What Is Islam?: A Comprehensive Introduction

by Chris Horrie, Peter Chippindale

With more than a billion followers, Islam is the world's fastest-growing religion and a major global religious and political force in the 21st century. It is also the subject of much misunderstanding, and many people know little of its origins or principles. Here is the perfect introduction to this important and complex subject, covering all aspects of the religion including its origin, the Koranic law, a look at Islamic nations and their relative importance, major events in the history of Islam, and Islamic sects and the rise of militant Islam in the 20th and 21st centuries. This indispensable guide remains the definitive introduction to the subject.

Genres: History, Islam

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Francisco Câmara Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book on all that concerns Islam as a worldwide religion. Covered pretty much everything I would have wanted to learn on the topic. Perhaps the writing did not always follow a clear path/ chronology making it a bit more difficult to clearly understand some of its chapters. However, I was particularly interested in the history of Islam which was covered quite thoroughly and clearly by the authors. The final few chapters give interesting and fairly detailed information on every country in which a high percentage of the population profess to Islam. The book edition I read is from 2004 and therefore it is not as up-to-date as I would have liked. Nevertheless I now feel I have the basic "background" to be able to talk about the topic if needed be. Finally, I would say it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a person to remember most of the material presented in a book such as this by going through it just once but it's a very nice volume to be kept as reference whenever needed. *My short review is based on the Spanish version*.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it claims it is on its cover: A revised and updated introduction to the Islamic faith. For a person like myself (an ignorant of the Muslim World for the most part of my life) it was an interesting reading; and the journey the authors proposed - faith, history, sects/divisions, geographical spread - will make a nice lecture to anyone who seeks some minimal knowledge of the subject.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems outdated even now!
Overview of Islam, sects and how they developed in different countries.
Interesting but old. Really it shouldn't matter how old the book is - it doesn't change the facts of the origins of Islam.

I think he wrote in a rather pedantic and patronising way - from the perspective of a westerner talking about Muslims as "the other".

There must be better books that do the rich history of Islam justice?

[Lloyd Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book from a none biased view wrote to inform and to learn. This was just the book I was looking for. One that does not try to convert you nor does it try to spend a hateful message of Islam. This book is a must read for anyone that wants to become more aware of the worlds second largest religion. I now feel more informed for reading this.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it shocking how similar Christianity and Islam are.

[T.r. Sune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew too much about Islam both good and the bad, but this book also serves as one to fill in the gaps. Enjoy the read.