Discover “The ‘Negro’ in Arab-Muslim Consciousness” – Second Edition by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
Dive deep into the intricate dynamics of race and cultural perceptions within pre-modern Arab-Muslim societies with the groundbreaking second edition of “The ‘Negro’ in Arab-Muslim Consciousness” by renowned scholar Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali. This pivotal work expands upon the author’s pioneering analysis, offering readers a nuanced understanding of how race was conceptualized and articulated in historical Arab-Muslim texts.
Key Features:
-
In-Depth Analysis of Racial Terminology: Explore the usage of the term “Negro” (Zanj) and how early Arab historians, theologians, and jurists distinguished between African groups such as Moors, Nubians, Ethiopians, Kushites, and Negroes. Understand the geographic and cultural hierarchies that underpinned these distinctions.
-
Influential Thinkers Explored: Gain insights from prominent scholars like Al-Mas’udi and Ibn Khaldun, whose climatic theories addressed the perceived urbanization and industriousness in Zanj-inhabited regions.
-
Maliki Legal Perspectives: Examine Maliki legal discussions on marital rights, highlighting how beauty standards influenced legal rulings concerning ‘Black’ women versus Arab women.
-
Enhanced Readability and Content: This second edition improves accessibility by converting endnotes to footnotes, refining language to American English, and expanding the appendix on the Maliki School and Race into a comprehensive chapter.
Why Read This Book?
Dr. Ali’s thorough investigation of historical texts challenges contemporary notions of race and cultural superiority. By reassessing modern ideas through the lens of pre-modern Arab-Muslim consciousness, this book offers a fresh perspective on race, social inclusion, and legal norms both in historical and present contexts.
Perfect For:
- Scholars and students of Islamic history and racial studies
- Individuals interested in the intersection of race and religion
- Readers seeking to understand historical perspectives on race and cultural hierarchy
Get Your Copy Today!
This work is available worldwide on Amazon! Click below order the book in your country.
Listen to Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali’s brief explanation of why he wrote this book.
In this detailed video, Dr. Abdullah looks at the historical relationship and meanings of the the word ‘Zanj’ and it’s translation as ‘Negro’.
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali
He holds a Ph.D. in Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion (2016) and an M.A. in Ethics and Social Theory (2012) from the Graduate Theological Union. He obtained his B.A. (ijaza ‘ulya) in Islamic Law 
(Shariah) from the prestigious Al-Qarawiyin University of Fes, Morocco in 2001. He served as full time Islamic chaplain at the State Correctional Institute of Chester, PA from 2002-2007, and is the founding director of the Lamppost Education Initiative. He currently serves as a assistant professor of Islamic law and Prophetic Tradition at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California His research interests include the interconnection between law and identity formation, comparative Islamic law, and Islam’s role in the modern world.
Click HERE to see more articles, videos, and more from Dr. Abdullah Ali
