Dawn of Renewal:

The Strategic Path to Unity and Justice

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References and Further Reading

Having journeyed through the chapters, appendices, and glossary of Dawn of Renewal: A Strategic Path to Unity and Justice, you now hold a comprehensive framework for spiritual reflection, community organization, and global collaboration. If you wish to deepen your understanding of the themes and sources referenced in the text—or explore related topics—this references section will serve as a guide. Below, you’ll find key classical and contemporary works that shed light on Islamic thought, history, governance, social justice, and modern challenges. Some of these works were mentioned in earlier chapters or appendices; others offer broader insight to complement your study and involvement in the World Islam Expo (WIE).

 

1. Quranic Exegesis and Hadith

  1. Ibn Kathir, Isma‘il. Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged). Riyadh: Darussalam, 2000.
    • A renowned classical commentary that provides historical context and narrations explaining various Quranic verses.
  2. As-Sa‘di, Abdur-Rahman. Tafsir As-Sa‘di. Houston: Dar-us-Salam, 2019.
    • A concise, accessible tafsir that focuses on direct meanings and practical implications of the Quranic text.
  3. Nawawi, Imam. Riyadh as-Salihin. Beirut: Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyyah, various editions.
    • A beloved collection of hadith organized by themes of moral and spiritual development, frequently cited in study circles and community lessons.
  4. Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Isma‘il. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Medina: Various printings.
    • One of the six major hadith compilations, regarded as the most authentic collection of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  5. Muslim, Abu al-Husayn. Sahih Muslim. Medina: Various printings.
    • A core hadith collection complementary to Sahih Al-Bukhari, also considered highly authentic and influential in Islamic scholarship.

 

2. Islamic History and Civilization

  1. Hodgson, Marshall G. S. The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974.
    • A three-volume masterpiece examining the depth and breadth of Islamic civilization over centuries.
  2. Alkhateeb, Firas. Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilisation from the Past. London: Hurst Publishers, 2014.
    • An engaging overview of the rise, fall, and revival of various Islamic dynasties and cultural achievements.
  3. Ahmed, Leila. Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.
    • Explores the evolving roles of women in Islamic societies, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting diverse historical precedents.
  4. Lapidus, Ira M. A History of Islamic Societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
    • A sweeping study of social and political contexts that shaped Muslim-majority regions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

 

3. Islamic Thought, Law, and Spirituality

  1. Kamali, Mohammad Hashim. Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence. Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society, 2003.
    • Offers an in-depth exploration of usul al-fiqh (the methodology of deriving Islamic law), illuminating how scholars interpret primary sources.
  2. Yusuf, Hamza (translator). Purification of the Heart by Imam al-Mawlud. Starlatch Press, 2004.
    • A spiritual treatise detailing common moral ailments—arrogance, envy, greed—and offering remedies rooted in the Quran and Sunnah.
  3. Beekun, Rafik I. Leadership: An Islamic Perspective. Beltsville: Amana Publications, 1999.
    • Merges modern leadership theory with classical Islamic principles, emphasizing integrity, justice, and service.
  4. Qaradawi, Yusuf. The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam. Indianapolis: American Trust Publications, 1999.
    • Addresses practical daily concerns—food, clothing, finance, relationships—within a framework of mainstream Islamic jurisprudence.

 

4. Governance, Social Justice, and Economic Frameworks

  1. Chapra, M. Umer. Islam and the Economic Challenge. Herndon: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 1992.
    • Examines how Islamic financial principles can address contemporary issues like poverty, wealth disparity, and economic stability.
  2. Esposito, John L., and Voll, John O. Islam and Democracy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
    • Investigates Muslim-majority nations grappling with governance models, highlighting the tension between religious norms and political reforms.
  3. Ramadan, Tariq. Islam and the Arab Awakening. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
    • Reflects on the political upheavals of the Arab Spring, discussing how Islamic values and democratic aspirations can converge (or conflict).
  4. Zaman, Asad. Islamic Economics: A Survey of the Literature. Islamabad: International Institute of Islamic Economics, 1996.
    • Provides a critical overview of scholarship on Islamic economics, shedding light on its theoretical foundations and practical applications.

 

5. Contemporary Challenges and Renewal

  1. Williams, John Alden. The Word of Islam. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1994.
    • Designed for both Muslims and non-Muslims seeking an inclusive perspective on central doctrines and ethical teachings.
  2. Hassan, Mona. Longing for the Lost Caliphate. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2017.
    • Explores how Muslims have historically responded to political fragmentation, offering insights into unity-building in modern contexts.
  3. Lewis, Bernard. What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.
    • Though occasionally controversial, it provides an entry point for discussions about the Islamic world’s historical engagements with Western modernity.
  4. El Fadl, Khaled Abou. Reasoning with God: Reclaiming Shari‘ah in the Modern Age. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014.
    • Advocates for a reinvigorated Sharia discourse that balances tradition and ijtihad to address 21st-century moral dilemmas.

 

6. Community Organization and Activism

  1. Allen, Judy. Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide. Mississauga: Wiley, 2000.
    • Basic frameworks for organizing large-scale gatherings, applicable to WIE chapters hosting expos or conferences.
  2. Block, Peter. Community: The Structure of Belonging. Oakland: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2009.
    • Guides readers on how to cultivate authentic community engagement and shared ownership of projects.
  3. Green, Mike. When People Care Enough to Act: Asset-Based Community Development. Toronto: Inclusion Press, 2006.
    • Demonstrates how communities can leverage local strengths and leadership to drive collective transformation.
  4. Kretzmann, John P., and McKnight, John L. Building Communities from the Inside Out. Chicago: ACTA Publications, 1993.
    • Encourages an asset-based approach to community development, relevant for WIE local chapters seeking positive, grass-roots impact.

 

7. Interfaith Relations and Pluralism

  1. Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
    • Offers a profound meditation on Islam’s ethical worldview, highlighting compassion and social responsibility.
  2. Armstrong, Karen. A History of God. New York: Ballantine Books, 1993.
    • Examines the shared monotheistic heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, fostering common ground for dialogue.
  3. Esack, Farid. Quran, Liberation and Pluralism. Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 1997.
    • Insightful commentary on how the Quran addresses questions of religious diversity and social justice.

 

8. Technology, Media, and the Ummah

  1. Kassab, Hanna, and Berna Turam (eds.). Information Technology and Control in a Changing World. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2019.
    • Though not specifically Islamic, it illuminates how technology shapes governance and global movements, relevant to WIE’s digital strategies.
  2. Eickelman, Dale F., and Anderson, Jon W. New Media in the Muslim World. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2003.
    • An early exploration of how satellite TV, internet, and social media transformed communication among Muslims.
  3. Zaman, Mahjabeen, et al. Muslim Identity in the Digital Age. Oxford: Routledge, 2021.
    • A collection of case studies on how Muslim communities adapt religious and cultural practices in digital spheres.

 

Closing Note

These references merely scratch the surface of the profound body of work available to those aspiring for knowledge and action in service of the ummah. As you navigate them, maintain the same spirit of curiosity and unity that underpins the World Islam Expo. Share your findings, challenge yourself and your peers to read broadly, and continually connect theoretical insights with practical service.

Remember: The path of renewal—personally, locally, and globally—flourishes when we nurture a learning culture. Coupled with the frameworks provided in Dawn of Renewal and the communal synergy of the WIE, these scholarly and practical resources can guide us all toward a future in which the principles of Islam shine brightly, benefiting both the Muslim community and the broader society.

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