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The Cultural Atlas of Islam is a reference work by Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, published posthumously in 1986. The book provides an extensive overview of Islamic civilization, covering various aspects such as history, geography, culture, art, and science. It aims to contribute to the understanding of the diverse heritage of Islam.
 Cover of the 1986 edition | |
| Author | Ismail al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Islamic studies, Islamic culture, History of Islam |
| Published | 1986 |
| Publisher | Macmillan Publishing Company |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 512 |
| ISBN | 9780029101902 |
| OCLC | 849811134 |
| Preceded by | Al-Tawhid: Its Implications for Thought and Life (1982) |
| Published posthumously | |
Overview
editThe book serves as a comprehensive guide to the Islamic world, presenting a detailed account of Islamic societies' cultural and historical developments. It is designed to educate readers on the multifaceted nature of Islamic civilization, highlighting the contributions of Muslims to global culture and knowledge.
Background
editIsma'il Raji al-Faruqi, a Palestinian-American philosopher, and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, an Islamic art and music expert, collaborated to create this extensive work. The Cultural Atlas of Islam was published a month after the authors' deaths. The authors aimed to provide a comprehensive portrayal of Islamic culture, addressing various aspects of its historical and cultural development.[1][2]
Contents
editThe Cultural Atlas of Islam is organized into several key sections:
Introduction
editThe introduction provides an overview of the Islamic world, its people, and its cultural diversity.[1]
Historical Background
editThis section offers a detailed chronology of Islamic history from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the modern era.[1]
Geographical Distribution
editThis part includes maps and descriptions of the regions where Islam is practised, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim world.[1]
Cultural Contributions
editIn this section, the book explores Islamic art, architecture, literature, music, and science, illustrating the achievements of Muslim civilizations.[1]
Social Structures
editThis part examines the social, economic, and political aspects of Islamic societies, including family structures, education, and governance.[1]
Themes
editThe primary themes of the book revolve around the unity and diversity of Islamic culture. The authors emphasize the concept of tawhid (the oneness of God) as a central theme in Islamic art and culture. Other themes include the importance of knowledge, the interconnection between different Islamic regions, and the dynamic nature of Islamic civilization over time.[1]
Publication
editThe Cultural Atlas of Islam was published in 1986 by Macmillan Publishing Company in New York and Collier Macmillan Publishers in London. The work has been recognized for its scholarly rigor and its contribution to promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic culture and history.[1][2]