The work on this book took place over several years, during which I sought help from friends, colleagues, and family members. I thank my PhD students Ahmad Munir and Omar Edaibat for their efficient and thorough research help in 2014–2018. I also thank my undergraduate research assistants Ommu-Kulsoom Abdul-Rahman and Meghan van Aardt for helping with the revision stage of the manuscript in 2017–2018. I owe a great debt to my PhD supervisor, Felicitas Opwis, for her continuous support and help, and to my professors Ahmad Dallal, Judith Tucker, and John Voll for all they have taught me.