This book describes the emergence of Muslim scholarly communities from the origins of Islam until the mid-tenth century through the examination of early Muslim texts and discourse. It is for scholars and advanced students studying Middle Eastern history, Islamic studies, Islamic law and early Islamic literature.

Jonathan E. Brockopp is an Associate Professor of History and Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University. He is the editor of and contributor to The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad (Cambridge, 2010).

Introduction; 1. Foundations, 622-680; 2. Integration of the proto-scholar, 680-750; 3. Rise of the Muslim scholar, 750-820; 4. Scholarship and the literary turn, 820-875; 5. Mature scholarly community of Kairouan, 875-950; Conclusion; Appendix.