This work explores the role of the intellect in the legal, theological, philosophical, and mystical traditions of Islam, and of its continuing relevance in the efforts of the contemporary Muslim world to address the challenges of modernity. Leading scholars who have included chapters--all originally written for this book--include Mohammad Arkoun, Norman Calder, John Cooper, Muhsin Mahdi, Abdulaziz Sachedina, Annemarie Schimmel, and others.