The Islamic Enlightenment

The Struggle Between Faith and Reason: 1798 to Modern Times

By: Christopher de Bellaigue

Narrated by: Charles Armstrong

This absorbing account of the political and social reformations that transformed the lands of Islam during the 19th and early 20th centuries offers a game-changing assessment of the Middle East. Beginning his account in 1798, de Bellaigue demonstrates how the Middle East has long welcomed modern ideals and practices, including the adoption of modern medicine, the emergence of women from seclusion, and the development of democracy. With trenchant political and historical insight, de Bellaigue further shows how the violence of an infinitesimally small minority is in fact the tragic blowback from that modernization. This revolutionary argument, which completely refutes the misconception that Muslims live in a benighted state of backwardness, reveals the folly of Westerners demanding modernity from their Islamic neighbors.

©2017 Christopher de Bellaigue (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Enlightenment in Moslem countries

Good book, it gives you a glance of Moslem countries struggle toward democracy. This book didn't emphasize on economics aspects of the changes. Just I should add that enlightment hasn't happened in Islam yet, but it is on it's way among Moslem.

Fascinating Text

Good book and the final chapter connects the various historical trends to current events and situations.

fascinating story not told.elsewhere in one place

the book is certainly interesting, and worthwhile. I did occasionally wonder if the authors apparent preference for "progress" didn't lead him to undue sympathy with those who wished to radically. change islamic cultures. I also questioned his apparent application of theories of progress/ reaction. nevertheless I am.glad to have listened to the entire book

Islamist Enlightenment: an unbiased view

Finally a book that is well researched and bifurcates colonialist and self imposed obstacles that the Islamic world has had to and continues to work through.