The Idea of Idolatry and the Emergence of Islam

The Idea of Idolatry and the Emergence of Islam

How did the early Islamic community define itself in relation to idolatry, and what role did the rejection of idol worship play in the formation of Islamic identity?

About the Book

The Idea of Idolatry and the Emergence of Islam by G.R. Hawting is a scholarly study that examines the concept of idolatry (shirk) in the Qur’an and early Islamic discourse. The book challenges traditional interpretations and explores how the rejection of idol worship was central to the emergence and self-definition of the new Muslim community. Hawting analyzes historical and textual evidence to understand how the idea of idolatry helped shape Islamic theology and identity in its formative period.

What You Will Discover

• The Qur’anic critique of idolatry and its central role in early Islam
• How the rejection of idol worship helped define Muslim identity
• Historical and textual analysis of the concept of shirk (associating partners with God)
• The relationship between pre-Islamic Arabian religion and the emergence of Islam
• Different scholarly interpretations of the idea of idolatry in the Qur’an
• The theological and social significance of monotheism in early Islamic society
• A fresh perspective on the formation of Islamic belief and practice

About the Author

G.R. Hawting is a respected scholar of early Islamic history and Qur’anic studies.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is suitable for advanced students and researchers of early Islam, Qur’anic studies, and the history of monotheism.