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The Vision of Islam
Something is lost when Western thinkers approach Islam. They seem to see the religion in historical and cultural terms, obscuring Islam's own internal logic and its true beauty and spirituality. This clearly written introduction to Islam changes that, vividly explaining the Islamic perspectives that have rung true for Muslims for nearly 1400 years.
The book covers the four dimensions of Islam as outlined in the Hadith of practice, faith, spirituality, and the Islamic view of history. Drawing on the Koran, the sayings of the Prophet and the great authorities of the tradition, the text introduces the essentials of each dimension and then shows how it has been embodied in Islamic institutions throughout history.
The book covers the four dimensions of Islam as outlined in the Hadith of practice, faith, spirituality, and the Islamic view of history. Drawing on the Koran, the sayings of the Prophet and the great authorities of the tradition, the text introduces the essentials of each dimension and then shows how it has been embodied in Islamic institutions throughout history.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
106 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read
About the author
Sachiko Murata
14 books75 followersSachiko Murata (村田幸子, born 1943) is a professor of religion and Asian studies at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She is a 2011 Guggenheim Fellow. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 24, 2014
Past all the modern incarnations of viewpoints on Islam, whether they come from inside the religion or outside, from fundamentalists or the esoterically minded, from atheists or those who have a conception of the Real, this book is a noble effort to delineate the deepest meanings of Islam as it was meant to be understood. To do this, the authors dive into the intellectual and spiritual history of the faith, leaving out no major area: The Qur'an, Hadith, Shariah, Sufism, philosophy, Sunni/Shia, the universality of divine revelation, etc...
Sachiko Murata and William Chittick are a wife and husband team who teach Islamic studies at the State University of New York. Sachiko was the first woman to ever study fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at the University of Tehran. This multi-gender viewpoint on the Islamic faith only aids to the deep richness of this introductory work.
What the authors have accomplished here is a holistic viewpoint that nevertheless is able to expand greatly on Islam as lived experience. This is not a dry academic exercise that simply lists essentials of faith, but successfully attempts to portray what it means to live life as a Muslim, using the principle that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) himself lived out in the pursuit of knowledge. "The search for knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim" (34). To do this, the authors set up a framework that expands on the three dimensions of Islam - islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (doing what is beautiful) (31). The oneness (or Tawhid) that is central to the Islamic path takes position as a primary vantage point with which to view these three dimensions. Within Tawhid, there is a duality that is experienced in human cognition through seeing similarity in the Real at the same time that differentiation is realized. This tension is expressed in the terms tanzih (delcaring incomparability) and tashbih (affirming similarity). Underlying these two terms is the idea that things are known through their opposites.
The various dimensions of Islam and the emphasis on exoteric vs. esoteric are seen through the corresponding emphasis on tanzih or tashbih. For example, the exoteric laws (Shariah), with emphasis on the lived bodily actions of Muslims in the world will focus on our dissimilarity to the Real, which requires divine guidance in daily life. The esoteric concepts of the Sufis see all as the Real and therefore seek through the totality of Islam to eliminate the veils which blind us to the truth that is a manifestation of the universal essence.
Murata and Chittick spend a great deal of time on the concept of beauty and how doing what is beautiful (ihsan) is the greatest achievement for a Muslim. The practice of the beautiful is explained through the corresponding realization of the divine attributes in lived experience. These attributes come directly from the Qur'an through the 99 beautiful names of God. The Prophet said, "God is beautiful, and He loves beauty." (212)
The book is ultimately a wonderful summary of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. It is not a review of how Muslims live in the context of modern or post-modern conditions, it is a return to the deepest truths of the faith. For that reason, it has my deepest recommendation as a path to understanding, particularly for those in the West to gain a true vision of what Islam means, and for all of us as Muslims to gain a holistic grounding in the universal truths of our faith.
Sachiko Murata and William Chittick are a wife and husband team who teach Islamic studies at the State University of New York. Sachiko was the first woman to ever study fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at the University of Tehran. This multi-gender viewpoint on the Islamic faith only aids to the deep richness of this introductory work.
What the authors have accomplished here is a holistic viewpoint that nevertheless is able to expand greatly on Islam as lived experience. This is not a dry academic exercise that simply lists essentials of faith, but successfully attempts to portray what it means to live life as a Muslim, using the principle that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) himself lived out in the pursuit of knowledge. "The search for knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim" (34). To do this, the authors set up a framework that expands on the three dimensions of Islam - islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (doing what is beautiful) (31). The oneness (or Tawhid) that is central to the Islamic path takes position as a primary vantage point with which to view these three dimensions. Within Tawhid, there is a duality that is experienced in human cognition through seeing similarity in the Real at the same time that differentiation is realized. This tension is expressed in the terms tanzih (delcaring incomparability) and tashbih (affirming similarity). Underlying these two terms is the idea that things are known through their opposites.
The various dimensions of Islam and the emphasis on exoteric vs. esoteric are seen through the corresponding emphasis on tanzih or tashbih. For example, the exoteric laws (Shariah), with emphasis on the lived bodily actions of Muslims in the world will focus on our dissimilarity to the Real, which requires divine guidance in daily life. The esoteric concepts of the Sufis see all as the Real and therefore seek through the totality of Islam to eliminate the veils which blind us to the truth that is a manifestation of the universal essence.
Murata and Chittick spend a great deal of time on the concept of beauty and how doing what is beautiful (ihsan) is the greatest achievement for a Muslim. The practice of the beautiful is explained through the corresponding realization of the divine attributes in lived experience. These attributes come directly from the Qur'an through the 99 beautiful names of God. The Prophet said, "God is beautiful, and He loves beauty." (212)
The book is ultimately a wonderful summary of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. It is not a review of how Muslims live in the context of modern or post-modern conditions, it is a return to the deepest truths of the faith. For that reason, it has my deepest recommendation as a path to understanding, particularly for those in the West to gain a true vision of what Islam means, and for all of us as Muslims to gain a holistic grounding in the universal truths of our faith.
March 25, 2012
Although I have lived and worked in Muslim countries, this is the first comprehensive book I have read on the subject of Islam. Rather than just sketching the basic beliefs, as is done in many shorter works, this book goes deeper. It's also very sympathetic and almost exclusively an insider's view, "emic" rather than "etic" if you like those terms.
If there is a bias, it is toward a presentation that is conciliatory to other religions. To overstate it a bit, this view says, "Although some less-informed or uneducated Muslims believe that Islam is the only way to salvation, there's plenty of room in the Koran to indicate to the enlightened that good, god-fearing, Christians, Jews, and even Hindus and others can also be saved." Someone who knows a lot more than I told me that the problem with this is that it ignores the issue of abrogation, the idea that gives precedence to later Koranic revelations than earlier ones, and that the later revelations tend to be less conciliatory.
Another limitation is that the book describes "high" Islam rather than folk Islam as practiced by millions of ordinary people around the world. Also, although Shariah is described as one of the main elements of Islam, there is not even an overview of its important elements. All in all, the book is more concerned with the abstractions and theology of Islam than with what it means in practice to average Muslims in various contexts.
If there is a bias, it is toward a presentation that is conciliatory to other religions. To overstate it a bit, this view says, "Although some less-informed or uneducated Muslims believe that Islam is the only way to salvation, there's plenty of room in the Koran to indicate to the enlightened that good, god-fearing, Christians, Jews, and even Hindus and others can also be saved." Someone who knows a lot more than I told me that the problem with this is that it ignores the issue of abrogation, the idea that gives precedence to later Koranic revelations than earlier ones, and that the later revelations tend to be less conciliatory.
Another limitation is that the book describes "high" Islam rather than folk Islam as practiced by millions of ordinary people around the world. Also, although Shariah is described as one of the main elements of Islam, there is not even an overview of its important elements. All in all, the book is more concerned with the abstractions and theology of Islam than with what it means in practice to average Muslims in various contexts.
August 7, 2015
When you are born into and live a thing for so long, it is not uncommon that among scrutinizing the details you miss the bigger picture. As a practicing Muslim, and having been so since the day I was born and my father recited the Islamic call to prayer in my ear, Islam has been at the centre of my life. When I began to study my religion academically, I never took the time to look at that singular 'bigger picture' which is most obvious to an outsider looking in. As a visual learner, I like to be able to organize my thoughts into maps where I can see progression and relationships. I think that may be one of the biggest reasons why I love to read history - I continually look around myself and wonder where such an object or idea came from and how it came about to be as it is. Without really realizing that I needed to do that with my faith, I did it with Sachiko and William through this book.
This is the best text I have come across so far (in the english language) that effectively presents theological Islam in a clear and concise way. The authors work from the foundations of the faith up, presenting Islam to us with no preconceived notions of a knowledgable reader. It leans slightly Sufi in ideology, but I believe that to be a negligible point for the most part. I will be recommending this book in the future to my non-Muslim and even Muslim acquaintances, as a way in which to introduce to them - as the fitting title states - the vision of Islam.
This is the best text I have come across so far (in the english language) that effectively presents theological Islam in a clear and concise way. The authors work from the foundations of the faith up, presenting Islam to us with no preconceived notions of a knowledgable reader. It leans slightly Sufi in ideology, but I believe that to be a negligible point for the most part. I will be recommending this book in the future to my non-Muslim and even Muslim acquaintances, as a way in which to introduce to them - as the fitting title states - the vision of Islam.
October 1, 2012
Given the majestic breadth of this book and how deep it delves into Islamic spiritual philosophy, I can't presume to 'review' it as I'm nowhere near qualified enough. I can't say I 'love' it, because it just is. It's my spiritual reference. It's my Muslim way of keeping it Real.
(Still, five stars aren't enough.)
(Still, five stars aren't enough.)
May 11, 2015
Dense dense dense...
July 30, 2019
Still the best overall intro to Islam I've encountered over the past decade (in English)
From April 22, 2014
Past all the modern incarnations of viewpoints on Islam, whether they come from inside the religion or outside, from fundamentalists or the esoterically minded, from atheists or those who have a conception of the Real, this book is a noble effort to delineate the deepest meanings of Islam as it was meant to be understood. To do this, the authors dive into the intellectual and spiritual history of the faith, leaving out no major area: The Qur'an, Hadith, Shariah, Sufism, philosophy, Sunni/Shia, the universality of divine revelation, etc...
Sachiko Murata and William Chittick are a wife and husband team who teach Islamic studies at the State University of New York. Sachiko was the first woman to ever study fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at the University of Tehran. This multi-gender viewpoint on the Islamic faith only aids to the deep richness of this introductory work.
What the authors have accomplished here is a holistic viewpoint that nevertheless is able to expand greatly on Islam as lived experience. This is not a dry academic exercise that simply lists essentials of faith, but successfully attempts to portray what it means to live life as a Muslim, using the principle that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) himself lived out in the pursuit of knowledge. "The search for knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim" (34). To do this, the authors set up a framework that expands on the three dimensions of Islam - islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (doing what is beautiful) (31). The oneness (or Tawhid) that is central to the Islamic path takes position as a primary vantage point with which to view these three dimensions. Within Tawhid, there is a duality that is experienced in human cognition through seeing similarity in the Real at the same time that differentiation is realized. This tension is expressed in the terms tanzih (delcaring incomparability) and tashbih (affirming similarity). Underlying these two terms is the idea that things are known through their opposites.
The various dimensions of Islam and the emphasis on exoteric vs. esoteric are seen through the corresponding emphasis on tanzih or tashbih. For example, the exoteric laws (Shariah), with emphasis on the lived bodily actions of Muslims in the world will focus on our dissimilarity to the Real, which requires divine guidance in daily life. The esoteric concepts of the Sufis see all as the Real and therefore seek through the totality of Islam to eliminate the veils which blind us to the truth that is a manifestation of the universal essence.
Murata and Chittick spend a great deal of time on the concept of beauty and how doing what is beautiful (ihsan) is the greatest achievement for a Muslim. The practice of the beautiful is explained through the corresponding realization of the divine attributes in lived experience. These attributes come directly from the Qur'an through the 99 beautiful names of God. The Prophet said, "God is beautiful, and He loves beauty." (212)
The book is ultimately a wonderful summary of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. It is not a review of how Muslims live in the context of modern or post-modern conditions, it is a return to the deepest truths of the faith. For that reason, it has my deepest recommendation as a path to understanding, particularly for those in the West to gain a true vision of what Islam means, and for all of us as Muslims to gain a holistic grounding in the universal truths of our faith.
From April 22, 2014
Past all the modern incarnations of viewpoints on Islam, whether they come from inside the religion or outside, from fundamentalists or the esoterically minded, from atheists or those who have a conception of the Real, this book is a noble effort to delineate the deepest meanings of Islam as it was meant to be understood. To do this, the authors dive into the intellectual and spiritual history of the faith, leaving out no major area: The Qur'an, Hadith, Shariah, Sufism, philosophy, Sunni/Shia, the universality of divine revelation, etc...
Sachiko Murata and William Chittick are a wife and husband team who teach Islamic studies at the State University of New York. Sachiko was the first woman to ever study fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at the University of Tehran. This multi-gender viewpoint on the Islamic faith only aids to the deep richness of this introductory work.
What the authors have accomplished here is a holistic viewpoint that nevertheless is able to expand greatly on Islam as lived experience. This is not a dry academic exercise that simply lists essentials of faith, but successfully attempts to portray what it means to live life as a Muslim, using the principle that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) himself lived out in the pursuit of knowledge. "The search for knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim" (34). To do this, the authors set up a framework that expands on the three dimensions of Islam - islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (doing what is beautiful) (31). The oneness (or Tawhid) that is central to the Islamic path takes position as a primary vantage point with which to view these three dimensions. Within Tawhid, there is a duality that is experienced in human cognition through seeing similarity in the Real at the same time that differentiation is realized. This tension is expressed in the terms tanzih (delcaring incomparability) and tashbih (affirming similarity). Underlying these two terms is the idea that things are known through their opposites.
The various dimensions of Islam and the emphasis on exoteric vs. esoteric are seen through the corresponding emphasis on tanzih or tashbih. For example, the exoteric laws (Shariah), with emphasis on the lived bodily actions of Muslims in the world will focus on our dissimilarity to the Real, which requires divine guidance in daily life. The esoteric concepts of the Sufis see all as the Real and therefore seek through the totality of Islam to eliminate the veils which blind us to the truth that is a manifestation of the universal essence.
Murata and Chittick spend a great deal of time on the concept of beauty and how doing what is beautiful (ihsan) is the greatest achievement for a Muslim. The practice of the beautiful is explained through the corresponding realization of the divine attributes in lived experience. These attributes come directly from the Qur'an through the 99 beautiful names of God. The Prophet said, "God is beautiful, and He loves beauty." (212)
The book is ultimately a wonderful summary of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. It is not a review of how Muslims live in the context of modern or post-modern conditions, it is a return to the deepest truths of the faith. For that reason, it has my deepest recommendation as a path to understanding, particularly for those in the West to gain a true vision of what Islam means, and for all of us as Muslims to gain a holistic grounding in the universal truths of our faith.
May 4, 2008
Wordy. Very wordy. What seems like it could have been said in half the pages was drawn out. The author(s) are awesome, but tangent-driven, though I recommend the book for anyone looking to learn about the details of the traditional Islamic faith.
November 9, 2020
One of the best books written on Islam and its fundamental principles. This book will lead you beyond the horizon of traditional teachings of Islam and will tell you something unique that you may have not read before in any other book.
October 11, 2014
Amazing introduction to the philosophical underpinnings behind one of the world's most recognized religions. It does a fantastic job not only in displaying the diversity of thought that informs Islamic doctrine and faith; but also in clarifying critical philosophical concepts that most people, both non Muslim and Muslim alike, have misunderstood or forgotten when attempting to understand the faith. A very easy yet highly enlightening read.
December 16, 2020
The first half was interesting and informative. But the last 100 pages I really forced myself to complete this book. It was not interesting nor did include new information in the slightest.
But still, I would recommend this book to non-Muslim, only with some warnings.
But still, I would recommend this book to non-Muslim, only with some warnings.
January 15, 2016
Must-do reading. One of the best books I've read about Islam, even if it does lean to the Sufi (but hey, ain't nothin' wrong with that!).
December 13, 2009
just to be fair I didn't "read" the book, I listened to a reading of it with commentary by Hamza Yusuf..
I'll update my review once I "read" it though..soon enough I hope
I'll update my review once I "read" it though..soon enough I hope
May 31, 2007
Funny how I took the class last year, but am reading it now...hmm...
June 28, 2023
This book is truly a gem for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Islam in a simple and engaging manner. It delves into the rich history of religion while highlighting its timeless wisdom and relevance to contemporary society. The authors beautifully elucidate the core beliefs, practices, and values that shape the lives of Muslims worldwide.
"The Vision of Islam" not only provides a scholarly examination of Islamic teachings but also fosters interfaith understanding and appreciation. It dismantles misconceptions and promotes dialogue, emphasizing the shared human values that transcend religious boundaries. With its insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions, this book leaves readers enlightened and inspired. It serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of Islam or fostering intercultural harmony. This book truly offers a gateway to a profound and enlightening exploration of the Islamic faith.
"The Vision of Islam" not only provides a scholarly examination of Islamic teachings but also fosters interfaith understanding and appreciation. It dismantles misconceptions and promotes dialogue, emphasizing the shared human values that transcend religious boundaries. With its insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions, this book leaves readers enlightened and inspired. It serves as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of Islam or fostering intercultural harmony. This book truly offers a gateway to a profound and enlightening exploration of the Islamic faith.
August 14, 2025
In my opinion, "The Vision of Islam" is one of the best introductory books on Islam ever written in the English language. Whether you were born into the faith or have embraced it later in life, this is an absolute must-read.
The book covers virtually every major subject related to the Noble Qur’an, Hadith, Shariah, Sufism, and philosophy. All in a precise, accessible, and engaging way. At its heart lies the famous Hadith in which the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appears to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the form of a man and asks about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. This narration serves as the central framework for the book’s intellectual discussion and spiritual insights.
The fact that it was co-authored by Sachiko Murata and her husband, the renowned William Chittick, makes it even more remarkable. This is a book you don’t just read once; it’s one you return to again and again whenever questions or doubts arise about a particular aspect of the faith.
The book covers virtually every major subject related to the Noble Qur’an, Hadith, Shariah, Sufism, and philosophy. All in a precise, accessible, and engaging way. At its heart lies the famous Hadith in which the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appears to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the form of a man and asks about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. This narration serves as the central framework for the book’s intellectual discussion and spiritual insights.
The fact that it was co-authored by Sachiko Murata and her husband, the renowned William Chittick, makes it even more remarkable. This is a book you don’t just read once; it’s one you return to again and again whenever questions or doubts arise about a particular aspect of the faith.
July 29, 2019
This is a long book and its origin in university lectures is evident. The style is accessible and hits a number of points and quotations repeatedly in order to make them stick. The text really starts from square one, for example not assuming reader familiarity with the Qur'an, so it leaves no readers behind. Of course the real treasure lies in its exposition of Islam's own inner world, the individual practice and spirituality and intellectual depths that have characterized the Muslim tradition from its beginning. It makes brilliant use of the three dimensions of the religion, islam, iman, and ihsan, and teaches a number of key concepts (chief among them tawhid and its twin facets of tanzih and tashbih) that illuminate the worldview of the faithful. I come from a strong Catholic background and personally found a lot in common between the two religions on points of emphasis in faith, practice, and intention, and that lack of surprises was perhaps what surprised me most.
January 15, 2018
A terrific book I read in conjunction with Muhammad Asad’s translation of the Quran. The book added a nuanced understanding to my reading of and comprehension of Quran. I read this many years ago, and will re-read this book again.
March 21, 2021
Orthodox overview
A well written orthodox overview of Islam. The book covers the spectrum of Islam however it could have incorporated much of interesting research about Islam in the last three decades. The book also lacks critical independent thinking
A well written orthodox overview of Islam. The book covers the spectrum of Islam however it could have incorporated much of interesting research about Islam in the last three decades. The book also lacks critical independent thinking
May 26, 2021
I read the majority of this book during Ramadan which was a good time to learn about a religion I don’t really know much about. It was easy to follow. The most interesting part was the end about Islamic art and Sufism.
February 19, 2018
Sufi favoritism aside, Chittick and Murata do a good job of covering the basic theological tenets of Islam and critiquing the modern problems in thought and scholarship of the religion.
December 14, 2019
Whether you are exploring Islam or are a seasoned Muslim this text is valuable tool of reference. I enjoyed the journey this text guides me on.
September 10, 2022
The best Islamic book of ALL TIME. And I have read a fair few.
July 16, 2023
Insightful read that was a breeze to get through!
December 25, 2025
İslam'ın vizyonunu ve tarihsel sürecini diğer dinlerle kıyaslayarak anlatan değerli bir eser.
February 3, 2026
Dragged out. Last 100 pages were redundant. Other than that fantastic book. Provided a new perspective on Islam. Especially the primacy of the Quran and the relationship between different intellectual schools.
August 27, 2008
A great read, comprehensive and complex. Avoids buzz words and stereotypes to uncover Islam as a system of belief, not a political identity. It details Islam from an ideological perspective without making any assumptions about the reader. Since the book was written by two scholars with experience teaching Islam as an academic subject, it has a textbook quality. Admittedly, it becomes very detailed and philosophical at times, but is divided up into very specific and readable sections. Overall, a great insight into the depths of Islamic faith and belief, and a beautiful vision of what Islam is at its core.
January 10, 2016
It was mind blowing and spiritually satisfying. I was surprised to see myself so unaware of my own religion as opposed to the authors. I gained a lot of fresh perspective and alhamdulillah a revival of faith. In summary, it is Islam, Iman and Ihsan explained in a way never imagined. There are so many gems in this book worth quoting. It makes you want to read it again to uncover the gems or perhaps reignite the analytical engine within. It makes you think and think hard. I wish I could take their course.
November 2, 2008
An excellent discussion of the doctrines of faith of Islam. The authors challenge the reader by providing in depth explanations of various aspects of the doctrines of faith-- perhaps the most comprehensive lay-audience book on the subject. At the same time, the text is readable and accessible to new students of Islam.
December 8, 2012
Very informative piece of work, and unorthodox (in comparison to other books I've read in this area). However, one has to watch out for inaccuracies, the use of extremely weak material to back up a point by the author, or even passing off non-Islamic sources as being Islamic. If you can bypass these things, there are plenty of gems within the book that gets you thinking.
February 1, 2015
Great for those looking to really understand Islam, and the human connection to God. Great perspectives, examples, analogies, etc. Really helps to visualize Islam once you follow the Hadith of Gabriel properly.
note- Definitely recommend memorizing the Hadith from the intro- it makes everything simpler.
note- Definitely recommend memorizing the Hadith from the intro- it makes everything simpler.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews