1111579 
Book Martyrdom in Islam / David Cook.
Publication year: 2007.
Language: English
Call Number BP190.5.M3 C66 2007
Media class: Book
Publisher: Cambridge, UK ;New York : Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 0521615518 9780521615518
Notes:
Includes Glossary (p. x-xii).
Includes Chronology (p. xiii-xiv).
Series title: Themes in Islamic history
Extent: xiv, 206 p. ; 23 cm.
Description:
In recent times Islamic martyrdom has become associated with suicide missions conducted by extremists. However, as David Cook demonstrates, this type of martyrdom is very different from the classical definition which condemned suicide and stipulated that anyone who died a believer could be considered a martyr. Ideas about martyrdom have evolved to suit prevailing circumstances, and it is the evolution of these interpretations that Cook charts in this fascinating history. The book covers the earliest sources on martyrdom including those from the Jewish and Christian traditions, discussions about what constituted martyrdom, and differences in attitudes between Sunnis and Shi'ites. A concluding section discusses martyrdom in today's radical environment. There is no other book which considers the topic so systematically, and which draws so widely on the literary sources. This will be essential reading for students of Islamic history, and for those looking for an informed account of this controversial topic.
Martyrs in religions -- Martyrdom in the genesis of Islam -- Legal definitions, boundaries and rewards of the martyr -- Sectarian Islam: Sunni, Shi'ite and Sufi martyrdom -- Martyrs : warriors and missionaries in medieval Islam -- Martyrs of love and epic heroes -- Patterns of prognostication, narrative and expiation -- Martyrdom in contemporary radical Islam -- Martyrdom in Islam : past and present. -- Appendix: The classical story of the Ashab al-ukhdud and translated contemporary martyrdom narratives.
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