This book is a study of the contribution of Isaac Barrow (1630-1677), Master of Trinity College (Cambridge), to Western perceptions of Islam in the 17th century. In particular, it provides a translation and study of Barrow's Latin essay on Islam (written in Constantinople), a Sermon on Islam and several other works that set out an embryonic theory of religion. Arguably, Barrow’s writing on Islam is the first by a mainstream English scholar to move away from total hostility toward an empathetic approach that contemplated the possibility of salvation for Muslims. His work contributes to contemporary dilemmas and challenges on the nature of religion.
Table of Contents (v)
Acknowledgments (vii)
Introduction. Barrow on Islam as Pioneering Christian Empathy (1)
Chapter 1. Life of Isaac Barrow (5)
Chapter 2. Description of his Work on Islam (11)
Chapter 3. Annotated Translation of Epitome Fidei et religiones Turcicæ, A Muhameto Kureischita Arabum Propheta, Prius in Arabia Deserta, Postea a Successoribus per totum penè Orientem diffusae (25)
Brief Description of the Turkish Faith and Religion, Spread First in Central Arabia, by Muhammed Qureishi, the Prophet of the Arabs, and Later by His Successors Throughout Almost the Entire East (26)
Chapter 4. Significance of Barrow’s Legacy (63)
Chapter 5. Extracts from “Of the impiety and imposture of paganism and Mahometanism” and from “Exposition of the Creed” (67)
From “Exposition of the Creed” (72)
References (75)
