Decisive Moments in the History of Islam
Contents: Preface. Preliminary. 1. The Arab outburst. 2. Religious policy of the Arabs. Decisive moments - I: 3. Arab siege of Constantinople. 4. The pavement of the martyrs. 5. The Muslims masters of the sea. 6. The Muslim invasion of Rome. 7. The idea of the crusades. 8. The Greek fire : its origin and development. 9. De Joinville\'s memoirs on the seventh crusade. Miscellaneous studies - I: 10. Diplomacy in Islam. 11. Slavery in the middle ages : its rules and development in Muslim countries. 12. Chivalry : its history, principles and conventions. Decisive moments - II. 13. The Cid El Campeador and the history of the kingdom of Valencia. 14. The fall of Toledo. 15. The battle of Al-Zallaka. 16. The fall of Granada. 17. Fall of the Moorish civilization and the tragedy of the Moriscoes. 18. Intellectual legacy of Muslim Spain in the escurial. Miscellaneous studies - II: 19. Marco Polo. 20. Ibn Batuta. 21. Some religious legends which directed the course of history. Bibliography. Index.
The original idea of this book is fully represented by its title. It deals with the decisive encounters between the East and West, between Islam and Christendom. This is one of the most important subjects of Islamic history, indeed, perhaps, the most important of all. Besides its abundant and eventful episodes, it throws much light on this eternal struggle between the east and west. The encounter of Islam and Christendom, in the fields of war and peace, was always decisive and had the most far-reaching effects on their destinies.
Islam is commencing to-day a new phase of revival, both political and moral. The strengthening of intellectual and cultural bonds between Muslim nations, the review of the glories of the past and co-operation in throwing light on the common legacy, are valuable elements in this revival. Nothing has hitherto been written on similar lines. (jacket)
The original idea of this book is fully represented by its title. It deals with the decisive encounters between the East and West, between Islam and Christendom. This is one of the most important subjects of Islamic history, indeed, perhaps, the most important of all. Besides its abundant and eventful episodes, it throws much light on this eternal struggle between the east and west. The encounter of Islam and Christendom, in the fields of war and peace, was always decisive and had the most far-reaching effects on their destinies.
Islam is commencing to-day a new phase of revival, both political and moral. The strengthening of intellectual and cultural bonds between Muslim nations, the review of the glories of the past and co-operation in throwing light on the common legacy, are valuable elements in this revival. Nothing has hitherto been written on similar lines. (jacket)
