Understanding Muslim Discourse: Language, Tradition, and the Message of Bin Laden

Understanding Muslim Discourse provides a well-illustrated account of the major ideas currently in use within the Muslim discourse, and also examines the mechanics whereby Bin Laden's message has become popular, legitimate, and one of the most dominant voices in this discourse. The book, therefore, explores the ways in which Bin Laden's popularity and legitimacy are rooted in his eloquence and ability to manipulate the poetic and religious traditions, as well as the collective memories of Islam, in his attempt to disseminate his own vision of the Muslim faith.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 I. A Socio-semiotic Interpretation of Bin Laden Chapter 4 II. Judging Bin Laden: The Qutb Connection Chapter 5 III. Eavesdropping on Bin Laden: The Qatari of His Age Chapter 6 IV. Bin Laden's Sudan: From Hijrah to Jihad Chapter 7 V. The Echo of Bin Laden Chapter 8 Bibliography Chapter 9 Index

About the Author :
Mbaye Lo completed his post-graduate studies in Arabic language and literature at the International University of Africa (IUA), Khartoum, and at Khartoum International Institute for Arabic Language. He also earned a Ph.D. from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. He has taught and lectured in many universities in the Arab world. His areas of research include socio-linguistics, the sociology of Islam, and theories of civil society. His most notable books are The Intricacy of Power Transfer in Africa (1998; IUA Press), Language and Religious Themes in the African Literature (2 ed. 2001; Arab & African Research Center, Cairo), and Muslims in America: Race, Politics and Community Building (2004; Amana Publications, Maryland). Dr. Lo is an assistant professor of the practice in the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University.

Review :
A new approach to examine and understand the contemporary Islamic discourse. It sets Bin Laden's discourse in the broader political and social context, which explains its popularity in many parts of the Muslim world. Thus, Mbaye Bashir Lo helps us understand the current predicament faced by Muslim societies. The resource that might help explain Bin Laden's world in its complexity and nuance. Rich in insight, and enriched with first-hand knowledge, the book gives us much that we did not know. A clear, but subtle account that makes it a new reading. The product of a pragmatic experience; it is a thoughtful yet careful read. The author has demonstrated a break-through ability to conceptualize, analyze and suggest on the trends of the Muslim discourse. Any reader will indeed benefit from its daring content.