Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature (Religion and Politics) Paperback – July 21, 2008

This book was published in 2005, well before ISIS established a so-called caliphate in the middle of Syrian and Iraqi territory, so the author's eleventh chapter, "Conclusions" is out-of-date. However, the first ten chapters provide chilling insight into the minds and actions of the rulers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).In June 2014, ISIS published a document in which it claimed to have traced the lineage of its leader al-Baghdadi back to Muhammad, which allowed him to form the new caliphate and claim religious, legal and military authority over all Muslims. Some Sunni Muslims, at least have accepted his claim.If the caliphate were a true state, why are its leaders deliberately provoking the world's most powerful nations to go to war with it? "Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature" provides at least some of the answers to the barbarous, seemingly suicidal acts of this Islamic State: its leaders believe they are operating at the End of Time and Armageddon is just around the corner.According to David Cook, "Islam probably began as an apocalyptic movement, and it has continued to have a strong apocalyptic and messianic character throughout its history, a character that has manifested itself in literature as well as in periodic social explosions." In this book, at least, 'Muslim' refers to 'Sunni Arabic-language Muslim.'The Muslim apocalyptic writers could find little End-of-Days thinking in the Qur'an ("with the exception of the sequence of Qur'an 17:4 - 8") so, according to this author they borrowed heavily from non-Muslim scriptures in the books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and most especially Revelation, also known as 'The Apocalypse of John.' It's very odd, to say in the least, to find Jesus leading his band of faithful Muslim warriors against the anti-Christ at the End of Time."The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," an anti-Semitic forgery purporting to describe a Jewish plan for global domination is another text that is heavily relied upon by the Muslim apocalyptic thinkers. The level of anti-Semitic discourse (ranting would be a more accurate term) in the writings described in this book is very disturbing. The Muslim apocalyptic thinkers take it for granted that a global Jewish hegemony has already subverted the morals of Gentiles, and is controlling the press and the world's economies. (Other 'philosophers' attracted to the 'Protocols' were Adolf Hitler and Henry Ford.)On a lighter note, some of the apocalyptic writers have incorporated texts out of the vast literature of UFOs and Earth-visiting aliens that has sprung up since the beginning of the Atomic Age.In summary, the modern Muslim apocalyptic scenario is a wildly eclectic mix of Christian End-of-Days beliefs, anti-Semitic rantings, with a few references to UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle spiking the brew. "Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature" is an interesting attempt at explaining the Muslim apocalyptic thinkers to an audience that is trying to make sense of ISIS and its so-called caliphate.

I admit that this book had my jaw sitting on my chest many times. I remain grateful to the author for having done the work needed! I have watched the news many times, and been perplexed by the comments put forward by "Radical Muslims". I did not know what to do with the comments that I was exposed to. My own experience has been with muslims who were gentle of nature, and I was quite confused, and perplexed with recent events. This book was helpful to me ! I give this book 5 stars!

not impressed.returned the book

Cook's extraordinary knowledge of his Arabic texts makes this a most invaluable text. Not, perhaps, for the non-specialist, yet readable for all that. His attention to the specific problem of the staggering anti-Israel, anti-Zionist and anti-Jewish hatered that dominates this apocalyptic material, brings to the surface matters that were simply not addressed by earlier writers. Even you are just interested in the inanities of modern apocalyptical, conspiracy theories and wild imaginings about the future (in which Muslims avenge themselves horribly for every perceived slight and insult they have received and for their utter failure to match the West – including Israel – in every imaginable sphere) this is a splendid read with excellent translations from a body of popular texts not known even to most Islamicists like myself in the West.