In 'The Crisis of Islam,' Bernard Lewis delves into the complexities of the Islamic world, tracing its historical roots and the factors contributing to its current turmoil. He explores the clash between traditional Islamic values and modernity, revealing the socio-political struggles that have shaped contemporary Muslim societies. Through compelling analysis, Lewis challenges prevalent misconceptions about Islam and emphasizes the diverse voices within it. This engaging examination not only illuminates the crises faced by the Muslim world but also invites readers to understand the broader implications for global society. Are we ready to confront the realities that lie at the heart of this pivotal cultural intersection?
By Bernard Lewis
Published: 2004
""In the modern world, the struggle between freedom and tyranny takes on many forms; understanding the roots of these conflicts is essential to forging a path toward peace.""
In his first book since What Went Wrong? Bernard Lewis examines the historical roots of the resentments that dominate the Islamic world today and that are increasingly being expressed in acts of terrorism. He looks at the theological origins of political Islam and takes us through the rise of militant Islam in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, examining the impact of radical Wahhabi proselytizing, and Saudi oil money, on the rest of the Islamic world. The Crisis of Islam ranges widely through thirteen centuries of history, but in particular it charts the key events of the twentieth century leading up to the violent confrontations of today: the creation of the state of Israel, the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and the September 11th attacks on the United States. While hostility toward the West has a long and varied history in the lands of Islam, its current concentration on America is new. So too is the cult of the suicide bomber. Brilliantly disentangling the crosscurrents of Middle Eastern history from the rhetoric of its manipulators, Bernard Lewis helps us understand the reasons for the increasingly dogmatic rejection of modernity by many in the Muslim world in favor of a return to a sacred past. Based on his George Polk Award–winning article for The New Yorker, The Crisis of Islam is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what Usama bin Ladin represents and why his murderous message resonates so widely in the Islamic world.
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“"In the modern world, the struggle between freedom and tyranny takes on many forms; understanding the roots of these conflicts is essential to forging a path toward peace."”
The Crisis of Islam
By Bernard Lewis
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Bernard Lewis (1916-2018) was a prominent British historian, scholar, and author, renowned for his extensive expertise in Middle Eastern history and Islamic studies. His notable works include 'The Shaping of the Modern Middle East', 'The Crisis of Islam', and 'What Went Wrong? Western Impact and Middle Eastern Response'. Lewis's writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth, and analytical rigor, often providing insightful perspectives on the complexities of cultures and civilizations. His contributions have significantly influenced both academic discourse and public understanding of the region's history and politics.
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