Entender el Islam: Orígenes, creencias, prácticas, textos sagrados, lugares sagrados

by Matthew S. Gordon, Maite Rodríguez Fischer (Translation)

The development of Islam, its distinct ideas about the nature of the cosmos and the purpose of human existence, Muhammad's teachings, and the rich expressions of holiness that the faith encompasses, are explained in this concise introduction. As with all world religions, Islam is a product of history, during which it has interacted with other faiths and a variety of peoples. Doctrinal distinctions that exist within the Islamic community tend to reflect the Muslim world's wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In an era of extreme religious tensions and prejudices, it is more important than ever to see this major world religion in a balanced and well-informed manner.

 


El desarrollo de Islam, sus ideas sobre la naturaleza del cosmos y el propósito de la existencia del hombre, Mahoma y sus enseñanzas, y las prácticas esenciales del Islam, son explicados en este volumen introductor. Al igual que las demás religiones mundiales, el Islam es un producto de la historia, durante la cual ha interactuado con otras doctrinas y con una variedad de pueblos. Las distinciones doctrinales que existen dentro de la comunidad islámica tienden a reflejar la gama de trasfondos étnicos y culturales en el mundo musulmán. En una era de tensiones y prejuicios religiosos extremos, es más importante que nunca entender esta religión mayoritaria de una forma equilibrada y bien informada.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction, History

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Svetlana]

Simple and respectful. I got a good overall view of Islam, learned some new and interesting things and solidified what I knew but didn't understand fully.
I appreciate the inclusion of historical texts with some context. It made me want to go and read farther.

[Ryan]

I like the religion, not the book :-)

[John Stotesbury]

Basically, simply, a very modest history of Islam, glossily produced, but it fails to do much more than describe many of the ways in which the complex "third monotheistic" religion functions as a medium of sociopolitical control in a variety of societies. Inadequate.

[Tara]

Not what I was hoping for. Very academic language and weird writing style. At times, I would realize a couple sentences were not related after having read the whole paragraph. Also, not a very good overview of Islam practice.

[Andy Luke]

Plain direct and starter guide with stylised sub-sections and sensible chapter divisions, verses, commentaries and photos. Served the purpose of introducing me to Islam comprehensively but without getting bogged down in things I rather wouldn't. Recommended.

[Tiziano Brignoli]

Un'introduzione pratica, succinta, ma non meno interessante, su alcuni dei temi cardini della società e della religione islamica. Permette di capire, anche e soprattutto al neofita, alcuni temi tanto discussi, spesso lasciati volutamente incompresi, di questo vastissimo mondo religioso.

[Andre Abukawa]

Serve como breve introdução ao islamismo. É bem resumido, mas dá uma visão geral sobre essa religião.

[David Friedman]

Good first briefing

[Nick Carter]

Definitely achieved the purpose of an introduction to Islam. Learned a lot here!

[Kadir]

It is simple,Prophet Muhammed of beginning to today's subject include.

[David Scott]

This was a very helpful introduction to Islam. Given the current state of world affairs, it would be advisable that we all learn something about the history and tenets of this great religion. I found it quite interesting that the early history of Islam involved violent proselytism. Those in the Arabian Peninsula who did not convert were defeated militarily. Is that different from the modus operandi of the Islamic State, the movement that is menacing the Middle East at the time of this writing?

According to the book, devout Muslims believe that their faith should permeate every aspect of their lives. A strong belief in the one true God Allah, along with the conviction that unbelievers and apostates should be brought under correction, can lead the believer to extreme actions. Of course, that is only minimally discussed in this short book. The emphasis appears to be on how this faith provides guidance for so many people.

There remains much more to be learned, and many questions to be answered beyond the scope of this book. But for those of us who have only understood Islam from what we have heard in the news, this introduction broadens our understanding and gives us a starting point for further studies.

[PolicemanPrawn]

This provides a very basic introduction to Islam. It is written in a functional style, and there are glossy pictures. It does gloss over the problematic and topical parts of the religion, but that is to be expected. I think it is important to learn about religion, especially Islam.

[TJ]

Very helpful concise book on Islam, it's traditions and practices.

[Reza Putra]

Langsung; tapi terlalu kering.

[Paul Taylor]

An introduction but not going to get you to a thorough grasp of the Qu'ranic faith.

[Andrew]

This was not written well at all.

[Saxitlurg]

Could have used more of the belief system and daily life, but the history was very interesting.