Islam: Understand the Religion Behind the Headlines

by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion and the source of much controversy and discussion in relation to recent world events. This incisive guide offers an essential overview of the Muslim faith, covering such topics as the life of Muhammad, the nature and contents of the Qur’an, the history of the religion, and the beliefs and practices of contemporary Muslims. Fascinating and informed, this is the perfect reference for those studying Islam or anyone interested in world religions.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood (Rosalyn Rushbrook/Kendrick) is the author of some forty books on Islam and other subjects. She gained her honours degree in Christian Theology at the University of Hull in 1963, and Post Graduate Teaching Certificate in 1964, with distinctions in theory and practice. Her professional life was spent as Head of Religious Studies at various tough UK inner city secondary schools, until she retired in 1996, to concentrate on writing and lecturing. She has since made the GCSE course in Islamic Studies available to students and converts to Islam of all ages, especially to those who have not had the opportunity to study it at school.

She grew up a devout Christian, but converted to Islam in 1986. Already established by then as an author of books on Christian and educational topics, she has since devoted her time to writing on Islam and doing dawah (explaining the faith) work to both Christian and Muslim audiences. She regularly addresses school and church groups, explaining Islam and educating in the basics of Islam, with a keen interest in presenting Islam as a world faith. She strives to raise the awareness both of non-Muslims and also of born Muslims of the traditional immigrant ethnic backgrounds living in the UK, that these numerous varieties of cultural backgrounds, tastes and emphases are all part of Islam, including cultures that are not limited to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and North Africa.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Islam - Understanding the religion behind the headlines by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

In this format 192 pages across 10 chapters of easily accessible information, supported by interesting pictures and separate notes in the margins supporting useful snippets and external links.

The strength of the publication is that it provides a rich variety of insights into the Muslim faith, without overloading the reader who may understand little of the principles, origins and current debates.

Interesting and insightful read.