eBook: The No-Nonsense Guide to Islam

How can Islam reconcile itself with the 21st century? This No-Nonsense Guide explains the Islamic worldview, examining the Qur’an and Islamic law (sharia), Islam in history, and Islam’s relationship with the West. The authors analyze the struggle within the faith for a more humane and holistic interpretation of their religion, examine issues surrounding women’s rights, economic development and the absence of democracy in some Muslim countries. This is a balanced portrayal of ‘real Islam’, looking beyond the common perceptions and polemical debates. It shows what Islam has achieved and shows why a better understanding of Muslims is needed throughout the world. But it also explains why Islam needs to make itself more relevant by showing it can create just, tolerant and peaceful society, and explores the steps for reform. Islam: the Qur'an and Sirah What is Islam? The Rightly Guided Caliphs Expansion and empires Civilization and learning Islam and the West Reform movements Contemporary issues Beyond the impasse 'The latest in the New Internationalist's excellent series of No-Nonsense Guides to all things is timely, as the peaceful and humane idealogy of the world's second-largest religion becomes dangerously obscured not only by widespread ignorance and misinterpretation, but also by the Muslims own drift away from the central tenets of the faith. The book examines the history and principles of Islam, how the faith which emphasised justice, creativity and tolerance, drifted from education to despotism and mediocrity, and what Islam could and should become in future.' - Observer, London Format: ePub Publication date: ISBN-13: 978-1-906523-62-6