Understanding Islam: Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places

by Matthew S. Gordon, Joanne O'Brien (Editor), Martin Palmer (Editor)

In a thoughtful exploration of Islam's history, beliefs, and practices, this enlightening book corrects many common misconceptions. Issues such as political Islam, Islam and Israel, and Islamic fundamentalism are addressed with intelligence, skill, and sensitivity.

This concise and accessible introduction describes and explains the development of Islam, its key principles, sacred texts, rituals and practices, and the rich expressions of holiness that the faith encompasses.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction, History

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Svetlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the religion, not the book :-)

[John Stotesbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[David Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first briefing

[Nick Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kadir · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[David Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Reza Putra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Langsung; tapi terlalu kering.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not written well at all.

[Saxitlurg · Rating 3 out of 5]

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