Guardians of Islam

Religious Authority and Muslim Communities of Late Medieval Spain

By: Kathryn Miller

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Hardcover | 9 October 2008 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
296 Pages

Age
22+

Dimensions(cm)
23.62 x 16.52 x 2.11

Hardcover

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Muslim enclaves within non-Islamic polities are commonly believed to have been beleaguered communities undergoing relentless cultural and religious decline. Cut off from the Islamic world, these Muslim groups, it is assumed, passively yielded to political, social, and economic forces of assimilation and acculturation before finally accepting Christian dogma.

Kathryn A. Miller radically reconceptualizes what she calls the exclave experience of medieval Muslim minorities. By focusing on the legal scholars ( "faqihs") of fifteenth-century Aragonese Muslim communities and translating little-known and newly discovered texts, she unearths a sustained effort to connect with Muslim coreligionaries and preserve practice and belief in the face of Christian influences. Devoted to securing and disseminating Islamic knowledge, these local authorities intervened in Christian courts on behalf of Muslims, provided Arabic translations, and taught and advised other Muslims. Miller follows the activities of the faqihs, their dialogue with Islamic authorities in nearby Muslim polities, their engagement with Islamic texts, and their pursuit of traditional ideals of faith. She demonstrates that these local scholars played a critical role as cultural mediators, creating scholarly networks and communal solidarity despite living in an environment dominated by Christianity.

Industry Reviews

Miller writes lucidly and with an evident appreciation for language and the well-turned phrase. The book is not only a must but a pleasure to read. -- Janina Safran Journal of Ecclesiastical History Miller writes lucidly and with an evident appreciation for language and the well-turned phrase. The book is not only a "must" but a pleasure to read. Speculuma Journal of Medieval Studies

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