Challenging Islamic Traditions

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Bernie Power’s stated goal in Challenging Islamic Traditions is to contrast al-Bukhari’s collection of the Hadith—a body of text that details the traditions of Muhammad and the early Islamic community—with the teaching of the Bible as well as norms from other societies. Power asserts that to understand the Qur’an, “the key text of Islam,” it is necessary to understand the Hadith. This sheds light on why Islam has failed to fulfill its claims that it is the ‘answer’ and will “prevail over all other religions.” It also helps the reader grasp the reasons that underlie “Islamic violence, its lack of progress, and the so-called ‘clash of civilizations’ with the West and other countries.” In Section One, Power sifts through challenges to the “whole concept of the Hadith,” including the way in the which the Hadith were assembled, as well as the confusing nature of the connection between the Hadith and the Qur’an. The reader will be able to grasp concerns, including the problem-laden process—spanning a period of approximately two hundred years after Muhammad’s death—of the compilation of the Hadith; and the challenges that the isnad (‘lists of transmitters’) system poses to the “historical reliability of the Hadith.” In Section Two, Power’s objective is to show that while there appear to be commonalities between the Bible and the Hadith, a careful scrutiny reveals that there are differences both in factual material as well as lessons taught. Power elucidates differences ranging from views of God, the life of Jesus and Muhammad, violence and vengeance, views of women, and historical fActs. In Section Three, Powers argues that the Hadith are found ‘wanting’ on numerous points. His discussion on political policies and human rights concerns provides fodder for discussion about whether Islam is viable as a universal religion. Given the obvious differences between Christianity and Islam, in the fourth section Power presents simple, yet effective suggestions for engaging Muslims. Power’s book is easy to read and replete with ‘technical’ information drawn from the Hadith.

Amit A. Bhatia, PhDadjunct professor, Trinity International University; Fellow, Billy Graham Center for Evangelism

This study is certainly original and has implications for Christian theology and mission which are profound, as well as urgent. It will assist theologians, missiologists and missionaries in their work. —BISHOP Michael Nazir-Ali

BISHOP Michael Nazir-Alidirector, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy, and Dialogue

I am impressed by the detailed classification of Bukhari’s Hadith; I am not aware of any parallel analysis, so we do have a significant contribution to the academic study of the traditions. The breadth of the study is commendable.

Peter Cotterell , PhDlecturer, London School of Theology

Bernie Power’s stated goal in Challenging Islamic Traditions is to contrast al-Bukhari’s collection of the Hadith—a body of text that details the traditions of Muhammad and the early Islamic community—with the teaching of the Bible as well as norms from other societies. Power asserts that to understand the Qur’an, “the key text of Islam,” it is necessary to understand the Hadith. This sheds light on why Islam has failed to fulfill its claims that it is the ‘answer’ and will “prevail over all other religions.” It also helps the reader grasp the reasons that underlie “Islamic violence, its lack of progress, and the so-called ‘clash of civilizations’ with the West and other countries.” In Section One, Power sifts through challenges to the “whole concept of the Hadith,” including the way in the which the Hadith were assembled, as well as the confusing nature of the connection between the Hadith and the Qur’an. The reader will be able to grasp concerns, including the problem-laden process—spanning a period of approximately two hundred years after Muhammad’s death—of the compilation of the Hadith; and the challenges that the isnad (‘lists of transmitters’) system poses to the “historical reliability of the Hadith.” In Section Two, Power’s objective is to show that while there appear to be commonalities between the Bible and the Hadith, a careful scrutiny reveals that there are differences both in factual material as well as lessons taught. Power elucidates differences ranging from views of God, the life of Jesus and Muhammad, violence and vengeance, views of women, and historical fActs. In Section Three, Powers argues that the Hadith are found ‘wanting’ on numerous points. His discussion on political policies and human rights concerns provides fodder for discussion about whether Islam is viable as a universal religion. Given the obvious differences between Christianity and Islam, in the fourth section Power presents simple, yet effective suggestions for engaging Muslims. Power’s book is easy to read and replete with ‘technical’ information drawn from the Hadith.

Amit A. Bhatia, PhDadjunct professor, Trinity International University; Fellow, Billy Graham Center for Evangelism

This study is certainly original and has implications for Christian theology and mission which are profound, as well as urgent. It will assist theologians, missiologists and missionaries in their work. —BISHOP Michael Nazir-Ali

BISHOP Michael Nazir-Alidirector, Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy, and Dialogue
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Additional Details

• Pages: 296
• Publisher: William Carey Library
• Binding: Paperback
• Publish Year: 2016
• ISBN: 9780878084890
• Vendor: William Carey Library