Islam: A Comprehensive Introduction

by Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, Shehzad Saleem (Translator)

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi (b. 1951) is a well-known Islamic scholar of Pakistan. He is the founder and the current president of al-Mawrid, A Foundation for Islamic Research and Education (www.al-mawrid.org). He is also the chief editor of the Urdu Monthly “Ishraq” (www.ghamidi.net) and the English Monthly “Renaissance” (www.monthly-renaissance.com). He has written and lectured widely on Islam. Besides making some original contributions to the Islamic thought, he has drawn heavily on the Qur’anic thought of his two illustrious predecessors, Hamid al-Din Farahi (1862-1930) and Amin Ahsan Islahi (1904-1997).

Islam: A Comprehensive Introduction (Urdu title: Mizan) is an extensive study of the contents of Islam by the author. It is an effort which spans almost two decades of both creative and critical thinking. The entire endeavour is a fresh interpretation of Islam from its original sources. In his own opinion, the reason that he has undertaken it is that interpretation of sacred texts is a human endeavour and since this can never remain fault free, the process should never discontinue. It is as a result of this principle that the author has continued to evaluate and re-evaluate even his own findings.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction

617 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi is a Pakistani Islamic modernist theologist who hosted a primetime religious-spiritual show on Dunya News, Ilm-o-Hikmat, Ghamidi Key Saath (Knowledge and Wisdom with Ghamidi).

Quran scholar and exegete, and educationist, who extended the work of his tutor, Amin Ahsan Islahi, Ghamidi is the founder of Al-Mawrid Institute of Islamic Sciences and its sister organisation Danish Sara. He became a member of Council of Islamic Ideology on 28 January 2006 for a couple of years, a constitutional body responsible for giving legal advice on Islamic issues to Pakistan Government and the Parliament. He has also taught at the Civil Services Academy from 1980 until 1991. He is running an intellectual movement similar to Wastiyya in Egypt on the popular electronic media of Pakistan.

Reviews

[Asim Bakhshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of Meezan's literary value is in its brevity but those who are fairly familiar with Ghamidi's thesis may find it lacking in aspects where Ghamidi is considered a non-conformist, for instance in explaining his concept of Sunnah in relation to judging whether a particular contemporary practice can be judged as Sunnah. But the consideration of brevity understandably demands avoidance of polemics and arguments/ counter arguments and author cannot be blamed for that.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have discovered Javed Ghamidi 2 years ago, at the age of 20. I am very thankful for that. He is by far one of the most logical theologians of our time. I always wanted a book that will describe Islam comprehensively. This is a great book in that regard. Fun fact: This book contains more ahadiths than the 1st book of hadith "Muattah" of Imam Malik for the people who blame Ghamidi as a hadith denier.

[Ali Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book which everybody must read. Islam: a comprehensive introduction, written by one of the great scholars of Muslims - Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, is a comprehensive study of Islamic fundamental articles with special references from the Quran and the Hadith. This single book is to my mind more than enough for understanding basic of Islamic teachings which are essential for every Muslim.

[Arsalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have started reading meezan along with its audio lecture,alhamdulliah It helped me to understand Deen from its root. :)

[Shujath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to his Meezan classes where he explained it in a detailed manner and I recommend the readers to also go through his classes while reading the book. In this book he tried to explain the Shariah in a principled manner which he derived it from the Quran. If one want to understand the JAG's work then this book is must read for them as it is covers the foundation of his work.

[Athar Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

very moderate book explaining all contours.

[MUHAMMAD KASHIF]

read book meezan

[Talha Farooqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed summary of Islam, well written and researched.

[Laraib Baloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written, well explained book. The only part (of the book ) I don't agree with is where Prophet Isa AS's and Imam Mahdi AS's reappearance is mentioned.

[Ali Shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a detailed introduction to Islam by the renowned scholar Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, grounded in references from the Quran, Sunnah, and Hadith. Written in a simple and accessible style, it sheds light on the core pillars of Islam while also addressing issues relevant to our everyday lives.

I would especially recommend it to readers who may hold a negative impression of Ghamidi, often shaped by the opinions or accusations of some traditional scholars. There is wisdom in engaging with a thinker’s work directly—reading, reflecting, and forming one’s own understanding—rather than relying solely on what others say about them.

Some interpretations in the book may feel unconventional compared to traditional explanations of Islamic teachings. However, this very difference sparks curiosity, prompting readers to explore, question, and study the faith more deeply.

Overall, it is a well-written, thought-provoking, and worthwhile read.

[Gowhar Rashid · Rating 5 out of 5]

how to read it

[Armaghan Mavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books about complete knowledge of whole Islam.

[Mohd Javed]

how many pages in this book