Jordanian Exceptionalism

The history of the Islamic movement in Jordan displays glaring contrasts with its counterparts like Egypt, Iran, and Syria. In a marked departure from the frequent and bloody confrontations that have characterized Islamic opposition in these countries, the Jordanian Muslim Brothers have been nonviolent and often defended the state vis-à-vis the challenges of radical ideologies. This book explains the state-religion relationship in Jordan in terms of ideology, politics, class formation, and the relationship between the dominant classes and the Muslim Brothers.

The history of the 20th-century Islamic movement in Jordan, which has been relatively peaceful, is compared with similar movements in other Mideastern countries in an effort to determine the reasons and context for Jordan's differences. The author discusses various aspects of the state, secularization, and the politicization of religion and then focuses on the formation of the Jordanian state, the rise of social classes, and the organization of Muslims in Jordan, and how Jordan's experiences can be compared with developments in Egypt, Iran, and Syria. Appendices discuss the Jordanian National Charter and the Muslim Brotherhood's 1997 election boycott, and reprint a 1999 letter from King Hussein to Prince Hassan. Moaddel (Eastern Michigan University) is the co-editor of Contemporary Debates in Islam (Palgrave, 2000). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mansoor Moaddel is Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology at Eastern Michigan University. He is also the author of Contemporar Debates in Islam.