day. The encyclopedia contains over 1,000 entries written by international scholars and experts in Islamic studies. The work encompasses topics including Islamic law, philosophy, art, science, economics, politics, and contemporary issues facing Muslim communities worldwide. Geographic coverage spans the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, examining both historical developments and modern manifestations of Islam. This reference work serves as a bridge between academic scholarship and general readership, presenting complex concepts in clear language while maintaining scholarly rigor. The inclusion of extensive bibliographies, maps, genealogical tables, and cross-references makes it a valuable resource for researchers and students. The encyclopedia reflects broader themes of religious diversity, cultural exchange, and the ongoing evolution of Islamic thought and practice across different societies and time periods. Its approach emphasizes the multifaceted nature of Islamic civilization and its interactions with other world cultures.

Readers value this encyclopedia as a comprehensive academic reference on Islam, though some note its scholarly tone can be dense for general readers. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed coverage of historical and contemporary topics - Clear organization and cross-referencing - Balanced treatment of different Islamic traditions - Inclusion of maps, timelines, and genealogical charts Common criticisms: - High price point limits accessibility - Some entries could be more concise - Index could be more detailed - Limited coverage of some regional Islamic movements Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 reviews) Goodreads: 4.3/5 (8 ratings) One university librarian noted: "The depth of scholarship makes this invaluable for academic research, but casual readers may find it overwhelming." A student reviewer wrote: "It helped immensely with research papers, though I wish certain sections were less technical." The encyclopedia appears most frequently in academic library collections and course reading lists rather than personal libraries.

The Cambridge History of Islam by P.M. Holt, Ann K.S. Lambton, and Bernard Lewis This multi-volume work covers Islamic history, culture, and religious development from the origins of Islam to the twentieth century.

Islam: The Straight Path by John Esposito The text explores Islamic faith, practice, law, and society from its founding to contemporary interpretations and movements.

The History of Islamic Political Thought by Antony Black The book traces Islamic political ideas from the Prophet Muhammad to the present through examination of religious texts, philosophical treatises, and historical documents.

Islamic Societies to the Nineteenth Century by Ira M. Lapidus This comprehensive work examines the social, political, and cultural institutions of Islamic societies across different regions and time periods.

The Princeton Encyclopedia of Islamic Political Thought by Gerhard Bowering The reference work presents Islamic political concepts, thinkers, dynasties, and movements from the founding of Islam to modern times.

🕌 The encyclopedia was first published in 1995 as a 4-volume set called The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, before being expanded to 6 volumes in 2009 📚 Editor-in-chief John L. Esposito is one of America's leading authorities on Islam and was a professor at Georgetown University for over 40 years 🎓 The work features contributions from over 500 scholars worldwide and covers topics ranging from Islamic art to politics to gender relations 📖 Unlike many Islamic reference works, it places significant focus on contemporary issues and modern interpretations of Islam, not just historical aspects 🌏 The encyclopedia includes extensive coverage of Islam in regions often overlooked by other works, such as Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Asia