In the Path of God: Islam and Political Power

Taking a serious view of the Islamic historical dimensions, this valuable book provides thought-provoking insights into the modern Islamic experience.  All over the world today – not just in the Middle East, but in much of Africa, in Southeast Asia, and within the Soviet Union – an Islamic revival is sparking revolutions, transforming regimes, and shaking the international order. What is behind this surge of actions in the name of Islam, and what kinds of societies do its supporters seek to create ?  In this major new work, the first comprehensive look at Islam as a force in public life, a brilliant young scholar, Daniel Pipes, explains the origin and nature of this demanding and all-encompassing religion. He examines the detailed programme of action prescribed by Islam and shows how it shaped the political culture shared by Muslims everywhere. With scrupulous fairness, he outlines the Muslims’ immensely successful record during premodern times and their equally unsuccessful experience in the modern period.  The author concludes with an analysis of the forces that ignited the Islamic revival. In particular, he shows how, beginning around 1970, the turn to Islam was set in motion by the international boom in oil exports. The disruptive consequences of the revival and its uncertain future pose many problems for the west; whether or not these events signal a long term rejection of the west is but one of the major question this valuable book addresses.