Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places.
This book provides a succinct, authoritative and accessible introduction to one of the great religions traditions.
Islam is the last of the major monotheistic religions to have emerged. What exactly are the beliefs and essential practices of Islam? What are its distinct ideas about the nature and meaning of the cosmos, and the purpose of human existence? What was the role in its origins played by Muhammad and his teachings? How are Islam's key beliefs interpreted today in a changed world?
Like other religions, Islam is a product of history, during which it has interacted with other faiths and a variety of peoples. The doctrinal distinctions that exist within the Islamic community tend to reflect the Muslim world's range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
This concise and accessible introduction describes and explains the development of Islam, its key principles, sacred texts, rituals and practices, and the rich expression of holiness that the faith encompasses.
It is organised around nine key themes: Origins and Historical Development, Aspects of the Divine, Sacred Texts, Sacred Persons, Ethical Principles, Sacred Space, Sacred Time, Death and the Afterlife, and Society and Religion. Each of these themes is supplemented by extracts from or summaries of historical texts, with an author commentary that explains the significance of each piece or places it in context.
More specifically, the subjects covered include: The Prophet and his teachings; the Quran, Hadith and Sharia Law; the history of the Islamic empire; madrasas and jihad; Shiite and Sunni Islam; the Five Pillars; art and divinity; Mecca, mosques and mihrabs; angels, jinns and holy men; secular nationalism and Islamic revivalism.
In an era of extreme religious tensions and prejudices, it is more important than ever to see this major world religion in a balanced manner.
