Encyclopaedia of Islam facts for kids
The Encyclopaedia of Islam (EI) is a very important encyclopedia. It is the main book for learning about Islamic studies. This means it's a big collection of knowledge about the history, culture, and religion of Islam.
Contents
What is the Encyclopaedia of Islam?
The Encyclopaedia of Islam is a huge set of books. It contains detailed information about the world of Islam. Think of it as a giant library all about Islamic civilization.
A Huge Collection of Knowledge
This encyclopedia covers many topics. It includes history, geography, famous people, and different cultures. It also explains Islamic art, science, and languages. Scholars from all over the world contribute to it.
What Does "Islamic Studies" Mean?
"Islamic studies" is an academic subject. It means studying everything related to Islam. This includes its religion, history, laws, and societies. The Encyclopaedia of Islam is a key tool for this study.
History and Editions
The Encyclopaedia of Islam has been published in several editions. Each new edition updates the information. It also adds new topics and research.
The First Edition
The first edition was started a long time ago. It began in 1913 and finished in 1938. This edition was written in German, English, and French. It was a big step for Islamic studies.
The Second Edition
The second edition is often called EI2. It started in 1960 and was completed in 2005. This version became the most widely used. It was published mainly in English. It also had French and German versions.
Key People Involved
Many experts worked on the second edition. They were scholars from different countries. Their hard work made the encyclopedia very detailed. They aimed to cover all aspects of Islamic knowledge.
The Third Edition
The third edition, known as EI3, began in 2007. It is still being published today. This edition is available online and in print. It includes even more up-to-date research. It also covers new areas of study.
Why is the Encyclopaedia Important?
This encyclopedia is very important for several reasons. It helps people understand the Islamic world better. It is used by students, teachers, and researchers.
A Reliable Source
It is known as a very reliable source of information. The articles are written by top experts. They use careful research and facts. This makes it a trusted guide for learning about Islam.
For Students and Scholars
Students use it for school projects and research papers. Scholars use it for their advanced studies. It helps them find facts and different viewpoints. It is a starting point for deeper learning.
Understanding Different Cultures
The encyclopedia helps people learn about different cultures. It shows the rich history of Islamic societies. This can help build understanding between people. It promotes knowledge about diverse traditions.
What Topics Does it Cover?
The Encyclopaedia of Islam covers a vast range of subjects. It includes everything from ancient history to modern times.
People and Places
It has entries on famous leaders, scholars, and artists. It also describes important cities and regions. You can find information about historical events and battles.
Religion and Law
It explains different parts of the Islamic religion. This includes beliefs, practices, and holy texts. It also covers Islamic law and its development.
Arts and Sciences
The encyclopedia details Islamic art, architecture, and literature. It also explores scientific discoveries. Many advancements in math, medicine, and astronomy came from Islamic scholars.