LEGACY OF ISLAM

Being universal and cosmopolitan in nature Islam since its very inception had profound impact on various civilizations and cultures with which it came into contact and in turn assimilated desirable traits rejecting their undesirable features while meticulously preserving its own distinct identity and character. In this process, that extended over different lands and varied cultural milieu, Islam not only raised its own distinct cultural edifice but also metamorphosed the cultural systems of these lands into Islamic ones in the classical period of its ascendance.

However, Islamic Civilization and culture was misunderstood, misinterpreted and even distorted deliberately or otherwise by hostile scholarly and politico-cultural frays for reasons best represented by jealousy, hatred and rancor against the irresistible logical supremacy of its arguments sustaining the elegant and humane Islamic culture. Thanks to its essential validity and bewitching appeal to humanity, Islam has survived the calculated and persistent onslaught and preserved its basic identity and character. Its relevance to modern time is immense, although it stands in urgent need of retrieval from distortion and mis-representation through concerted efforts to return to its original sources. For a fresh materialization of Islamic values in the modern context of Muslim societies and its representation to the world at large a correct understanding and proper interpretation of the source of Islamic culture is necessary. Moreover, the need to re-interpret Islamic values and teachings to meet the emergent challenges of present day world also necessitates the accessibility of such a material.

The main aim of this project is to prepare an annotated bibliography of prominent classical works on Islamic principles and sciences that prospered under its direct impact. Such a collection may be ready-at-hand reference material for all those interested in original Islamic sources for research or other pragmatic purpose.