Islamic Teachings: An Overview

by Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, R. Campbell (Translator), Center for Publications (Translator)

This book is an overview of Islamic teachings written in a relatively simple language to offer some understanding to non-specialists unable to engage in deep study of Islamic doctrines.

Content includes:
A brief look at the history of religions; the importance of religion to human tranquility; Islam in comparison with other religions; Islam in comparison with other social systems; the origin of creation is natural Proof that there is a Maker; the effects of curiosity in human life; God Most High has all the attributes of perfection; why does man at times fail to accord with this truth?; The proof of prophecy and the differences between man and other beings; Prophets in the midst of human society and the Prophets of decision and other Prophets (Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, the Messiah The Messenger, Muhammad); The Noble Qur'an; Proof of the Imamate; The Messenger names his successor; Fatima the magnificent; the most true Various religions and sects and the doctrine of the Resurrection & the Resurrection according to the Qur'an; from death to resurrection; the meaning of death and the barzakh (period between life on earth and Day of Resurrection i.e. when we're in our graves); duties towards one's mother and father; rights of children; duties toward neighbours; duties toward the poor and needy; harmful effects of lies, backbiting and slander; jihad (struggle)

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Al-ʿAllāmah Muḥammad Ḥusayn Ṭabāṭabāʾī was one of the most prominent thinkers of philosophy and contemporary Shia Islam, influencing the fathers of the 1979 Islamic Revolution such as Motahhari and Beheshti. He is famous for Tafsir al-Mizan, a twenty-seven-volume work of Quranic exegesis, which he worked on from 1954 until 1972. He studied gnosis, mathematics, jurisprudence and Ali ibn Sina's "Book of Healing" at Najaf, Iraq.

سید محمدحسین طباطبایی (زاده ۱۲۸۱ تبریز - درگذشته ۲۴ آبان ۱۳۶۰ قم) معروف‌به علامه طباطبایی روحانی، عارف، فیلسوف و نویسنده ایرانی بود. وی از مجتهدان شیعه و از برترین مدرسان حوزه علمیه قم به شمار می‌آمد، که از شاگردان وی می‌توان به مرتضی مطهری، عبدالله جوادی آملی، محمدتقی مصباح یزدی، حسن حسن زاده آملی، سید محمد بهشتی، سیدعلی خامنه‌ای، سید جلال الدین آشتیانی، هادی خسروشاهی، مرتضی تهرانی، محمد مفتح، احمد احمدی، علی قدوسی، محمدرضا مهدوی کنی، غلامحسین ابراهیمی دینانی، علی احمدی میانجی، سید عزالدین حسینی زنجانی، محمد محمدی گیلانی، سید موسی صدر، سید محمد علی قاضی طباطبایی،علی سعادت پرور و جعفر سبحانی اشاره کرد.

تفسیر المیزان، نهایةالحکمة، رسالة الولایه، شیعه در اسلام، حاشیه بر اسفار صدرالدین شیرازی و اصول فلسفه و روش رئالیسم بخشی از مهمترین آثار اوست.

Reviews

[Aliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good introduction to Islam, briefly touches on each important aspect of the religion and religious figures (Prophets and Imams), and how Islam guides its followers to not only be Muslims but also (and more importantly) how to be humanitarians, to treat others with respect and consideration, guidelines for morals and ethics.

It's a good book for someone who wants to learn more about Islam, or recall what Islam dictates. It's not detailed, but gives a brief overview of Islamic doctrine and history.

(I've given it 3 stars only because I didn't learn as much from it as I thought I would, otherwise it's a really good introduction).

[aleesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allamah Tabataba'i takes a very logic appealing approach in discussing Islam. He first lays out the basis for what religion is and why it is needed and then goes on to give simple yet encompassing explanations of the main tenets of Islam. Every topic is approached from a logical straightforward stand point and the book is written very clearly with sufficient mention of the Qur'an and hadith. A clear and informative read for those unfamiliar and a refreshing one for those returning.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clear and insightful
introduction to Islam
Salam!