An Introduction to Islam

Introduction to Religion

by David Waines

Islam is a world-wide religion embracing many cultures and nations, comprising today nearly 900 million people. Muslims believe that God (Allah) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad guidance for proper conduct in this world and salvation in the next. These revelations are contained in the Muslims' scripture, the Qur'an. From modest beginnings in Mecca fourteen centuries ago, Islam spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and then into south-east Asia. This book is the story of the Muslims' beliefs and practices as they developed during the formative period. Separate chapters are devoted to a description of the sacred law (the Shar'iah), theology, and mysticism. Attention is given also to the beliefs and practices of the important Shi'ah minority of Muslims. The story comes down to the present day, recounting the period over the last two centuries during which Muslims have been challenged by Western hegemony and have sought to establish a modern sense of identity.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published March 31, 1995

About the author

David Waines is Emeritus Professor of Islamic Studies, Lancaster University in England. He has also held teaching or research posts in Canada, Egypt, Spain and the Netherlands.

Reviews

[Semiophrenic · Rating 2 out of 5]

To my surprise, Islam has indeed gone through what some would call "reformation." This occurred especially in the 19th and the 20the centuries when the Western/Christian world established itself as a world power. This is also related to the establishment of modern Turkey. Waines's book seems like a terrific introduction for someone who is considering embracing Islam. The impression I got from it was that the major difference between Christianity and Islam is that you should love the Christian God, but you hava to obey the Islamic God. Some interesting factoids: it is forbidden to marry someone who has been weened by the same woman; man's confession in the Islamic court is worth twice that of a woman; and the separation of the Church and the State is unthinkable in Islam, which is theocratic to the core. Aside from some interesting details, e.g. that the Islamic calendar begins with it's prophet's moving to Mecca, I consider the book kind of boring. The author seemed to leave out the gory details and framed everything in benevolent light.

[Ana Molinero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buena introducción al Islam, pero desde un punto de vista religioso más que histórico. Si es tu primer acercamiento te costará un poco, aunque aprenderás mucho. En la última parte se trata muy por encima el Islam en la actualidad y solamente hasta los años 90.

[LuckyBao · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for somebody looking to learn about Islam and its intersection with politics.

[Alexander Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you get this book make sure you get the second edition which includes a very good chapter on recent issues like the Iranian revolution and the Palestinian situation. This book spends a lot of time on the history of Islam. When presenting theological issues, it does so as these ideas were developed over time and Waines focuses heavily on the philosophers and religious officials that developed these ideas. Thus, the book can be a bit sporadic for an introduction. I would have liked to have had more topical grouping of ideas instead of chronological.

[Rapha Gabriel Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect introductory book to Islam which gives insight into all aspects of the religion. The book goes through the detailed history and how the religion has developed to be the biggest religion in the world. excellent.

[John Russon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book. Extremely informative and insightful about the history of the religion and culture of Islam from its origins to the present day.