Arabic Culture and Society

Book excerpt: Arabic Culture and Society examines the important role religion plays in the Middle East and how it shapes people's personalities in the Arab world by informing both their belief systems and their lifestyles. Spanning centuries of history, the book explores the Middle East before the advent of Islam, the expansion of Islam, and the modern Middle East. In addition to the early history of the region, Part I of the book addresses pre-Islamic religion, early Islam, the Qur'an, Islamic holidays, Shi'ism, Sufism, and marriage and divorce in Islam. Part II of the text discusses the making of the modern Middle East, democracy in the Arab world, Arab media and the Al-Jazeera broadcast network, Muslim women in the Middle East, and political change. Arabic Culture and Society clarifies the connection between religion and the state, giving students a better understanding of the Middle East--past and present. It can be used in Islamic studies courses, as well as classes in humanities and international affairs.