The Faith of Islam

The Faith of Islam examines the doctrinal structure and practical influence of Islam as understood in the late nineteenth century. Edward Sell does not recount the life of Muhammad or the political expansion of Muslim states; instead, he focuses on the religious system derived from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and Islamic jurisprudence. Drawing upon Muslim authorities and his experience in India, he analyzes the foundations of Islamic law, theology, and religious practice, including the authority of the ‘Ulamá, the role of fatwás, and the principle of ijtihād.

Sell presents Islam as a comprehensive and binding system shaping both individual conduct and state organization. He addresses the continuity of orthodox belief, the interaction between Islam and colonial modernity in India, and the influence of reform movements such as Wahhábism. The work reflects a missionary and Anglican perspective, evaluating Islam in relation to Christian theology and imperial governance.