Islam and Blackness

‘[A] meticulous apologetic… Brown’s nuanced analysis highlights more egalitarian strands of the faith as well, suggesting that the Quran promotes the equality of all humans before God… Brown’s extensive scholarship on Muslim theological and legal thinkers is remarkable… Deeply researched and carefully reasoned, this is sure to spark spirited debate.’

‘The question Brown seeks to answer is simple, “Is Islam antiblack?” His path to an answer, however, is a complex, meandering one through many historic, cultural, social, political and religious vistas. The result is a sensitive and nuanced distinguishing between lived reality and scriptural ideal… This engaging volume will prove to be a seminal work in this area of inquiry.’

‘A phenomenal book on race and antiblackness in the Islamic tradition. Dr. Brown builds on the long scholarly tradition of documenting the achievements of Black African Muslims in history and skillfully addresses accusations that Islam is an antiblack religion.’

‘Written with awe-inspiring insight, erudition, and elegance, what I find most refreshing about this book is its unfailing honesty and bravery. Jonathan Brown’s treatment of this historically elusive topic is highly nuanced but eminently readable, and, at times, uncomfortably honest. Without a doubt, this is the most authoritative study written to date on the topic of Islam and Blackness.’

‘As expansive in scope as it is accessible, this daring book invites readers to join a highly relevant and hotly contested conversation. Brown asks incisive questions and follows them with erudite, creative, and sometimes provocative answers. Bound to spark debate, Islam & Blackness is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand both premodern conceptions of race and current realities of antiblack racism in a global context.’

Jonathan A.C. Brown is Professor and Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He is the author of Slavery & Islam, Misquoting Muhammad, and Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World, all of which are published by Oneworld. He lives in Virginia.