A New Publication – The Muslim Problem: From the British Empire to Islamophobia
The Muslim Problem: From the British Empire to Islamophobia
Ismail Adam Patel
Visiting Research Fellow at University of Leeds and the Chair of UK based NGO Friends of Al-Aqsa
Topics Discussed:
Islamophobia, Britishness, Muslimness, Identity Formation, Critical Muslim Studies, Anti-Islamophobia Approaches, British imperial identity, Post-colonial British crisis.
About the Book:
This book explains the increasing incidences and normalisation of Islamophobia, by analysing the role of signifiers of free speech, censorship, and fatwa during the Satanic Verses affair in problematising the figure of the Muslim. Ismail Patel develops the notion of Islamophobia not as a continuation of the antagonistic relation from the British Empire but as a postcolonial reformulation of the figure of the Muslim.
The book views Islamophobia studies as a paradigm, engages in the debate of Islamophobia asa global phenomenon, investigates the contestation over its definition and challenges the view of Islamophobia as a reserve of the far-right. It assesses the debate around the concept of identity and shows how the colonised figure of the Muslim provided significance in constructing British imperial identity. The book provides a decolonial, counter-Islamophobia approach that challenges Britishness’s exclusionary white symbolic content. It calls for a liberating idea of Britishness that promotes a post-racist rather than a post-race society.
Theoretically rich in analysis, this book will contribute to discussions of identity formation, Britishness, Islamophobia and counter-Islamophobia. It will be helpful to students and researchers across history, politics, sociology, cultural studies, literary studies, and anthropology.
“This book is a notable work of scholarship which approaches one of the most misunderstood subjects of our time with learning, compassion and wisdom.”-Peter Oborne. An award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster.
“A new voice in Critical Muslim Studies… An impressive book which is both passionate and persuasive in arguing for a paradigm shift in our understanding [of Islamophobia].”–Ian Law. Emeritus Professor, University of Leeds and Research Professor, Södertörn University.
“This is an outstanding and thought-provoking book that provides a critical investigation into the contours of British Muslim identity.… This book is a much needed intervention that delivers an innovative and refreshing approach on questions concerning Muslimness, Britishness and racism.”–Dr Katy P. Sian. Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of York.
Huma’s Travel Guide to Palestine
The land of Palestine is steeped in history, religious traditions and the sacrifice of its people.
From Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, to Jerusalem, one of the most holy, Palestine offers every visitor a glance into the amazing expanse of human existence that has flourished on these lands.
Although any trip to Palestine is likely to be marred by the occupation, it also promises adventure and a trip not to be forgotten.
The hospitality of the Palestinian people, their culture and traditions, and their innate friendly nature makes every trip one to treasure.
Join us on this remarkable journey through the rich tapestry of history and civilization in Huma’s Travel Guide to Plaestine.
To purchase a copy, please click below
Madina to Jerusalem
Madina to Jerusalem: Encounters with the Byzantine Empire traces one of the most energetic and dynamic episodes in the history of Islam, that follows immediately after the passing away of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It charts the course of Muslim history from 8-15 AH/629-637 CE when the great expansion into al-Sham (Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon) took place.
This book attempts not only to recount the military battles that led to the Muslims liberating Jerusalem from the Byzantines but also to understand the reasons why the Byzantine confederates of al-Sham abandoned their former masters for Islam.
Ismail Patel attempts to address the Islamic expansion from a wider perspective with both the Muslim and non-Muslim readers in mind. It will hopefully assist the non-Muslims to shake off the prejudices created by the Orientalists and help Muslims to have a better understanding of how the first generation of Muslims challenged the superpower of the time.
To purchase this book, please click below