The scholarly study of Islam has become ever more insular and apologetic. Academic Islamic Studies has tried to maintain a focus on truth, authenticity, experience and meaning and has effectively avoided discussion of larger social, cultural and ideological issues. Many scholars of Islam have presented themselves to their colleagues, the media and the public as the interpreters of Islam and have done so with an interpretation which tends, almost universally, to the liberal and egalitarian. The ignorance and hostility which the Islamic faith has faced since 9/11 has partly necessitated the taking of such a position. But, as Theorizing Islam argues, the issue remains that only one interpretation of Islam is generally being presented and, as with any interpretation, this has its own assumptions. The aim of Theorizing Islam is to explore the potential for a fuller, more honest and more sophisticated approach to both theory and methodology in the academic study of Islam.

"A short but powerful and professionally quite brave polemic against much of the scholarly literature - Hughes offers some timely advice for a future Islamic studies, beginning with a reminder of the responsibilities of a scholar compared to those of a partisan; scholars may have to say things that partisans do not want to hear.'"

Source: Anthropology Review Database

"Theorizing Islam debunks contemporary, apologetic approaches to the study of Islam and makes a powerful argument for a return to the responsible and critical scholarship of classical Orientalism. This is a courageous book, which should have a significant impact.'"

Guy G. Stroumsa