The Cultural Atlas of Islam is a reference work by Palestinian-American philosopher Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, published posthumously in 1986. Combining a substantial text with maps and illustrations, it surveys Islamic history, regions, arts, and institutions across multiple periods and geographies.[1][2][3]
The book presents text and visual material on Islamic societies’ historical development, regional distribution, and cultural production.[1] The book has been described as "a lavish, visual feast" with a substantial text.[2]
Background
The book was the final collaboration between Isma'il al-Faruqi and his wife, Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, combining his philosophical perspective with her expertise in Islamic art and music. The volume appeared in 1986 as a joint posthumous publication. The authors aimed to provide a comprehensive portrayal of Islamic culture, addressing various aspects of its historical and cultural development.[4]
Contents
The Cultural Atlas of Islam is organized into several key sections:
Introduction
The introduction provides an overview of the Islamic world, its people, and its cultural diversity.[1]
Historical Background
This section offers a detailed chronology of Islamic history from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the modern era.[1]
Geographical Distribution
This part includes maps and descriptions of the regions where Islam is practised, highlighting the diversity within the Muslim world.[1]
Cultural Contributions
In this section, the book explores Islamic art, architecture, literature, music, and science, illustrating the achievements of Muslim civilizations.[4]
Social Structures
This part examines Islamic societies' social, economic, and political aspects, including family structures, education, and governance.[1]
Themes
The central themes focus on the unity and diversity of Islamic culture. The authors emphasize the concept of tawhid (the oneness of God) as a central theme in Islamic art and culture. Other themes include the importance of knowledge, the interconnection between different Islamic regions, and the dynamic nature of Islamic civilization over time.[4]
Reception and criticism
The book received a range of thoughtful reviews, both positive and critical. It was often praised for its ambition and visual richness, capturing the scope of Islamic civilization across time and geography.[5] Some reviewers also saw it as a reflection of the modern Muslim intellectual revival, noting that its comparative treatment of other religions could appear assertive or polemical.[6] Others pointed to structural and stylistic challenges, citing its dense vocabulary, uneven organisation, and limited integration between text and visual elements.[7] Despite these reservations, the work has continued to be recognised as a major contribution to the study of Islamic culture, valued for its scope, visual documentation, and civilizational perspective.[4]
Publication
The Cultural Atlas of Islam was first published in 1986 by Macmillan Publishing Company in New York and by Collier Macmillan in London.[1] A later printing is distributed by Islamic Book Trust in Malaysia, with identical content and format.[8]
↑ Robinson, Francis (1987). "Review of The Cultural Atlas of Islam by Ismail R. al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi". The Journal of Asian Studies. 46 (3). Cambridge University Press: 620–621. doi:10.2307/2056903.
↑ Rafael, Vicente L. (1987). "The Cultural Atlas of Islam. By Isma'il R. al Faruqi and Lois Lamya' al Faruqi. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1986. 512 pp. $100.00". Journal of Church and State. 29 (3): 547–548. doi:10.1093/jcs/29.3.547.
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