Islam, the State, and Political Authority: Medieval Issues and Modern Concerns

The essays in this volume, written by recognized experts, deal with some of the most critically important topics concerning Islam and politics in both the pre-modern and modern periods. Each chapter provides a historically grounded and in-depth discussion of issues as diverse as the nature of government, the relationship between politics and theology, Shi'i conceptions of statecraft, notions of public duty, and the compatibility of Islam and democratic governance. Both specialists and interested readers will benefit from the volume’s broad scope and thorough consideration of a variety of issues in Islamic political thought and practice.

Asma Afsaruddin is a Professor of Islamic Studies and Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Indiana University, Bloomington. She is the author or editor of five books, including The First Muslims: History and Memory (2008) and Excellence and Precedence: Medieval Islamic Discourse on Legitimate Leadership (2002).