This book is presented in two parts, consisting of a total of twenty-three chapters. Part One occupies seven chapters, which begin with a conceptual analysis of wasaṭiyyah, its meaning, definition, scope, and manifestations. This is followed by a review of the source evidence in the Qur’an and hadith, and then a round-up of modern opinion on wasaṭiyyah. The hallmarks of wasaṭiyyah and those of extremism, identification of wasaṭiyyah, its manifestations, and institutional developments on wasaṭiyyah are also discussed under Part One. Part Two looks into the various manifestations of wasaÏiyyah in the context, for instance, of religiosity, moderation and justice, environmental degradation, and financial crises the world has experienced in recent years. Other chapters that follow address subjects such as moderation in jihÉd, the moderating role of disagreement (ikhtilÉf), how wasaÏiyyah can be manifested with regard to women’s rights, the moderating influence of Sufism, wasaÏiyyah and globalization, and moderation in personal character and lifestyle. Two other chapters that appear toward the end bear the titles respectively of “Islam Between Antiquity and the Modern World” and “Reconciling the Concerns of Continuity and Change.” The former looks at Islam’s historical profile, how it played out its role of moderation in its relations with the outside world, whereas the latter looks into the ways Islam can moderate itself from within through the instrumentalities, for instance, of tajdid and islah (renewal and reform), respectively. In almost every chapter, the book explores Islamic principles and doctrines on a number of selected themes that seek to contextualize Islamic teachings with contemporary realities through the lenses of wasaṭiyyah. Part One thus focuses on a conceptual analysis of wasaṭiyyah and its understanding from a perusal of the Islamic text and doctrine, whereas Part Two presents a selected cluster of themes related to wasaṭiyyah and their application to contemporary issues.
Evolution of “Academic Sector” of Soviet Historical Science in 1920s—1960s.
