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An Introduction to Islam
If you've ever had questions about Islam, this course is for you.
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Islam, which brings inspiration and meaning to the lives of many millions of people worldwide. At the same time, misunderstandings about Islam abound.
Now, in Introduction to Islam, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam. Your guide, Prof. Gabriel S. Reynolds, a Catholic and a scholar of Islamic studies and a Notre Dame professor, will answer your most important questions about the second largest and fastest-growing, religion in the world.
You will begin with the sources of Islam, the life of Muhammad, and the importance of the Qur'an. Next you will analyze the historical development of Islam, coming to understand the rise of Islam and its Sunni and Shi'ite traditions. You will also discuss the central place of shari'a, or the divine law, to Islam. Finally, you will consider the mystical tradition of Islam, the role of Jesus in Islam, and the origins and meaning of jihad.
Ideal for beginners, this course answers questions of particular concern to Christians who care about the Church's relation with Islam. As you listen to these fascinating lectures, you will broaden your own capacity for interreligious dialogue and understanding of Abrahamic religions.
At the end you will emerge with a deeper understanding of the history, teachings, and practice of Islam.
It is impossible to overestimate the influence of Islam, which brings inspiration and meaning to the lives of many millions of people worldwide. At the same time, misunderstandings about Islam abound.
Now, in Introduction to Islam, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam. Your guide, Prof. Gabriel S. Reynolds, a Catholic and a scholar of Islamic studies and a Notre Dame professor, will answer your most important questions about the second largest and fastest-growing, religion in the world.
You will begin with the sources of Islam, the life of Muhammad, and the importance of the Qur'an. Next you will analyze the historical development of Islam, coming to understand the rise of Islam and its Sunni and Shi'ite traditions. You will also discuss the central place of shari'a, or the divine law, to Islam. Finally, you will consider the mystical tradition of Islam, the role of Jesus in Islam, and the origins and meaning of jihad.
Ideal for beginners, this course answers questions of particular concern to Christians who care about the Church's relation with Islam. As you listen to these fascinating lectures, you will broaden your own capacity for interreligious dialogue and understanding of Abrahamic religions.
At the end you will emerge with a deeper understanding of the history, teachings, and practice of Islam.
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Published July 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2022
Like everyone else in the world, I know about the extremist Muslims waging all kinds of war around the globe. I had read bits and pieces about Islam but knew virtually nothing about the religion. This book was very informative. I came away from this experience knowing quite a bit more than I did when I started; however, like the major religions of the world, there are many interpretations of what Islam really is and how one practices this religion with fidelity.
One part I found particularly interesting was how Islam treats non Islams. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion--some claim that tolerance should be extended while others think those of other faiths should be eliminated.
It was an easy listen and in my opinion worth the time it took to read it.
One part I found particularly interesting was how Islam treats non Islams. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion--some claim that tolerance should be extended while others think those of other faiths should be eliminated.
It was an easy listen and in my opinion worth the time it took to read it.
February 28, 2023
A good introduction to Islam, in 25-minute lectures. The life of Mohammed, the origins of Q'uran, the other bodies of Islamic texts, origins and ways of thinking of Sunnis, šiiites, Sufis, differences in interpretation of Muhammed's teaching and conduct ("sunna"), how are Christians viewed, how is Sharia law formed. Basically all of the basic questions you have are answered in a compact format by someone who is a Westerner, but clearly deeply knowledgable of the Arabic language and Islam.
November 27, 2021
Wonderful insight as always with Gabriel Said Reynolds. I'm looking forward to comparing this to the Great Courses look at Islam.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews