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: #17012 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

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

Customer Reviews

An excellent pocket guide
This is one in a series of introductions to various world religions. It is a very useful book for either the student of religion or the interested person-in-the-street. I should declare a personal interest in that the author was one of my lecturers two years ago before he moved on to better things. The book is written in an accessible style with enough information to inform but not drown the reader. The problem with a book such as this is what to include and what to exclude and although there is nothing missing that should be there, the problem is that the appetite is whetted rather than satisfied. The book discusses a variety of current issues and treats the Islamic position with respect. Well worth buying.

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.

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.