Matthew S. reviewed Hizbu'llah: Politics and Religion (Critical Studies on Islam Series) (Critical Studies on Islam) on + 3 more book reviews
I really liked the author's neutral tone throughout the work. I didn't feel the author was picking sides, but instead trying to lay out the bare, objective facts as they are. This gave the book a greater authority in my opinion. What the reader must understand is that the author is simply relaying Hizbu'llah's ideologies as they themselves see it, so the book is very much from the Hizbu'llah perspective but with a critical look into their beliefs as well. This is an important perspective to have for anyone hoping to fully understand this complex group and where it might be headed in the future.
The book mainly deals with the leadership and other pivotal figures such as Fadlallah. This approach allows readers the chance to see into the minds of the people who not only lead this group but also define its ideology. This is a unique and probing look into the mind of this group which allows the reader to understand where they come from and where they may be headed in the future.
I was very pleased to see the author delve into the concept of velayet faqih. He does a great job discussing this, and while I was surprised that Hizbu'llah does accept this concept, the book does well in explaining the reasons why Hizbu'llah accepts it. After reading this section it made much more sense that this group would accept the idea since they are closely alligned to Iran, but the contradictions inherent in the concept for Shiites and Hizbu'llah is something that has not been fully rationalized.
What was very enlightening was the discussion on democracy and the Islamic state. In some ways I think this group is an important bellwether for the possibility of Islamist groups ability to integrate into a representative form of government. While this group may seek to set up an Islamic utopia, if they continue to do so through democratic means rather than through force I think they could be a possible example for other groups to follow. I only wish the author could do another edition that incorporates the many developments that have occurred since this book was first written.
The main problem I had with this work is that it was mainly a top down approach with very little focus on those on the ground level. This creates a picture of a group that is monolithic and rigid, and while this group is a very disciplined organization, I have serious doubts that this group doesn't have its own rebels who act on their own initiative. In the end the book was bound to have a problem such as this though because it is impossible to encompass fully such a large and complex group as this one is, so I don't take off for what was inevitable. I also don't think it was intentional, but more of a by-product of the approach the author took.
This should not be used as a definitive book for the Hizbu'llah, instead it should be used to further one's understanding as they look at this group from many angles. The author provides a perspective that adds greater depth. I recommend this book.
The book mainly deals with the leadership and other pivotal figures such as Fadlallah. This approach allows readers the chance to see into the minds of the people who not only lead this group but also define its ideology. This is a unique and probing look into the mind of this group which allows the reader to understand where they come from and where they may be headed in the future.
I was very pleased to see the author delve into the concept of velayet faqih. He does a great job discussing this, and while I was surprised that Hizbu'llah does accept this concept, the book does well in explaining the reasons why Hizbu'llah accepts it. After reading this section it made much more sense that this group would accept the idea since they are closely alligned to Iran, but the contradictions inherent in the concept for Shiites and Hizbu'llah is something that has not been fully rationalized.
What was very enlightening was the discussion on democracy and the Islamic state. In some ways I think this group is an important bellwether for the possibility of Islamist groups ability to integrate into a representative form of government. While this group may seek to set up an Islamic utopia, if they continue to do so through democratic means rather than through force I think they could be a possible example for other groups to follow. I only wish the author could do another edition that incorporates the many developments that have occurred since this book was first written.
The main problem I had with this work is that it was mainly a top down approach with very little focus on those on the ground level. This creates a picture of a group that is monolithic and rigid, and while this group is a very disciplined organization, I have serious doubts that this group doesn't have its own rebels who act on their own initiative. In the end the book was bound to have a problem such as this though because it is impossible to encompass fully such a large and complex group as this one is, so I don't take off for what was inevitable. I also don't think it was intentional, but more of a by-product of the approach the author took.
This should not be used as a definitive book for the Hizbu'llah, instead it should be used to further one's understanding as they look at this group from many angles. The author provides a perspective that adds greater depth. I recommend this book.
