The Epistle of Salim Ibn Dhakwan: (Oxford Oriental Monographs)

The epistle ascribed to Salim Ibn Dhakwan is a tract against 'wrong' doctrines regarding the classification and treatment of opponents. Written by an Ibadi before AD 800 and taking issue with both Kharijite extremists and Murji'ites, it was brought to the attention of Western Islamicists in the early 1970s by Amr Khalifa Ennami, and is here edited, translated, and discussed in full for the first time. The early centuries of Islamic religious thought have become a dynamic field in the last few years, and there is renewed interest in the attempt to use the early literature of the Muslim sects as windows onto the wider scene of doctrinal discussion in the period before the mainstream tradition becomes plentiful. In addition to making available a new source, this study seeks to open up the Ibadi tradition for future research on early Islamic thought, partly by making heavy use of Ibadi sources in its interpretation of Salim's epistle and by partly by offering systematic information about the Ibadi figures and literary works involved in the appendices and bibliography.

About the Author :
Patricia Crone is Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University. Friedrich Zimmermann is Lecturer in Islamic Philosophy at the University of Oxford.

Review :
This is the first full edition and translation of a work that has caused debate and disagreement ever since its existence was known to scholarship. It provides what must at present be regarded as a definitive text and authoritative English translation. Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations This is a model for textual work, both in its attention to the specifics of the edition, and in its presentation of the wider historical and intellectual context from which the letter emerged. Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations We must thank Crone and Zimmermann for the annotated bibliography of Ibadi sources they provide at the end. It seems doubtful whether anything useful will be done in early Ibadi studies except on its basis. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies A meticulous critical edition of the full text ... a careful, copiously annotated English translation; and a wide-ranging study of the text and its historical background and implications ... the authors are to be commended for having made this important early Islamic text available in an exemplary critical edition and translation, and for having laid the foundation for a fruitful discussion of its contents. Journal of Islamic Studies