Hello Everyone!!

[rburdock]

Hi there,
I thought I'd just spend a moment introducing myself. I'm Robert, a British mature student from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (3rd year).

Although I have no religious affinity to Islam (or any faith for that matter) I've recently fallen completely in love with all aspects of Islamic history and as a consequence have resolved to eventually become a specialist in the subject. This may well involve a long and daunting journey for me but it is a journey that I'm incredibly excited about taking and reading many of the previous posts in this forum I know there exists a community atmosphere here that can only help me to grow in knowledge and understanding.

If anyone is interested in following my progress over the coming months/years then I welcome you to visit my newly launched blog anytime you want.

I look forward to hopefully meeting many of you
Warmest Regards
Robert Burdock

[rburdock]

Thank you for your kind words Alpha Dude.

Good on your brother..coming to U of St. Andrews is the best thing I've ever done. I'm sure he feels much the same way
Regards
Robert

[Muhammad]

Greetings Robert,

Welcome to the forum :)

It certainly is a very interesting field that you wish to specialise in, and I hope that you will succeed in it. Are there any particular aspects of Islamic history that interest you, and is there any criteria for the material that you read? There are much distortions of history and works written with much bias, so it may prove to be a challenging task. Often those who do not understand Islam or have no knowledge of it at all tend to allow inaccurate and weak information to blend into their work.

I am sure that many people can recommend good books for you to read - try searching and asking in the Education forum for this.

You may also be interested to look through our Biographies section, where you will find information about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as well as those who came after him.

May you have a beneficial and enjoyable stay!

Peace.

[rburdock]

Muhammad,
Many thanks for your encouragement and words of guidance. I will be sure to investigate your suggested areas of the forums.

I have been studying history long enough now to know of the bias and distortions that creep into historical works and none more so than in the western interpretation of Islamic history. This is where I want to try and make a difference. Although it is practically impossible not to allow personal bias to creep into study and interpretation I aim to keep as impartial as possible.

However to fully comprehend Islamic history I also, as you would know and I have learnt, need to indoctrinate as much of the ethos and culture of Islam as I can so this initial phase of my specialist study (which I'm sure will last many months) centres on trying to fully understand the principles of the religion.

I think ultimately my interest lies primarily in early Islamic history. I find the initial feverous spread of Islam to be the most fascinating. Next semester I am doing a module on the Near East in the time of Muhammad and Justinian and this will support my passion for this early period. However I will see where the journey takes me as I'm interested in pretty much all aspects of mediaeval Islam.
Peace
Robert Burdock

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[Muhammad]

Greetings Robert,

Thank you for your reply.

However to fully comprehend Islamic history I also, as you would know and I have learnt, need to indoctrinate as much of the ethos and culture of Islam as I can so this initial phase of my specialist study (which I'm sure will last many months) centres on trying to fully understand the principles of the religion.

I agree with this, as it certainly helps to understand the history if one understands the religion.

I think ultimately my interest lies primarily in early Islamic history. I find the initial feverous spread of Islam to be the most fascinating.

That's very good, since this initial period has perhaps the most documentation as it involves the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and this has been meticulously detailed and reported through verifiable chains of narration.

I hope it goes well, God-Willing!

[Pk_#2]

Hello :)

Your intro was hilarious man... :D

Anyways man welcome!

[rburdock]

Your intro was hilarious man... :D

Hi tasmiyah,
I just wondered why you thought my intro was hilarious?
Peace
Robert

[Asyur an-Nagi]

hi bob, or rob? :p

welcome. have a beneficial stay:)

[Pk_#2]

Hi tasmiyah,
I just wondered why you thought my intro was hilarious?
Peace
Robert

:uuh: No reason...I tend to laugh while reading, its a habit!



:rollseyes *cough*

[zaria]

Welcom to the forum. I hope that you enjoy your stay.

[Aisha20]

:welcome: