Islamic Studies have always been something of a mystery to those outside the discipline. Based on the knowledge of a number of difficult languages, and focused on the examination of the historical development of a complex religion, they have assumed the character of an esoteric rite in which only a few are skilled enough to take part. They proceed according to their own, often hidden, rules; each new publication is a tactful reminder to the uninitiated that his role is to listen, to wonder, but never to question or to suggest that there might be an alternative way of doing things

The fact is that Middle Eastern studies are beset by subjective projections, displacements of affect, ideological distortion, romantic demystification, and religious bias, as well as by a great deal of incompetent scholarship