Research guides: Studies in Islam: Reference Works

What are reference resources?

Reference sources are not meant to be read from "cover to cover" like other resources. These include encyclopedias, dictionaries, annuals and many others. They allow for quick consult for factual information.

Seeking out current and reliable reference sources provide an overview of a topic as well as the terminology and issues for a topic new to you.

Atlases

Atlas of the World's Religions
Renison REF G1046.E4 A7 1999

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A unique view of the world's religions in their geogrpahical context.
An Historical Atlas of Islam
Porter REF G1786 .S1 H57x 2002
New Historical Atlas of Religion in America
Porter REF G1201.E4 G3 2001

Dictionaries and Handbooks

Abingdon Dictionary of Living Religions
Porter REF BL31.A24 1981
Dictionary of Contemporary Religion in the Western World
Porter REF BL31 .D544 2002

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Succinct single-volume work with entries on particular religions as well as individual topics.

Online Dictionaries

Lisaan Masry
A searchable (in both Arabic and English) dictionary of Egyptian Arabic.
Hans Wehr
A searchable, online version of the only dictionary serious students of the Arabic language need; you can search by typing in roots.
Al Maany
Arabic-English, English-Arabic
Aratools
Arabic-English
WordReference
English-Arabic
Ectaco
English-Arabic
Fuzzy Arabic Dictionary
an Arabic-English dictionary allowing you to look up words without knowing their exact Arabic spelling
Albursq
Arabic to English Dictionary / English to Arabic Dictionary / Arabic Vocabulary
Ectaco English-Arabic Online Dictionary
Translates from English to Arabic and vise versa

Encyclopedias

Cambridge History of Islam
Porter REF DS35.6.C3

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Two volumes presenting the history of Islam as a cultural whole
Encyclopaedia of Islam
Porter REF DS37.E523

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Signed articles with bibliographies on subjects in biography, history, geography, religious beliefs, institutions, manners and customs, tribes, industries, and science
Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World
Porter REF BP40 .E525 2004
Encyclopedia of Religion
Porter REF BL31.E46 1987
Encyclopedia of Religion and Society
Porter REF BL60.E53 1998

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Comprehensive single-volume work covering World religions. Excellent source for the study of anthropology, psychology, politics, or sociology of religion.
Encyclopedia of Religion in America
Renison REF BL2520.E52 2010

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Authoritative 4-volume work explores the origins, development, influence, and interrelations of the many faiths practiced in North America, including major world religions and emerging sects, cults, and movements.
Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals
Porter REF BL31.E47 2004

Websites

Islamic or Muslim Traditions
Accessed through Religious Worlds, an internet portal for information about religions and religious studies.
Islamic Studies
Part of the Virtual Religion Index.

Research guides by subject

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