Animal Sacrifice And The Origins Of Islam

Islam is the only biblical religion that still practices animal sacrifice. Indeed, every year more than a million animals are shipped to Mecca from all over the world to be slaughtered during the Muslim Hajj. This multi-disciplinary volume is the first to examine the physical foundations of this practice and the significance of the ritual. Brannon Wheeler uses both textual analysis and various types of material evidence to gain insight into the role of animal sacrifice in Islam. He provides a 'thick description' of the elaborate camel sacrifice performed by Muhammad, which serves as the model for future Hajj sacrifices. Wheeler integrates biblical and classical Arabic sources with evidence from zooarchaeology and the rock art of ancient Arabia to gain insight into an event that reportedly occurred 1400 years ago. His book encourages a more nuanced and expansive conception of “sacrifice” in the history of religion.

"Islam is the only biblical religion that still practices animal sacrifice. Indeed, every year more than a million animals are shipped to Mecca from all over the world to be slaughtered during the Muslim Hajj. This multi-disciplinary volume is the first to examine the physical foundations of this practice and the significance of the ritual. Brannon Wheeler uses both textual analysis and various types of material evidence to gain insight into the role of animal sacrifice in Islam. He provides a "thick description" of the elaborate camel sacrifice performed by Muhammad, which serves as the model for future Hajj sacrifices. Wheeler integrates biblical and classical Arabic sources with evidence from zooarchaeology and the rock art of ancient Arabia to gain insight into an event that reportedly occurred 1400 years ago. His book encourages a more nuanced and expansive conception of "sacrifice" in the history of religion"--

An accessible, transregional exploration of how Islam and Asia have shaped each other's histories, societies and cultures from the seventh century to today.

This research analyses how groups of people in Tanga discursively construct Islam by animal slaughter. Central to the project are the sometimes conflicting tendencies of grounding ritual practice in authoritative texts and constructing ethnic, social, and religious identity through ritual practices. The discourse on and the practice of daily animal slaughter at the abattoir, sacrifice as part of the annual hajj, the slaughter of sheep after the birth or death of a child, and the Swahili New Year sacrifice all reproduce assumptions of what Islam and Islamic behaviour should be.

Based on the premise that reliable history can only be written on the basis of sources that are contemporary with the events described, the contributors to this in-depth investigation present research that reveals the obscure origins of Islam in a completely new light.

Abou El Fadl (Islamic law, UCLA School of Law) wrote the 62 brief essays here over the course of five years. Through a combination of musings and critical reflections on classical Muslim authors, he both traces Muslim intellectual history and also confronts questions of ethics, faith, law, politics, culture, and modern identity. He ranges over many facets of Islam in the contemporary world, exploring censorship, political oppression, terrorism, the veil and the treatment of women, marriage, parental rights, the dynamics between law and morality, the character of the prophet Muhammad, and other topics. About half the essays first appeared in The minaret magazine. c. Book News Inc.

The Muslim festival of sacrifice, id al-adha, is celebrated all over the world annually in the month of pilgrimage. The book examines the foundations of this festival in the Qur'an and early Islamic history. In the analysis it applies ritual theories to the narratives about various sacrifices, esp. the role of Muhammad for the Muslim community.

"Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity" is a captivating and insightful book that delves into the rich traditions and significance of the joyous Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. Written with an aim to educate and inspire readers of all backgrounds, this book is the perfect guide to understanding the essence of this special occasion.In "Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity," you will embark on a fascinating journey through the historical and cultural aspects of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Discover the origins of this sacred festival and its connection to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of devotion to God. This meticulously researched book provides a comprehensive overview of the religious rituals, customs, and practices observed during Eid al-Adha. From the importance of prayer and charity to the symbolic act of animal sacrifice, readers will gain a deep appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of this celebration. Explore the concept of sacrifice in Islam and how it extends beyond the offering of animals, encompassing personal sacrifices for the betterment of oneself and society. "Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity" also highlights the significance of unity and community during Eid. Discover the heartwarming traditions of gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious feasts, and exchanging heartfelt greetings. Gain insights into the importance of fostering strong family bonds, reaching out to the less fortunate, and embracing the values of love, compassion, and generosity. Whether you are a Muslim seeking a comprehensive understanding of Eid al-Adha or someone interested in learning about diverse cultural celebrations, this book is an invaluable resource. The author's engaging narrative style, supported by stunning visuals and illustrations, brings the magic of Eid al-Adha to life, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Experience the true spirit of Eid al-Adha with "Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity." Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, delve into the spiritual teachings, and gain a profound appreciation for this remarkable holiday. This book is an essential addition to any library, promoting intercultural understanding and fostering a sense of unity and respect among diverse communities. Order your copy of "Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity" today and embark on an enlightening journey into the heart of this cherished Islamic festival.

This series of critical reflections on the evolution and major themes of pre-modern Muslim theology begins with the revelation of the Koran, and extends to the beginnings of modernity in the eighteenth century. The significance of Islamic theology reflects the immense importance of Islam in the history of monotheism, to which it has brought a unique approach and style, and a range of solutions which are of abiding interest. Devoting especial attention to questions of rationality, scriptural fidelity, and the construction of 'orthodoxy', this volume introduces key Muslim theories of revelation, creation, ethics, scriptural interpretation, law, mysticism, and eschatology. Throughout the treatment is firmly set in the historical, social and political context in which Islam's distinctive understanding of God evolved. Despite its importance, Islamic theology has been neglected in recent scholarship, and this book provides a unique, scholarly but accessible introduction.