Synopses & Reviews
The Internet is an increasingly important source of information for many people in the Muslim world. Many Muslims in majority and minority contexts rely on the Internet -- including websites and e-mail -- as a primary source of news, information and communication about Islam. As a result, a new media culture is emerging which is having a significant impact on areas of global Muslim consciousness. Post-September 11th, this phenomenon has grown more rapidly than ever.
Gary R. Bunt provides a fascinating account of the issues at stake, identifying two radical new concepts:
Firstly, the emergence of e-jihad ('Electronic Jihad') originating from diverse Muslim perspectives -- this is described in its many forms relating to the different definitions of 'jihad', including on-line activism (ranging from promoting militaristic activities to hacking, to co-ordinating peaceful protests) and Muslim expression post 9/11.
Secondly, he discusses religious authority on the Internet -- including the concept of on-line fatwas and their influence in diverse settings, and the complexities of conflicting notions of religious authority.
Synopsis
'A fascinating exploration of religion and technology as manifested in cyberspace.' --Professor Carl Ernst, University of North Carolina
Synopsis
The book explores what characterises a â€good life’ and how this idea has been affected by globalisation and neoliberalism.
About the Author
Gary R. Bunt is a lecturer in the Department of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies, University of Wales, Lampeter, United Kingdom. He has published two related books: Virtually Islamic: Computer-mediated Communication and Cyber Islamic Environments (Cardiff, University of Wales Press, 2000 and The Good Web Guide to World Religions (London: The Good Web Guide, 2001).
Table of Contents
Glossary
1 Introduction
2 'The Digital Sword'? and Defining 'E-Jihad'
3 Hacktivism, Hacking and Cracking in the Name of Islam
4 Cyber Islamic Reactions to 9-11: Mujahideen in Cyberspace
5 Cyber Islamic Reactions to 9-11: The ‘Inter-fada and Global E-jihad
6 Cyber-Islamic reactions to 9-11: Jihad for Peace
7 Islamic Decision Making and Advice Online
8 Sunni Religious Authority on the Internet I: Muslim Majority Contexts
9 Sunni Religious Authority on the Internet II: Muslim Minority Contexts
10 The Online Mujtahid: Islamic Diversity And Authority Online
11 Islam in the Digital Age
12 Bibliography
Index