Gary R. Bunt: Islamic Studies Resources on the Internet
This is a non-hierarchical listing of recommended sites about Islam which is regularly updated. If you are looking for something specific on this site, try a keyword search [CTRL+F] or try the Virtually Islamic search-engine. Pathways has been online since 1996, and contains 100+ links to resources useful for Islamic Studies (academic and other). This listing is now integrated with the Virtually Islamic site, which also contains a variety of listings and resources, together with details of my books. Your comments are welcomed, as are suggestions for future editions. Whilst every effort is made to keep this listing up-to-date, changes frequently occur to websites. Readers encounting persistent Error messages on any site listed below, or hacked pages, are requested to contact me in order that this listing can be adjusted. Inclusion of an external website's URL on this listing does not imply endorsement of its contents (see Disclaimer).
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Virtually Islamic search-engine.
Arabic-English/English-Arabic translation from Ajeeb.com (registration required)
Babel Fish Multilingual Translation
RADIO AL-ISLAM iiiii
A comprehensive selection of Qur'an recitals, from the IslamiCity site. Requires RealPlayer.
THE FOUNDATION OF HARF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Verdana;color:black'>iiiii
Well produced, extensive commerical site including Qur'an-ic recitation, a Hadith Encyclopedia, and an Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence - together with other material. The Qur'an pages contain commentaries, and Java script - making this a user-friendly interface. The material is available in Arabic, English, French, Turkish, and Malay. Requires Real Audio. Sound quality is good, and there is a choice of recitors. Probably the best Qur'an source available online...
SHAIKH ABDULRAHMAN AL-SUDAY iiii
Lengthy download time, for this high sound-quality complete Qur'an recitation site. Requires RealPlayer.
QUR'AN RECITATION: SH. HUTHAYFI ii
Produced by the Islamic Audio Studios, portions of the Qur'an are recited by Sheikh Huthayfi. This site requires a RealPlayer. English language content also available.
This is maintained by the Islamic Bookstore, and offers some good samples of its recitation catalogue. Recitors, including Saad al Ghamdi and Muhammad Siddiq al-Minshawi, provide high quality recordings.
QUR'AN BROWSER iiii
There are several methods of searching the Qur'an electronically. This is one of the best: Richard L. Goerwitz of Brown University Scholarly Technology Group designed this search interface, allowing different versions of the Qur'an to be browsed on the basis of specific words and surah titles.
THE NOBLE QURAN iiii
Produced by SalafiPublications.com, this offers a number of searchable options through the translation of the Qur'an (verse number or title), and commentaries (Ibn Katheer, Tabari, Qurtubi). Note that to utilise the full range of online services, registration is required.
THE MOSQUE OF THE INTERNET iiii
Extensive resources associated with the At-Tariqah As-Sammaniyyah Order, including links to the Qur'an in Arabic and Urdu.
'HOLY QUR'AN RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET' iiii
Links into the many web resources on the Qur'an, such as translations and a page of an early Qur'an manuscript.
CYBERSALAT iiii
A multi-media prayer simulation, including audio files, providing Arabic and English text. This needs to be 'unzipped' (using WinZip or similar) to function, but is well worth the effort if you've got the space (9 megabytes) on your computer hard disk.
This is an innovative and useful online resource for studying the Qur'an, which is easy-to-navigate, offering colour coded text to highlight specific aspects of Islam as 'a way of life' and approaches towards Shari'ah. Although designed for educators and academics, the site should appeal to readers seeking a user-friendly approach to the Qur'an. The first 9 surahs (sufficient for an introductory study) are online; a CD-Rom of the complete text is also available.
AL MUHADDITH ISLAMIC LIBRARY iii
Arabic, Indonesian and English downloadable resources - regularly updated - including Qur'an translations and prayer-time calculators. Make sure you've got plenty of disk-space ...
ISLAM ONLINE iiiii
A substantial, regularly updated resource, with interesting features and articles. The Live Fatwa and Cyber Counsellor sections discuss important contemporary issues. Services include a date converter, calendar, and e-cards. This site merits regular visits.
ISLAMICITY iiiii
One of the most comprehensive Islam-related sites on the Internet, well-managed, and worthy of several visits. This site can take a long-time to download, and can be 'overwhelming' in terms of its depth of content and links.
THE LIFE OF THE LAST PROPHET iiii
Based on Sira sources, Yusuf Islam's audio production of Muhammad's life - containing recitations, sound effects and music - provides an interesting introduction to the subject. Scroll down the page to locate the file. Requires RealPlayer (download available below).
There is plenty of information and resources for download here, including Qur'ans, Arabic browsers and greetings cards.
Some useful material here, although some of the links were broken when I looked the site over. Documentation includes details on the 'Crusades', legal sources, and historical maps.
ISLAM FOR TODAY iiiii
Islam for Today features a section on Ground Zero,, information about women in Afghanistan, and a 'starter' set of Islamic Studies resources. A useful resource, which is regularly updated.
MUSLIM STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION iiii
U.S.-based, information-rich site. Check out the Calligraphy and Image Archives. Fascinating choice of routes to Islamic primary sources (Qur'an, Hadith, etc.), as well as Tafsir commentaries.
American-based site, containing position papers on 'honour killing', female genital mutilation, and gender equality in Islam. Also regularly updated news.
MUSLIMS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE iii
This is a webring, seeking support from other websites against domestic violence.
Observing the impact of information systems and communications within the 'Arab world', and incorporating detailed research studies on several regions. Produced by the University of Georgetown's Centre for Contemporary Arab Studies.
TEACHING ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY iii
Corinne Blake examines approaches towards Islamic Studies applying I.T. There are some helpful links here. If you're interested in this subject, you may also be interested in my current research on Islam in Cyberspace...
Opposition website, including data on human rights, military activity, and Saddam Hussein. Regularly updated news. Frames.
Based on the Channel 4/S4C television programme, this is a useful link page discussing the ethics of sanctions being placed on the people of Iraq. This includes links to pages on child mortality and the psychosocial well-being of children. The page also has a link to discussion on the David Shayler affair (cf. Libya). Well worth a visit.
Official government site, introducing aspects of Turkey and Turkish culture.
LIBYA iii
Homepage providing extensive links to resources on Libya - including satellite images.
WASHINGTON KURDISH INSTITUTE ii
Background information and links to a wide-range of Kurdish related issues.
AL-MASHRIQ iii
Well-resourced, with plenty of photographs, and a wide range of media links. The paths to environmental and legal issues are useful. Information on music includes RealPlayer samples of Om Kalthoum, and details on the career of Fairouz.
MIFTAH SHAMALI iiii
Basic, entertaining encyclopedia - giving details of North African destinations and beyond.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE ORIENT iiii
Mifta Shamali's learned cousin could be the solution to those nagging questions on Islam and Muslim history - or when you can't quite remember the tune of the Egyptian national anthem ...
The Electronic Intifada: Live from Palestineiiii
The Electronic Intifada is a significant news resource, presenting (from a Palestinian perspective) a broad range of materials, including news feeds, interviews, and information packs. 'Live from Palestine' is a diaries project contained in the site; its writers are drawn from diverse backgrounds, and many are not professional journalists. They present 'grass roots' perspectives of contemporary issues, and eyewitness accounts from within different locations across the region. This site is fully archived, searchable, and worthy of frequent visits.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PALESTINE'S WEBSITES iii
This is a helpful resource for study, incorporating diverse perspectives and subject categories. The News and Media section links to Palestine's first Internet radio service, together with significant Arabic and other language media resources.
Presented by the Jerusalem Forum, this contains some excellent archive material, discussing religious, historical and cultural dimensions of Al-Quds.
PALESTINE iiii
Jump-page of Palestinian Development InfoNet, offering extensive links to a broad range of perspectives on Palestine.
HAMAS iii
Part of Palestine-Info.com, this HAMAS Website'contains Arabic and English content, is regularly updated, and effectively presents its point of view. Service has been broken during 2002, so if you receive a "'403' Forbidden" message, retry later!
FATEH ii
Editorially-focused, Arabic site, promoting current Fateh policy.
HIZBOLLAH ii
The site is one of several detailing Hizbollah aims and activities in Lebanon, including political declarations, speeches, and an audio-visual section..
SUDAN LINKS iii
UK based page, providing background information on Sudan, and extensive links to other resources.
THE 'NATION OF ISLAM' ONLINE iii
Official website for the 'Nation of Islam', including history, biographies, and a link to 'The Final Call' newspaper.
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD AND THE NATION OF ISLAM
Article in the Journal for MultiMedia History, written by Claude A. Clegg, III, discussing a 1960 radio broadcast by Elijah Muhammad and its impact. Hear the broadcast and read the analysis.
INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL LAW iiii
Detailed information on constitutional law in 60+ countries, including Muslim-majority countries such as: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
Official government site, including some useful historical background material, together with helpful links to other resources - including a biography of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan.
GULF 2000 iii
Produced by the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University in New York City. Contains detailed information on Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
SAUDI WOMEN SOLIDARITY PAGE iii
Let the site's instigator explain: "I am HUDA & we are finally On the internet! at last we can say whatever we want & the whole world can listen without worrying about the Mataw'aa." Lively, gif heavy (with assorted web cam links), the site contains articles on driving, virginity, viagra, and travelling abroad. Of interest to those seeking the cultural and social perspectives of (some) women in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Government link-page to four national, English-language papers: Dawn, The News, The Nation, and The Frontier Post. The site also provides jumps to other media sources, official press releases, and data on Pakistan.
TANZEEM-E-ISLAMI iii
Israr Ahmed is a well-known figure in Pakistan for his pronouncements on Islam. This newly updated site contains extensive audio files - including a "Tafseer-e-Quran" commentary.
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT FOR A JUST WORLD iii
Commentaries on contemporary issues, and links to materials produced by academics and politicians with particular relevance to Muslim contexts. Produced in Malaysia.
MALAYSIAN POLITICAL PARTIES iii
"Made in Malaysia" Jump page, including links to Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS) and United Malay National Organisation (UMNO).
Virtual Bangladesh site, offers a good selection of media resources, including The Daily Star and The Independent.
Comprehensive listing of South East Asian stories, from correspondents in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
BBC NEWS iiii
Regularly updated news, including TV and radio netcasts.
BBC ARABIC SERVICE iiii
Source of live news and comment from Bush House, London. Requires RealPlayer (download available below).
CNN Arabic iiii
A recent addition to Arabic news websites, linked to other CNN content.
Good News 4 Me iiii
The perhaps inappropriately-named Arabic news offering from MSNBC. Navigation can be problematic at times without their special software 'add-on', but in-depth content reflects a range of 'authoritative' US sources.
AL JAZEERA iiiii
Arabic content only (an English service is planned). Closely linked to the satellite channel outpute, but a useful resource in its own right.
AL-BAWABA iiii
Daily updates, plus special features. The regional news section is effective. The archives are searchable.
RADIOAFGHANISTAN.COM iiiii
A 24 hour live' Afghan radio station, containing a broad range of musical offerings from Afghanistan, in a variety of languages: Abdullah Muqri, Qamar Gul, and Nainawaz are highly recommended by the site's author! Tracks can be purchased. Uses Windows Player.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST iii
Updated reports on human rights issues, including searchable indexes.
ISLAMIC CIRCLE OF NORTH AMERICA iii
New York based dawah site, which - as well as serving local communities with news and information - provides access to publications, the Muslim Alert Network (for media-monitoring), a quiz, and Islam-related product pages.
NETIRAN NEWS iiii
Jump-page to various news-sources, including IRNA Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran News, and Tehran Times.
THE SUN'S HOUSE iiii
Archive of material on Ayatollah Khomeini, including sayings, a biography, and useful English language video-clips from a variety of sources (requires RealPlayer, download available below). This site is linked to the IRNA News Agency.
WORLD FEDERATION OF KHOJA SHIA ITHNA ASHERIS iii
Ambitious framework linking Ithna Asheris globally: including links and background information.
Comprehensive selection of files available for download, including discussions on Islamic concepts and thinkers.
Commercial site of excellent (copyright) Islam-related photographs.
THE NINETY NINE NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH iii
Helpful content, if you ignore the excessive use of frames and colours.
Comprehensive selection of material and links - useful to both genders - including 117 Ayah (Qur'an verses) on Women; 'Gender Equity in Islam', and 'Women in Islam versus Women in the Judaeo-Christian Tradition'.
1001 SITESiiii
Arab Guide to the Internet lists its favourite selections.
FUTURE TELEVISION (LEBANON)iii
Multimedia daily news.
This site is a real pleasure to read (in French, Arabic and English versions). There are sections of particular interest on Components of Religious Buildings and Islamic Religious Styles, together with illustrations (uncredited). There's a small mosque index, and a Discussion Group. The site is easy to navigate, and makes a useful general introduction to the subject.
Basic introduction to Islam, with inter-faith emphasis.
BBC RELIGION AND ETHICS ONLINE: ISLAM UK iii
Introductory material on Islam, from a UK perspective, and linked to information on related BBC broadcasts. These include an eclectic mix of programmes, such as Prince Naseem's Guide to Islam, Rhythms of Islam, Islam: Empires of Faith, Home Front Islam Special (a decorating programme) and They Think It's All Islam (a football documentary). It includes a Quiz to Test Your Knowledge of the Muslim Faith.
This pioneering website has been quiet since 1999. It previously contained a broad range of links and information about Islam. I note that there is a new URL and set of pages in progress in 2002. Local information is augmented by introductory content on Islam.
MUSLIM DIRECTORY iii
Based on the popular printed version of the Directory, this is a commercial site providing information about mosques, businesses, and organisations in the U.K. Prayer times are provided, and the pages are updated regularly. You can also send an electronic postcard, or visit their chat room.
SAL@AM iii
Wide-ranging UK based server, with images of mosques, articles, and helpful links.
UK ISLAMIC EDUCATION WAQF (UKIEW) ii
Information on Muslim schools in the UK.
This UK based website provides access to the Al Khilafah Magazine and 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' documentation.
THE SOCIETY FOR ADHERENCE TO THE SUNNAH
Washington based Ahl ul Sunnah wal-Jama'ah page, including 'rulings' on dancing, organ transplantation and Muslim Women's dress.
ISLAM AND PSYCHOLOGY AND SEXUAL ISSUES iii
There are some very interesting articles here, including Yusuf Qaradawi on 'Islam and Depression' and 'Sex and Viagra' (both in Arabic). Also links to other issues, including Islamic responses to HIV/AIDS. Part of the wider Islamic Medicine site.
ICARP Interactive Central Asia Resource Project iii
Well-managed, comprehensive site on Central Asia - with plenty of links to other sites of related interest.
INCORE GUIDE: AFGHANISTAN iiii
A guide to Internet resources on Afghanistan produced by INCORE (Initiative on Conflict Resolution and Ethnicity), including NGO responses and documentation
Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA)iiii
An innovative site, containing information on this "a political/social organization of Afghan women struggling for peace, freedom, democracy and women's rights in fundamentalism-blighted Afghanistan."
ISLAMIC STUDIES, ARABIC & RELIGION iiii
Extensive index of sites relating to academic Islamic Studies, produced by Alan Godlas - including jump-pages for mysticism, Shi'ism, and Islam and the West.
ARAB GATEWAY iiiii
Arab Gateway is an accessible site run by Guardian journalist Brian Whitaker. It is simple to navigate, and content is regularly updated. There is particularly fascinating detail about Yemen - including pages on politics, religion, news, coffee and qat. There are useful sections on Media, News and Books in Arabic-speaking contexts, making this a site worthy of regular visits.
Jamaat-i-Islami is one of several Muslim parties in Pakistan. This highly-detailed website provides news, speeches, Qur'an commentaries, and background data on the party.
Global alphabetical index of Amnesty International data.
ETHNOLOGUE iiii
Comprehensive linguistic encyclopedia database, with information on 6,500 languages - and pointers to country-specific information (including sensitive maps).
CHISHTI HABIBI SOOFIE ISLAMIC ORDER INTERNATIONAL iii
'Sufism' on-line from South Africa, associated with the Order of Hazrat Shah Goolam Mahomed Soofie Siddiqi Chishti Nizami Habibi. Explains aspects of belief, and provides extracts from sermons.
Full details of the Naqshabandi Order, including extensive information on aspects and interpretations of prayer.
Diverse sources on Mysticism, including Jaluddin Rumi and Titus Burkhardt.
ISLAMIC AND ARABIC ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE iii
Selections of photos and articles relating to Islamic and Arabic artifacts.
ISLAMIC SUFI ORDERS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB iiii
A helpful selection of mysticism-related links, and explanations relating to various orders, produced in a user-friendly format.
LINKS TO SUFI RELATED SITES iii
There's an incredible amount of information about Sufism available on the Internet. This linkpage is a useful guide to the subject.
ISLAMIC WORLD: ASK ISLAMIC SCHOLARS iiii
Cyberspace now has a number of Fatwa sites, an interesting phenomenon discussed in detail in Virtually Islamic. I liked the interface of this page (which forms part of the wider Islamic World site), and the concept of selecting via a search engine an opinion from a 'choice' of sites. There are only three listed here. Ultimately, it may be helpful to have a search engine listing all the fatwa sites available online (representing all 'Islamic' opinion). The site's Islamic Search Engines may be a step in this direction.
3-D KABAH iiii
This is a 'virtual' reconstruction of the Kabah, offering a unique aerial perspective of the precincts. Be prepared for a long download time, and a great trip!
SERVING THE GUEST: A SUFI COOKBOOK AND ART GALLERY iiii
This site makes good use of graphics, and has fascinating content. A proportion of the content is translated and edited from Arabic, Persian, Turkish and other sources. There are many recipes, together with detailed guidance on food, manners and Sufism. The Art Gallery is also worth a visit. There are frames and no-frames versions of the site.
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF ISLAM IN THE MODERN WORLD (ISIM) iii
Home of the ISIM Newsletter, from Leiden University, Netherlands.
CENTRE FOR ISLAM IN EUROPE iiii
Produced by the Centre for Islam in Europe, based at Ghent University in Belgium. Includes pages in Arabic, Dutch/Flemish, English, French, German and Turkish. Discussion papers include studies on Islam in Flanders, the place of Islam in Europe, the education of Muslim children, and Imams in the Netherlands. Also contains regularly updated academic announcements relating to Islamic Studies in Europe.
THE MIDDLE EAST REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS iiii
Produced by the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies in Israel, this is a quarterly online-refereed academic journal, linked into a monthly e-mail newsletter. The site provides specialised link pages and resources, together with an archive of articles.
ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE AND LONDON CENTRAL MOSQUE iii
The site contains a brief history of the mosque, which officially opened in 1944. There's historical information on Britain's Muslim communities, together with advice on marriage and 'embracing Islam'.
If you haven't found what you are seeking on this site, try this useful listing produced at the University of Washington by Mike Madin.
Virtually Islamic search-engine.
Department of Theology, Religious Studies & Islamic Studies