# Islamic studies

> study of Islam

**Wikidata**: [Q843909](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q843909)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_studies)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/islamic-studies

## Summary
Islamic studies is the academic discipline focused on the study of Islam, encompassing its history, theology, cultures, languages, and traditions. It is a specialized field within the broader category of oriental studies and includes subdisciplines such as Quranic studies, the science of hadith, and papyrology.

## Key Facts
- Islamic studies is an academic discipline and field of study, often pursued as an academic major.
- It is closely related to oriental studies, which examines Asia and its history, cultures, languages, and peoples.
- Subdisciplines include Quranic studies (the academic study of the Quran) and the science of hadith (the study of the sayings and traditions of Muhammad).
- Notable scholars in the field include Ignaz Goldziher (Hungarian orientalist, 1850–1921), W. Montgomery Watt (Scottish historian, 1909–2006), and Amina Wadud (American Islamic scholar).
- Institutions like the Institute for Early Islamic History and the Koran (founded in 2007, based in Germany) contribute to research in this field.
- The revisionist school of Islamic studies is a significant movement within the discipline.
- Islamic studies intersects with fields like history, sociology, philology, and religious studies.

## FAQs
**What is the scope of Islamic studies?**
Islamic studies covers a wide range of topics, including the history of Islam, Quranic studies, the science of hadith, Islamic theology (such as the Athari school), and the cultural and social aspects of Muslim societies.

**Who are some prominent scholars in Islamic studies?**
Key figures include Ignaz Goldziher, a Hungarian orientalist; W. Montgomery Watt, a Scottish historian; Amina Wadud, an American Islamic scholar; and Josef van Ess, a German Islamic scholar (1934–2021).

**What are the subdisciplines of Islamic studies?**
Major subdisciplines include Quranic studies, the science of hadith, and papyrology (the study of ancient manuscripts). It also overlaps with fields like oriental studies and Middle Eastern studies.

**What is the revisionist school of Islamic studies?**
The revisionist school is a movement within Islamic studies that challenges traditional interpretations and methodologies, often advocating for critical re-examinations of historical and theological sources.

**How does Islamic studies relate to other academic fields?**
It is part of oriental studies and intersects with disciplines such as history, sociology, philology, and religious studies. It also includes specialized areas like the history of Islam and dawah (proselytizing or preaching of Islam).

## Why It Matters
Islamic studies plays a crucial role in understanding one of the world’s major religions and its global impact. It provides insights into Islamic theology, history, and culture, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and academic research. The field helps address contemporary issues related to Islam, such as interfaith relations, political movements, and cultural exchanges. By studying Islam’s textual traditions (Quran, hadith) and historical developments, scholars contribute to broader discussions on religion, society, and global history.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized academic discipline with a focus on Islam’s theological, historical, and cultural dimensions.
- Including subfields like Quranic studies and the science of hadith, which are central to Islamic scholarship.
- Producing influential scholars such as Ignaz Goldziher, W. Montgomery Watt, and Amina Wadud.
- Hosting movements like the revisionist school, which challenges traditional interpretations.
- Intersecting with oriental studies and other humanities disciplines, making it a multidisciplinary field.

## Body

### Definition and Scope
Islamic studies is the academic discipline dedicated to the study of Islam, encompassing its religious texts, history, theology, law, and cultural expressions. It is both a field of study and an academic major, often situated within departments of religious studies, Middle Eastern studies, or oriental studies. The discipline examines Islam’s foundational texts, including the Quran and hadith (sayings and traditions of Muhammad), as well as its historical development and contemporary manifestations.

### Related Disciplines and Subfields
Islamic studies is part of the broader field of **oriental studies**, which focuses on Asia’s history, cultures, and languages. Key subdisciplines include:
- **Quranic studies**: The academic analysis of the Quran, its interpretation, and its historical context.
- **Science of hadith**: The study of the sayings and traditions attributed to Muhammad, including their authentication and transmission.
- **History of Islam**: The examination of Islam’s development from its origins to the present day.
- **Papyrology**: The study of ancient manuscripts, including early Islamic texts.

### Notable Scholars
The field has been shaped by numerous scholars, including:
- **Ignaz Goldziher** (1850–1921): A Hungarian orientalist and scholar of Islamic law and hadith.
- **W. Montgomery Watt** (1909–2006): A Scottish historian known for his works on early Islam and Muhammad.
- **Amina Wadud** (American Islamic scholar): Known for her contributions to Quranic interpretation and Islamic feminism.
- **Josef van Ess** (1934–2021): A German scholar specializing in Islamic theology and philosophy.
- **Francesco Gabrieli** (1904–1996): An Italian Arabist and historian of Islamic civilization.
- **Louis Massignon** (1883–1962): A French scholar of Islamic mysticism and history.

### Institutions and Movements
- **Institute for Early Islamic History and the Koran**: Founded in 2007 in Germany, this institution focuses on research into the early history of Islam and the Quran.
- **Revisionist school of Islamic studies**: A movement that critiques traditional methodologies and interpretations, often advocating for new approaches to Islamic history and texts.

### Interdisciplinary Connections
Islamic studies intersects with multiple academic fields, including:
- **History**: Examining the political, social, and cultural history of Muslim societies.
- **Sociology**: Studying Muslim communities and their interactions with broader societies.
- **Philology**: Analyzing Islamic texts and languages, such as Arabic and Persian.
- **Religious studies**: Comparing Islam with other religious traditions and exploring its theological dimensions.

### Cultural and Global Impact
Islamic studies contributes to global understanding by providing insights into Islam’s role in world history, politics, and culture. It helps bridge gaps between different cultural and religious traditions, fostering dialogue and academic collaboration. The field also addresses contemporary issues, such as Islamic reform movements, interfaith relations, and the representation of Islam in media and politics.

### Key Themes and Debates
- **Textual criticism**: Scholars debate the authenticity and interpretation of Islamic texts, including the Quran and hadith.
- **Historical methodology**: The revisionist school challenges traditional narratives, advocating for critical re-examinations of early Islamic history.
- **Gender and Islam**: Scholars like Amina Wadud explore feminist interpretations of Islamic texts and women’s roles in Muslim societies.
- **Islam and modernity**: The field examines how Islamic traditions interact with contemporary global challenges, such as secularism and human rights.

This structured knowledge entry provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic studies, covering its definition, key figures, institutions, and interdisciplinary connections.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=9883)
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6. OpenAlex
7. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
8. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1297.02008?OpenDocument)
9. FactGrid
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
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12. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)
13. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)