Mappila Muslims of Kerala, The: A Study in Islamic Trends (2nd Edn.)

This book is a study of the Mappila Muslims living in the coastal area of southwest India, who could safely be referred to as the ?unknown Muslims?. Not only have they been neglected by the academic world and their neighbours?the Christians and the Hindus, but in a very real sense the Mappilas are yet to discover themselves. They have just begun to critically evaluate their relationship with the society around them, and to consider rethinking traditional Islamic tenets in terms of the contemporary situation. The confusion of the determined Mappila effort to become a progressive community and at the same time to remain true to orthodox Islam has made it difficult for observers to visualise the Mappilas and their condition. To make the Mappilas known, in terms of their significance as a changing Muslim community, is the goal of this presentation. A great deal of the historical, cultural and theological research documented in this volume attempts to stimulate the disciplined study of the entire Mappila heritage.