Islam for Beginners

For Beginners

by Nabil Matar

This unique combination of text and illustration introduces the faith and culture of Muslims from the seventh century to the present. Intellectually compelling and visually striking, this book will help both students and interested lay readers to better understand the history and contemporary impact of one of the great religions of the world.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Islam, Comics, History

Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

Nabil Matar studied English Literature at the American University of Beirut where he received his B.A. and M.A. In 1976, he completed his Ph.D. at Cambridge University on the poetry of Thomas Traherne. He taught at Jordan University and the American University of Beirut, and received postdoctoral grants from the British Council (Clare Hall, Cambridge University) and from Fulbright (Harvard Divinity School).

In 1986, Dr. Matar moved to the United States and started teaching in the Humanities Department at Florida Institute of Technology. In 1997, he became the Department Head and served until 2007 when he moved to the English Department at the University of Minnesota. He is Presidential Professor in the President’s Interdisciplinary Initiative on Arts and Humanities and teaches in the departments of English and History, and in the Religious Studies Program.

Dr. Matar’s research in the past two decades has focused on relations between early modern Britain, Western Europe, and the Islamic Mediterranean. He is author of numerous articles, chapters in books and encyclopedias, and the trilogy: Islam in Britain, 1558-1685 (Cambridge UP, 1998), Turks, Moors and Englishmen in the Age of Discovery (Columbia UP, 1999), and Britain and Barbary, 1589-1689 (UP of Florida, 2005). He wrote the introduction to Piracy, Slavery and Redemption (Columbia UP, 2001) and began a second trilogy on Arabs and Europeans in the early modern world: In the Lands of the Christians. (Routledge, 2003), Europe through Arab Eyes, 1578-1727 (Columbia UP, 2009). He is currently working on the third installment, "Arabs and Europeans, 1517-1798." With Professor Gerald MacLean, he published Britain and the Islamic World, 1558-1713 (Oxford UP, 2011). With Professor Judy Hayden, he edited a collection of essays on travel to the Holy Land in the early modern period (in press, Brill, 2012). His forthcoming publication is a study and an annotated edition of "Henry Stubbe and the Prophet Muhammad: The Originall & Progress of Mahometanism" (Columbia UP, 2012/13), He is completing work on "Names and Numbers: British Captives in North Africa, 1578-1727." In recognition of his "pioneering scholarship on the relationship between Islamic civilisation and early modern Europe," Dr. Matar was given the Building Bridges award at the University of Cambridge (28 March 2012).

Reviews

[Gian Quinones-Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Islam for beginners was a fascinating insight into the religion and it's past. I learned a lot and the book keeps you entertained with it's page to page art of the people, mosques, design, and events. It also shows you the impact Islam has in the world in science, culture, art, and the famous individuals that converted. Very interesting. I'd say pick this one up if you want a basic understanding of Islam's mechanics and history.

[Sukanya Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book really changed my perspective on what Islam as a religion really means. The book with its outstanding graphics makes it quite an interesting read. I loved going through it and learnt various aspects of the religion. The book is a must read for those who want to know about the basic precepts of Islam.

[Sulagna Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Serve God and associate none with Him. Show kindness to parents and kindred, to orphans and to the destitute, to near and distant neighbors, to those that keep company with you, to the traveller in need, and to the slaves you own. God does not love arrogant and boastful men . . ." (Koran 4:36)
.
.
I picked this book up on a whim, feeling curious to the extent that I wanted to gauge the veracity of the popular media's depiction of people practising Islam as warmongering savages. While reading this book, I discovered a beautiful religion with an immensely rich history that advocates (contrary to popular belief) women's rights by allowing a woman to "inherit her husband," own property and engage in financial affairs and promotes polygyny as an "injunction" that is "strictly predicated on the individual's ability to be just" to protect the financial stability of widows. It was also quite surprising to know that the Koran incorporates Christianity into its religious doctrine by championing Mary in the framework of Christianity rather than distorting her image as a Messiah of Islam ("And of Mary . . . she believed the words of her Lord and His Books, and was among the obedient"–Koran 66:12). It has its flaws too–most remarkably, the fact that abortion is frowned upon seemed problematic; but then again I have this niggling fear that other religions have a similar stance on this issue. All in all, I believe that if people spent more time on practising tolerance and love and educating themselves on the "others'" perspectives rather than spewing hate speech, our world would be a much better place, because, as Hannah Gadsby said, "Stories hold our cure."

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text was aesthetically intriguing; I knew that Islam did not allow images or pictures for adornment, so as to avoid any idolatry, but I did not realize how artistic the language itself could be. Within the Islamic tradition there are schools of philosophy and calligraphy that blend geometric design, religious ideals, and holy names into visual prayers on the page. I also appreciated the text's presentation of fundamental beliefs. This was a useful introduction for me to see some of the overlay between traditions.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This does exactly what it says on the tin - a good overview of the Islamic faith for beginners who understand very little beyond what they may see on the evening news, in the newspapers or in television documentaries.

The book is thorough in covering all aspects of the religion and it avoids taking sides in detailing the tensions within the faith itself and also between the faith and the secular societies of the West since the late 20th Century.

[Synia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good mix of historical context, founding beliefs, and different branches of Islam. If you know absolutely nothing about Islam, this book is an easy-to-understand introduction to the religion and its history. This book will prepare you to read more challenging or in-depth texts on the subject. The illustrations of the buildings floor plans, clothes, and maps are also really helpful for visual learners.

[Selma Slocum · Rating 4 out of 5]

an easy and fast read
not very dense
a good introduction for those who are foreign to the religion
but, lacking in depth for those who are already Muslim

[K.A.L.M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muhammad for Beginners from the same series is better.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel, which was a fun way to read about Islam. It's not a very deep dive, but still interesting.

[Eleanor Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book basically is what it says. It provides a very simple overview of the origins, history and spread of Islam. It also has a lot of really useful introductions to sectors and different interpretations of Islam by different Muslim groups throughout history, and the numerous ways the Muslim community has influenced culture, art and science.
Due to it's style it is very quick to read, but will help with understanding of later heavier reading. However if you are interested in Islamic teaching, perhaps you should try another book. This book tends to skim over teachings. If you really want to understand teachings, it is probably best to actually read the Koran.