ANNOTATION

An overview of Islam chronicling the religion's impact historically and in the modern world and discussing its origins, basic beliefs, structure, places of worship, and rites of passage.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From angry street demonstrations in the Middle East to the terrorism of Osama bin Laden, the news is filled with images of Islam as a militant and rabidly anti-American religion. Now, in this lavishly illustrated volume, Mathew Gordon offers a different view, in a clear and informative guide to virtually every aspect of Islam.

Gordon begins with a historical overview of Islam, from the divine revelations Muhammad received in Mecca to the triumphant rule of the Caliphs. He illuminates the central features of Islam, from the structure and teachings of the Koran, to the Sharia (the intricate and subtle web of legal teachings), to the duties of worship (the profession of faith, the daily cycle of prayer, alms-giving, the Ramadan fast, and the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). The book offers lucid and insightful discussions of the different branches of Islam, such as the Shii (also called Shia or Shiite), the Ismaili, and the mystic traditions of Sufism. In addition, he explains the importance of divinely inspired figures, or Imams, in Shiism; includes sidebars on such things as Islamic literature and art; and offers boxed features on topics such as the Hajj, the historical place of conquered non-Muslims in the Arab Islamic empire. Gordon also addresses the role of women in Islamic societies, the many political crosscurrents, and much more.

Islam has spread around the world--from the Philippines to Pakistan, and from Albania to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. This clear, honest, and respectful guide, featuring dozens of striking color photographs, clears away the misconceptions and reveals Islam's true beauty and power.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Gordon provides an accessible, well-written and evenhanded introduction to Islam, one of the world's fastest-growing religions. In brief chapters, he discusses the rise of Islam; the centrality of its sacred text, the Qur'an; the importance of the Prophet Muhammad; the major developments of both Sunni and Shi'i Islam (including "sub-sects" of both traditions); the ethical principles and "Five Pillars" of the faith; the role of the mosque and of sacred sites such as Mecca; the concept of sacred time and the Islamic lunar calendar; Muslims' beliefs about death and the afterlife; and Islam in the modern world. Throughout, Gordon provides a balanced approach, noting, for example, that the Ayatollah Khomeini's 1990 fatwah against novelist Salman Rushdie was opposed by many Islamic scholars and that the religion is "far from monolithic" in its laws or practices. Each chapter closes with an excerpt from some primary source for example, the opening verses of the Qur'an or an Urdu poem praising Muhammad and then interprets that passage with a brief commentary. These bite-sized chunks of original source material go a long way toward helping readers become familiar with Islam's historical and literary traditions. The book is enhanced by well-chosen, full-color photographs and illustrations, which are so animated that they seem to invite readers to contemplate the interior of a mosque, or to participate in a schoolroom discussion with British Muslim girls. Overall, this is a handy, informed and attractive primer. (May) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

These two introductory texts are similar both in format they are short, visually appealing, and have a small trim size and in arrangement, with chapters including "Origins and Historical Development," "Sacred Persons," "Ethical Principles," "Sacred Time," "Death and After Life," and "Society and Religion." Chapters conclude with a one-page excerpt and commentary from a sacred or historical book. Littleton (Eastern Wisdom) and Gordon (The Breaking of a Thousand Swords) provide clear and informative explanations about Shinto and Islam, respectively, as they develop and balance themes of religion, history, society, and modernity within their discussions. In discussing Shinto, a significant religion in Japan, Littleton focuses on deities and spirits, shrines, and the ways Buddhism and Christianity have influenced Shintoism. He frequently cites Ryusaku Tsunoda's Sources of Japanese Traditions (1958), along with more recent sources. The several themes Gordon develops in his introduction to Islam include Hadith, or stories regarding the life, teachings, and actions of Muhammad; and Sharia, or ways divine will is portrayed in Islamic sacred law, Hadith, and the Quran. Libraries may already be well stocked with introductions to Islam by such authors as Karen Armstrong and John Esposito, but these useful works are unique in providing an introduction to their respective religions without trying to explain too much. These books can either stand alone or supplement a larger collection. Appropriate for academic and public libraries, especially where there is interest and existing religion collections. Naomi Hafter, Baltimore Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

This is a book for young adults. The cataloging-in-publication reads, in part, "Summary: An overview of Islam chronicling the religion's impact historically and in the modern world and discussing its origin, basic beliefs, structure, places of worship, and rites of passage." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)