Read Online Salafism in Lebanon From Apoliticism to Transnational Jihadism Robert Rabil 9781626161177 Books

Product details Paperback 272 pages Publisher Georgetown University Press (September 26, 2014) Language English ISBN-10 1626161178

Salafism in Lebanon From Apoliticism to Transnational Jihadism Robert Rabil 9781626161177 Books Reviews

• This book is probably a bit difficult for the general reader as it gets into considerable detail regarding personalities and entities not commonly heard of on network news. Even so, the detail is a refreshing change from the monotonous generalities provided in the media, the book is well written, and the author tries hard to provide English translations for many Arabic terms. It most certainly provides some explanations for the seeming futility of diplomatic solutions to Islamic terrorism.
• Thanks
• This is a well written informative book. It is a must read for those who truly want to comprehend what is going on in the middle east.
• Salafism is a strict form of Islam, begun in the 1300’s when the Middle East was attacked from both sides; the Crusaders in the West and the Mongols from the East. It stems from the same Muslim philosophies that would, in the 1700’s, become the Wahabi doctrine, now prevalent in Saudi Arabia. The author, Robert Rabil, places Salafism in the context of modern Middle East, where the clash between radical Islam has been much in the news this decade.
  
  Rabil introduces the reader to how “modernity” clashed with Islam from the beginning. Growing French influence in the Levant angered the Muslims, not only because it gave more power to Lebanon’s Maronite Christians, but that it made Islam look weak. In Turkey, Mustapha Kemal’s laws against the religious authority angered the Muslims, and though there was no mass communication to spread the news, it did reverberate.
  Another issue discussed here is the Muslims’ distrust of government. Firstly, they felt betrayed by Ataturk, but since Turkey was not Arabic-speaking, there wasn’t much that Arab Muslim radicals could do. Secondly, the idea of Saudi Arabia having a monarch angered a lot of Muslims, leading to the famous Siege of Mecca in the 80’s. In a religious ideology that promotes combat as a means to an end, and has strict rules against idolatry, the idea of everyone following one man will easily anger the people.
  
  Robert Rabil gives excellent historical background for Salafism, and does a great job in explaining why so many are attracted to it in this day and age. Persons unfamiliar with Muslim philosophy may have a hard time however, as many of the names and terms are alien to most. However, he does well in reporting on the histories, so that makes it easier to understand. Though he doesn’t say it expressly, a lot of Salafism’s present day power has to do with mass media. In Ataturk’s time, most Arabic-speakers were illiterate, and few in the Middle East would’ve owned a radio. News didn’t spread as it does today, with Arab radio, television, internet, and the famous Al-Jazera network.
• As the world watches the growth of Islamist movements in the world, it is critical we have a clear understanding of who they are, where they come from, and how they would like the world to evolve. This book is a primer in all things Salafi and should be required reading for any one interested in world politics, international relations, or religious/political studies. We will be hearing more and more about Salafis and this book gives a strong foundation to understanding their context.
• With the rise of ISIS, the term Salafism or Salafi-Jihadi has become more prominent, yet many do not seem to know what it really stands for or encompasses. Any student of the Middle East and its ideologues realizes that the media is full of noise and lacks substance. This book however is filled with valuable information about the Salafi culture, ideologies, and groups from cover to cover. Every page will be worth your time, as the book is not just written by one of the leading scholars on Salafism, but also is substantiated by hundreds of citations per chapter. If you buy any books on the subject, this should be your number 1.
• First of all, the writer is very impeccable with his words, The book explores many things from different views, and it is a great book to undrestand the different various schools of salafism. as a arabic reader I see that the book is not baised at all, the book discuss a lot of arab regimes, moreover; many facts about salafism remains shrouded in misconceptions, and the book provide a great study to understand salafism. if you are interested in The middle east, definitely this book is going to broad your horizon and it will help you gain a great knowledge about Salafism.
• As noted above, this book is critical to the study of modern Islamist movements inside and out of Lebanon. While a case study, the insight and knowledge this book offers into the complicated subject of Salafism, a fundamentalist Islamic ideology, cannot be found anywhere else. A recommended read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Islamic movements that our world is experiencing today.