Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity Among the Daudi Bohras

by Jonah Blank

Book Overview

In Jonah Blank's important, myth-shattering book, the West gets its first look at the Daudi Bohras, a unique Muslim denomination who have found the core of their religious beliefs largely compatible with modern ideology. Combining orthodox Muslim prayer, dress, and practice with secular education, relative gender equality, and Internet use, this community serves as a surprising reminder that the central values of "modernity" are hardly limited to...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226056767
• ISBN13: 9780226056760
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 426 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Good keepsake for Dawoodi Bohras

I found it very information....would recommend to any Dawoodi Bohra as an item for their personal library. I was surprised to find that it is a book authorized by the 'Kothar' and that people from 'Kothar' actually participated in some interviews.

The Dawodi Bohras: Devotion, Peace, Toleration and Progress

We have precious few representations of devout Muslims who are devout, respectful of other religions and progressive in thought and action. Islam has the reputation in the West by some as being militant and rejecting of other faiths. A broad brush coversa world of differing views in islam. In history and current practice the Bohras who are dispersed around theworld, represent peace, devotion to Allah, and toleration of the diversity of religious belief in the world.

A brilliant, entertaining insight into a neglected area.

This is simply The most important recent text on the status of Bohras living today. Jonah does a great service to not just for Bohras but to the study of Shiism in all its rich varients; a much neglected area of study. I am eager to read more of Jonahs work...he balances the facts and figures well, with a wonderful sense of emotional connection to living people and living communities; characters come alive as part of the fabric of this community. Simply a must have for those interested in Isma'ilism.

Simply Amazing and very authentic research

As a Daudi Bohra, I can attest to the quality of research the author has put in to his work to create this really interesting case study on our community. He has done it not from secondary sources but by living within the community, understanding its customs and learning its language.I found this account very well structured and intellectual and it presents an example of how great leadership can transform a community to live harmoniously in this age and yet value their centuries old religious principles.Great job Sir.

Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the ...

Jonah Blank's book is well researched and written to appeal to both traditional Bohras and the second generation Daudi Bohras settled in the Western Hemisphere. The initial emphasis on the factual data and the rituals provides a credible introduction to the theme of the book. He discusses with decorum the intellectual controversies that have plagued the sect and exhibits non-judgemental finesse. The glossary, index and elaborate references are very helpful. Although his bias is implicit, he provides the readers with the varying view points. Further, although he worked with the "inner system" to come up with this book, he is limited by the lack of access he had, to the "batin" text. His discussion of the philosophy of the sect in the broader Shiite perspective provides a good balance and allows the readers to think through the nuances of orthropraxy, he frequently alludes to. However, a more in-depth comparison with the orthodox Shiite dogma and more elaborate a description of the Fatmid era and hierarchy would have been more enlightening. Maybe, a topic for future manuscripts!