The Influence of Animism on Islam: An Account of Popular Superstitions

by Samuel Marinus Zwemer

Publisher:

Macmillan Co.

, 1920

Overview

A well-balanced study of superstition and spiritism in Islam, Zwemer shows how Islam sprang from pagan soil and, despite its vigorous monotheism, retained many of its old Arabian beliefs. Originally a series of lectures delivered at Hartford Seminary and at Princeton Theological Seminary, Zwemer revised the lectures for publication.

Nicknamed the “Apostle to Islam,” for nearly 40 years Samuel M. Zwemer lived and worked in the Middle East, preaching the Gospel of Jesus and training hundreds of missionaries. Founder and editor of The Moslem World, Zwemer—familiar with the land, language, and people of Islam—provided a window into a growing religion and culture that few Westerners knew. Zwemer’s legacy as one of the finest Christian scholars of Islam is still recognized today.

In the Logos edition, all Scripture passages in Arabia: The Cradle of Islam are tagged and appear on mouse-over. What’s more, Scripture references are linked to the wealth of language resources in your Logos library. If you own the English and Arabic Qur’an, you can follow along with Zwemer in his analysis of Islamic doctrine and his studies comparing Islam to Christianity. This makes these texts more powerful and easier to access than ever before for scholarly work or personal Bible study.

Key Features

• Explores how Islam began
• Examines how Islam retained many of its old Arabian beliefs
• Contains a series of revised lectures

Contents

• Islam and Animism
• Animism in the Creed and the Use of the Rosary
• Animistic Elements in Moslem Prayer
• Hair, Fingernails, and the Hand
• The ’Aqiqa Sacrifice
• The Familiar Spirit or Qarina
• Jinn
• Pagan Practice in Connection with the Pilgrimage
• Magic and Sorcery
• Amulets, Charms, and Knots
• Tree, Stone, and Serpent Worship
• The Zar: Exorcism of Demons

Praise for the Print Edition

An epoch-making book and bound to make a stir in circles of religious thought.

—Christian Intelligencer

Product Details

• Title: The Influence of Animism on Islam: An Account of Popular Superstitions
• Author: Samuel M. Zwemer
• Publisher: The Macmillan Company
• Publication Date: 1920
• Pages: 246

About Samuel Marinus Zwemer

Samuel Marinus Zwemer (1867–1952) was born in Vriesland, Michigan and educated at Hope College, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Muskingham College, and Rutgers College. Zwemer served as a missionary in the Middle East from 1891–1929 where he earned his nickname “The Apostle to Islam.” In 1929, he was appointed professor of missions and professor of the history of religion at Princeton Theological Seminary. He retired from Princeton College Seminary at the age of 70.

Zwemer was the founder and edited The Moslem World for 35 years and the author of dozens of books, articles, essays, and periodicals—mostly revolving around missionary work and Islam.