Muslims as actors Islamic meanings and Muslim interpretations in the perspective of the study of religions - Waardenburg, Jean Jacques 1930-2015 (Walter de Gruyter, 2007)
Includes bibliographical references and indexes
Biographical note: Jacques Waardenburg, Université Lausanne, Switzerland
Main description: This book challenges the view of Islamic Studies as a branch of 0Orientalism0. The West now sees Islam largely as a political problem, and research on its religious aspects is urgently needed. The book traces the relevance of the academic study of religion for Islamic Studies, contributions of prominent scholars, and studies on issues of contemporary Islam. The author advocates focusing research on Muslim interpretations of Islam which redefine Islamic values and meanings in present-day contexts, and argues for Muslims being recognized as actors in the articulation of their Islam
Review text: "The author not so much deals with Islamic theology and philosophy as such but puts his main emphasis on the rigth way to study Islam with its many aspects. He succeded in outlining a viable methodology, for which may will be grateful." Jan Slomp in: Bibliotheca Orientalis 1-2/2009
Keywords: Islam -- Research; Islam -- Study and teaching; Orientalism; Muslim; Religionswissenschaft; Islamwissenschaft