Living Islam

Outside of my official duties as digital content coordinator, I am sometimes requested by the Department of Academic Research and Publications at the Institute of Ismaili Studies to write supplemental materials for their publications. One of which is Living Islam: How Muslims Experience Faith (working title: Living Islam: Expressions of Faith by Professor Ali Asani. In addition to the marketing materials, I also drafted the official synopsis found on the IIS website and the back of the book.

Official synopsis:

The story of Islam is not one story, but many stories involving peoples of different races, ethnicities, and cultures. Every religious tradition is marked by internal diversity, manifested through its various communities of interpretation. Islam likewise is multifaceted, as are Muslim life and faith. Living Islam invites readers to appreciate ways in which Muslims from diverse backgrounds and traditions interpret and experience their faith. Adopting a cultural studies approach, Ali Asani begins by posing questions such as 'Which Islam?' and 'Whose Islam?', and he considers different conceptions of being Muslim. He then illustrates multidimensional ways in which Muslims relate to the Prophet Muhammad, including as messenger, model, intercessor, and beloved. Drawing on Muslim devotional practices and exploring the Islamic 'artscape', he showcases how the beauty of the transcendent can be experienced through sonic, visual and poetic arts.

Alternative marketing copy:

What does it mean to be religiously literate? Is religion an identity to have, a belief to hold, or an action to perform? Is it about the words we say, the words we read, or the words we keep? Can religion be influenced by our actions just as it influences us?

In this introductory text, Professor Ali S Asani (Harvard University) explores the diversity of Islamic thought and practice, stemming for the most basic tenets such as shahada and ‘The Five Pillars’. [Title] gives the reader ample space for reflection on how religion can influence our lives, and how our lives influence our religion.

Reading for all ages

This publication was also included in the Reading for all ages initiative that I started at IIS. Click the button below to learn more.