The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology

This series of critical reflections on the evolution and major themes of pre-modern Muslim theology begins with the revelation of the Koran and extends to the beginnings of modernity in the eighteenth century. The significance of Islamic theology reflects the immense importance of Islam in the history of monotheism to which it has brought a unique approach and style and a range of solutions which are of abiding interest. Devoting especial attention to questions of rationality scriptural fidelity and the construction of ''orthodoxy'' this volume introduces key Muslim theories of revelation creation ethics scriptural interpretation law mysticism and eschatology. Throughout the treatment is firmly set in the historical social and political context in which Islam''s distinctive understanding of God evolved. Despite its importance Islamic theology has been neglected in recent scholarship and this book provides a unique scholarly but accessible introduction.