Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: Religious Studies and the Academic Study of Islam Part I. Origins 1. Setting the Stage: Pre-Islamic Arabia 2. The Making of the Last Prophet 3. The Quran: The Base Narrative Part II. Identity Formations 4. Islam Beyond the Arabian Peninsula: A Historical Overview 5. Early Sectarianism and the Formation of Shi'ism 6. Legal Developments and the Rise of Sunni Islam 7. Sufism Part III. Beliefs and Practices 8. Constituting Identities: Beliefs and Schools 9. The Performance of Muslim Identities Part IV. Modern Variations 10. Encounters with Modernity 11. Constructing Muslim Women 12. Islam Post-September 11 Glossary Index

[A] truly extraordinary book... the very best introduction currently available in English for non-Muslims seeking a sound approach to Islam. -- Murad Wilfried Hofmann Journal of Islamic Studies Muslim Identities is a welcome addition to the list of introductory books on Islamic religion. -- Christine D. Baker H-Mideast-Medieval An excellent corrective to many other introductions... Hughes's text has much to recommend it for introductory classes on Islam at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. And it is certain to lead to much productive conversation and debate among scholars of Islamic Studies about the future of the field itself. -- Khurram Hussain Religion

A welcome addition to religious studies classes. -- Nerina Rustomji, author of The Garden and the Fire: Heaven and Hell in Islamic Culture Hughes masterfully avoids the simplistic, monolithic, and normative Islamic identities advocated by various traditionalist, liberal, and Islamist Muslims as well as non-Muslims who seek to disparage most Muslims as enemies of the West. His book is neither an apology for nor a critique of Islam. It is an ideal introduction for those who prefer not to be told what Islam should be yet seek to understand the complex and differing ways Islam has been and is understood by Muslims. -- Herbert Berg, University of North Carolina Wilmington Hughes's engaging, thorough descriptions of Muslim history, thought, and practice convey a deep appreciation of Muslim self-understanding, balanced with careful scrutiny of historical sources and scholarly methods. Sophisticated yet accessible, this book respects its readers' intelligence as it explores the startling diversity of Islam and the complex and varied motivations, contestations, and experiences that have shaped Muslim lives. This may be the best available introductory text on the topic in helping readers see how their own expectations and perspectives color their understanding of Islam and Muslims. Hughes treats Islam as worthy of a mature conversation about the dynamic nature of religion and its multifaceted role in forming histories and identities. -- Paul R. Powers, Lewis and Clark College