Product Description

Islam features widely in the news, often in its most militant versions, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand the nature of Islam.

Malise Ruthven's Very Short Introduction contains essential insights into issues such as why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis, and the central importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life. It also offers fresh perspectives on contemporary questions: Why is the greatest 'Jihad' (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfilment in Islamic societies? How must
Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7747 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-24
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Synopsis
Islam features widely in the news, often in its most militant versions, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand the nature of Islam. Malise Ruthven's Very Short Introduction contains essential insights into issues such as why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis, and the central importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life. It also offers fresh perspectives on contemporary questions: Why is the greatest 'Jihad' (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfilment in Islamic societies? How must Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world?

About the Author
Malise Ruthven is a lecturer in comparative religion specializing in Islamic affairs at the University of Aberdeen.

Customer Reviews

useful
I know some people have commented that this book came across as obscure and complex, but luckily for me I didn't find that. I found it incredibly helpful and illuminating in what is a deeply complex religion. The key facts that I was able to take away with me have helped to shape my understanding of Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. I thought that it was well written and extremely interesting.

hard work
I love the idea of these very short introductions. The series is an excellent idea. However I've really struggled with this one. It feels like the author has tried to cope with the shortness of the book by making some very long sentences! Hard to understand and confusing with lots of unfamiliar names. Not really what I was hoping for.

A most helpful guide
This pocket-sized volume is an excellent means for the serious reader to move towards an in-depth understanding of Islam. It is well illustrated with photographs and maps, and the author introduces a wealth of Islamic quotations. The vocabulary is academic to a degree, but the sentence structure is straightforward, making it readily accessible for those with a reasonable level of English. Together with its companion volumes on the other major world religions, this is a set book for the Open University course "Introducing Religions" (A217).
Those looking for an easier read might consider "Understanding My Muslim Neighbour", which uses a dialogue form to explore the main characteristics of Islam from a Christian viewpoint.