Teach Yourself Islam

by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

Given recent political developments, many want to know more about Islam. This accessible and informative guide covers not only Islamic history, theology, and the life of Muhammad, but also the role of the religion in shaping world politics. With this book, you'll come away with a well-rounded understanding of Islam and its various sects worldwide.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction, Cultural

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 1996

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So when my husband and I started to get serious, I really wanted to get a deeper understanding of his religion and his culture. This book answered A LOT of my questions and created thousands of topics that we could discuss together. I feel that I have a very good grasp of Islam now and the culture that surrounds it. Highly recommend so you can get a better idea of this religion and what is ACTUALLY tolerated under the teachings of Mohammed and what has been warped into fitting people's agendas.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very easy to read and digest. It is formatted in a way that it will serve me as a good reference to basic Islam principles and groups during my course. In some places I feel that the author is slightly too biased by glossing over issues, but on a whole this is a reliable resource. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Islam.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book with lots of information, quotes, and covering a huge variety of topics. This, or a book like it, is a must-read for anyone interested in Islam.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is presented in a clear and easy format and it's easy to pick up and read sections. It answered a lot of questions such as why Muslims don't eat pigs, what goes on at a pilgrimage to Mecca, why women cover up in some countries and not in others etc. It helps to build an understanding and awareness of a worldwide culture.

[loathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best introductory books on Islam out there. Some books excel in the history, some in the interpretations, some in how to practice being a Muslim, but none tie them all together as well as this book. While not entirely unbiased, it remains mostly neutral throughout and gives you many facts rather than opinions for you to interpret yourself and really take grasp of

[Candacehaws · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually took this from my dad a long time ago, but didn't decide to pick it up and read it until after I read Three Cups of Tea. I honestly didn't know much about Islam, but am now fascinated and impressed by its deeply personal and prayerful nature.

[texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

i just honestly knew almost nothing, which is why i read this book. it was fairly helpful and extremely easy to read.

[Rafael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good beginners book for basic insights on Islamic principles and practice.

[anno · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent overview of muslim attitudes and practice from the perspective of what seems to be a British muslim, with the opinions one would expect from such. I found the lack of historical perspective disappointing, but that's very much on me for expecting things such an entry text would be unlikely to supply.

However, there is a definite Sunni-bias, and some of the claims made are the kind of usual boomer material that leaves one a tad incredulous. Overall worth it for a feel of muslim practice, less useful for muslim perspectives on life and prescribed behaviour.

[Robin Ramone · Rating 1 out of 5]

The information published in this book completely contradicts the Quran.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a good first look into Islam. It covers all the basics and is easy too read.

I did not like the strong emphasis on Asian Muslims living in Britain, it gives a slightly distorted view. Also I would have wished it too be a little less defensive and a bit more critical. Living in Egypt with the majority of the population being Muslims and being the minority myself, I had to laugh a few times at the idealistic picture the author drew of Muslim society.

But still, a very good start, if you want to learn more about the religion.

[Saarah Niña · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend....

I recently brought this book and I was really grateful for there being no unexpected delays in its delivery. The product, itself, is just as good. I prefer the layout and format of the pages within this book, compared to other books which tend to be lengthier, crowded and possess an overwhelming amount of information.

The book even features images, which are always good. Who doesn't love a picture book?

The book is suitable more for adults and those who want to really enhance their knowledge regarding Islam.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good survey of Islam , its values and history. It could be a little better orgamized, however, as it's repetitive in places and at times seems more like an FAQ than an informative book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for people who are wanting to learn about the world of Islam. It really gives you lots of details in the understanding in this culture.

[Tristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is kind of like "Islam for Dummies" without the sense of humor. It's full of information and is a good reference, but not a lot of fun to read.