This Is Islam: From Muhammad and the Community of Believers to Islam in the Global Community

by Jamal J. Elias

This is Islam offers readers an introduction to one of the world's major religions, its philosophies, and how it affects the world today. Geared to those unfamiliar with the religion and its rituals and customs-and written in clear and simple terms by one of the United States' leading scholars of religion-this volume explains Islamic law, major figures and sects, and the role of mysticism. This is Islam is designed for classroom and course supplement use. The focus is early history, not Islam today, but the book has been designed to help readers understand more recent events, keeping in mind that one of the most remarkable features of Islam is that, with a single significant exception, all lands to which it spread have remained Muslim into modern times.

Genres: Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published March 21, 2011

Reviews

[GwennieA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the 3 books I've just read on the topic...The more informative, with a lot of interesting details. Elias writes in a normal historical tone, without any overt 'cringe factor' agenda.

By contrast, Esposito's agenda seems a tad hyper-journalistic, and at times he seems to opt for over-simplification when the issues get tough; Haneef's agenda seems hyper-proselytizing, and her answer to tough issues seems to be catch-all stereotyping of "the West".


Berkshire Publishing, well done!

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class.

[Speckeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the 3 books I have to read for my History of Asia class. So far this one is my favorite. As someone who is deeply tied in with 21c wars, this was something I was excited to learn about. I wanted to learn about this community which is so misunderstood in the western world and painted as pure evil (especially with the the Presidential Campaigns.) This book is a short history of the Islamic faith. How it began, how the leaders were affected, what happened after Muhammad’s death and up to the 21c. But the 21c doesn’t include any of the wars really so if you’re worried about political propaganda this is a great book since there is now. I docked it down because I feel like the writer didn’t have much of a personality or a voice, it was very cut and dry. But I think that’s also why I love it? There’s no personal touch, no comments from the author, and it’s perfect for someone whose just learning about Islam because you don’t have a biased opinion to worry about. If you love history and want to learn about religions, this is a great book. TBH the way the book described Muhammad and the early religion, it felt very beautiful to me. (But of course it has its problems, just like any other religions /coughchristians/ but that doesn’t stop you from admiring the stories and beauty of it.)

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense materials in the first 1/2 half of the book that led to a very slow read. Interesting information, but needs a better flow. Second half of the book markedly better than the first in terms of writing.