About the book
The eleventh and twelfth centuries comprised a period of great significance in Islamic history. The Great Saljuqs, a Turkish-speaking tribe hailing from central Asia, ruled the eastern half of the Islamic world for a great portion of that time. In a far-reaching analysis that combines social, cultural, and political history, Omid Safi demonstrates how the Saljuqs tried to create a lasting political presence by joining forces with scholars and saints, among them a number of well-known Sufi Muslims, who functioned under state patronage.
In order to legitimize their political power, Saljuq rulers presented themselves as champions of what they alleged was an orthodox and normative view of Islam. Their notion of religious orthodoxy was constructed by administrators in state-sponsored arenas such as madrasas and khanaqahs. Thus orthodoxy was linked to political loyalty, and disloyalty to the state was articulated in terms of religious heresy.
Drawing on a vast reservoir of primary sources and eschewing anachronistic terms of analysis such as nationalism, Safi revises conventional views both of the Saljuqs as benevolent Muslim rulers and of the Sufis as timeless, ethereal mystics. He makes a significant contribution to understanding premodern Islam as well as illuminating the complex relationship between power and religious knowledge.
Editions of The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829936
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807856574
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807876985
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890880147
Read an Excerpt
The eleventh and twelfth centuries comprised a period of great significance in Islamic history. The Great Saljuqs, a Turkish-speaking tribe hailing from central Asia, ruled the eastern half of the Islamic world for a great portion of that time. In a far-reaching analysis that combines social, cultural, and political history, Omid Safi demonstrates how the Saljuqs tried to create a lasting political presence by joining forces with scholars and saints, among them a number of well-known Sufi Muslims, who functioned under state patronage.
In order to legitimize their political power, Saljuq rulers presented themselves as champions of what they alleged was an orthodox and normative view of Islam. Their notion of religious orthodoxy was constructed by administrators in state-sponsored arenas such as madrasas and khanaqahs. Thus orthodoxy was linked to political loyalty, and disloyalty to the state was articulated in terms of religious heresy.
Drawing on a vast reservoir of primary sources and eschewing anachronistic terms of analysis such as nationalism, Safi revises conventional views both of the Saljuqs as benevolent Muslim rulers and of the Sufis as timeless, ethereal mystics. He makes a significant contribution to understanding premodern Islam as well as illuminating the complex relationship between power and religious knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam about?
The eleventh and twelfth centuries comprised a period of great significance in Islamic history. The Great Saljuqs, a Turkish-speaking tribe hailing from central Asia, ruled the eastern half of the Islamic world for a great portion of that time. In a far-reaching analysis that combines social, cultural, and political history, Omid Safi demonstrates how the Saljuqs tried to create a lasting political presence by joining forces with scholars and saints, among them a number of well-known Sufi Muslims, who functioned under state patronage.
In order to legitimize their political power, Saljuq rulers presented themselves as champions of what they alleged was an orthodox and normative view of Islam. Their notion of religious orthodoxy was constructed by administrators in state-sponsored arenas such as madrasas and khanaqahs. Thus orthodoxy was linked to political loyalty, and disloyalty to the state was articulated in terms of religious heresy.
Drawing on a vast reservoir of primary sources and eschewing anachronistic terms of analysis such as nationalism, Safi revises conventional views both of the Saljuqs as benevolent Muslim rulers and of the Sufis as timeless, ethereal mystics. He makes a significant contribution to understanding premodern Islam as well as illuminating the complex relationship between power and religious knowledge.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Islam
Where can I read a sample of The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829936
How long is The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam and how many pages does it have?
The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam has 352 page(s)
Is The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam?
Omid Safi
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829936) and paperback(ISBN 9780807856574) and ebook(ISBN 9780807876985) and pdf(ISBN 9798890880147)
Where can I buy The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam?