‘ . . . a thorough and useful introduction to an aspect
of Islamic culture and civilization which has, to date, been largely overlooked
in academic work.’ (Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations)
‘ . . . a thorough and useful introduction to an aspect
of Islamic culture and civilization which has, to date, been largely overlooked
in academic work.’ (Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations)
‘Recommended for scholars, upper-division undergraduate and up, interested in the convergence of religion, popular culture, and technology in the modern world.’ (Choice)
‘ . . . a seminal work on Islam and the internet . . . ’ Egypt Today
‘Though the book under review was a significant work when it was first published in 2000, its importance has increased manifold in the aftermath of the 9/11 catastrophe.’ Star Weekend
‘ . . . a very comprehensive and concrete book about Islam on Internet . . . a pioneering research work.’ (The Statesman Peshewar City-Pakistan)
‘ . . . original and highly fascinating work . . . Clear and accessible, as well as authoritative, this is recommended to students, specialists and non-specialists alike.’ (Dialogue)
Virtually Islamic is a tiny book packed with more information and insight per page than anything that I have encountered on the subject of religion and the Internet. There are many audiences who can benefit from reading this volume, but it is absolutely essential reading for students of religious movements . . . Undergirded by an enormous amount of information about Islam on the Internet, Bunt’s book is ever probing without sensationalising the subject, cautious without eschewing a personal reflection from time to time. Most importantly, his analysis invites an open mind towards the many possible ways in which cyberspace may have an impact on religion.’ Journal of Contemporary Religion
‘ . . . Bunt has done a great service to Islamic Studies via the Internet and will serve as a torchbearer and a guide for further research in this area.' Islam Online
'. . . extensive survey of the way Muslims around the world are using the Internet and the effect this may have on the future of Islam.' (LPS Weekly Newsletter).
‘ . . . a pioneering work in Islamic studies, the first serious work on Islam and the Internet'—Amina Elbendary, Al-Ahram Weekly Online
‘ . . . a valuable guide to things Islam on the Internet, especially to readers pondering technology’s impact on religious identity or the ummah’s urgent social, moral political questions.’ (Asiaweek)
‘Nombreux sont les guides pour internautes, afin de les aider à retrouver leur chemin dans la jungle d'Internet. Et il existe déjà plusieurs volumes pour orienter les "surfeurs" en quête d'informations sur les religions. Si vous ne savez lequel acheter pour entamer vos explorations, celui-ci est certainement un bon choix. Son auteur, Gary Bunt, est un islamologue de l'Université du Pays de Galles, qui s'était entre autres signalé par la publication d'un livre consacré à l'islam sur Internet. Le volume est commode à utiliser (et à garder ouvert à côté du clavier), il est clairement structuré, et la description des sites est précise; les principaux sont en outre évalués par rapport à leur contenu, à la fréquence des mises à jours, à la rapidité de déchargement sur l'écran, etc. Aucun secteur n'est oublié; l'auteur a même pensé à une section "Humour et religion"! Bien entendu, un livre indiquant des sites Internet court le risque d'être périmé à peine paru. Mais les acheteurs ont la possibilité de s'inscrire en ligne pour avoir accès gratuitement aux mises à jour durant toute une année.’ Religioscope.com
This is the first broad-ranging academic survey to explore how Islam and the internet combine and interact.
Information technology is now making a global impact on how Muslims approach and interpret Islam. Given its utilization as a primary source of information, the internet also influences how non-Muslims perceive Islam and matters relating to Muslims. Among the issues addressed are: how multimedia applications are being integrated into websites, enabling surfers to listen to and see ‘sermons’ delivered thousands of miles away and to partake of new opportunities for religious experience; how Muslim organizations are networking globally through the electronic medium, and how that impacts upon understanding of Islam and Muslim identities; how can Muslims and non-Muslims approach the Qu’ran in its digital form; how the internet is used to present diverse dialogues relating to Islam, often reaching wide audiences where other forms of communication are heavily censored.
Gary Bunt is Lecturer in Islamic Studies at University of Wales, Lampeter
See the Virtually Islamic web site at www.virtuallyislamic.com
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