How is one authentically" modern? Substantively drawing on contemporary social theory, this book investigates the multiplicity of answers that Muslims have given to this question since the end of the nineteenth century. Through six historical and thematic case studies the chapters examine the historical evolution of multiple modernities within Islam. The book argues that we can observe the rise and spread of a relatively hegemonic idea according to which the relation to Islamic traditions bestows projects of Muslim modernities with cultural authenticity. At the same time, it provides an interpretation of this specifically Islamic discourse of modernity as an inherent part of global modernity in conceptual terms understood as the emergence of world society.

Key Features



Interprets modern Muslim history as an integral part of global modernity
Presents a unique combination of social theory with Islamic studies
Critically revises Eisenstadt's concept of multiple modernities
Combines two distinct concepts of world society with theories of social emergence
Six case studies give an account on the multiple modernities within Islam
A theoretically informed fresh view on the construction of modern Muslim identities
Based on more than 30 years of experience in Muslim countries

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