Usama Ibn Munqidh's 'The Book Of Contemplation'

The Book of Contemplation is the entertaining and informative account of a Muslim warrior, Usama ibn Munqidh, during the early crusader era. Usama, who was also a poet and writer, dictated the narrative at age ninety. Although it is filled with violence, it’s not about violence, it’s not about conquest, and it’s not, in fact, really telling a story. Munqidh makes this unique by telling many individual tales that are meant to help the reader identify themes that will help them through this world they are living in. Munqidh makes it quite clear from the beginning through all of his “stories” that conflict continues to arise between the Muslims and the Franks. It is quite amusing when Munqidh describes the Frank’s his attitude toward them

It is evident that Munqidh did not develop a lifestyle of violence, but rather it was a skill he was forced to accommodate in order to survive. Also it is unclear who defines violence in the first place. Does violence only refer to killing? In the Muslim tradition, the act of killing is not always immoral. In fact, in some cases, it may be seen as a duty. Different regulations and boundaries are set in place in which killing is an exception. In contrast, if killing takes place beyond the rules set forth, then it is considered violence. God’s will is inevitable and whosoever He has chosen to help complete His will, must accomplish it or he will be dishonored. If a man is injured in battle, fate has already decided whether or not he is going to live before the day even came. Bringing back Munqidh’s theory of the world we are thrown

By behaving in a certain manner pleasing to the family, Muslims are able to acquire honor in this world and bliss in the next by making Allah happy. Munqidh writes of an appropriate way of conduct when referring to the family. Women in the Muslim tradition are very conservative and quiet for the most part, but it is found completely acceptable for her to step out of this role if defending the honor of the family. Even through killing, women are allowed to do whatever it takes for the family, again, as long as inside the boundaries. Killing for cruelty is not