Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Martyrs in religion; 2. Martyrdom in the genesis of Islam; 3. Legal definitions, boundaries and rewards of the martyr; 4. Sectarian Islam: Sunni, Shi`ite and Sufi martyrdom; 5. Martyrs: warriors and missionaries in Medieval Islam; 6. Martyrs of love and epic heroes; 7. Patterns of prognostication, narrative and expiation; 8. Martyrdom in contemporary radical Islam; 9. Conclusions; Glossary; Chronology; Appendices; Bibliography.

Promotional Information

A fascinating history of the role of martyrdom in the Muslim faith.

About the Author

David Cook is Assistant Professor in Religious Studies at Rice University. His publications include Studies in Muslim Apocalyptic (2002), Understanding Jihad (2005), and Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature (2005).

Reviews

'This is a lucid, well-researched book which addresses an issue of pressing interest and relevance to everyone on this planet at the present time. The book is admirably comprehensive, and being a scholarly work, does not fall into the trap of regarding the subject as a monolith.' The Muslim World Book Review