Product Description

This wide-ranging account of the history and theology of one of the world’s most dynamic religions tells the story of Islamic beliefs and practices as they developed from the earliest times down to the present day. For this revised and updated Second Edition, David Waines has added a long section tackling head-on the issues arising from Islam’s place in the changing world order at the turn of the new millennium. The wars in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Israel, and the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, have raised global awareness of Islam at a superficial level - but little has been written which considers Islamic political and military extremism in relation to mainstream Muslim history and theology. Coming at the end of a book which has explored the ideas and traditions of Islam in depth, this new section offers thought-provoking reflections on the place of religion in the current conflicts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #212217 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 380 pages

Review
‘Reviewers do not always agree with writers of blurbs, but in this case the reviewer must … the book really is essential reading for all those interested in Islamic history and culture.’ Geoffrey Lewis Asian Affairs

‘The merits of this book are several: it is a scholarly work, it is well-researched and clearly presented … it is surprisingly comprehensive for an introductory text.’ Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society

‘David Waines has surely written what will deservedly be the standard introduction to Islam for some time.’ Oliver Leaman Expository Times

‘… an elegantly written work as useful to the new student daunted by the complexity of Islamic discourse as to the more experienced Muslim who sometimes wonders about the difference between shari’a and fiqh … Highly recommended.’ Periodica Islamica

‘Fluent, thoughtful and open-minded.’ Aramco World

"Waines writes clearly, eloquently and with style and precision." Andrew Rippon Der Islam

"Western businessmen would be advised that 'You can't afford to leave on your next trip to a Muslim country without placing this book on your list of essentials to take along.'" Middle East Library Association Notes

About the Author
David Waines is Professor of Islamic Studies, Department of Religious Studies, Lancaster University.

Customer Reviews

Dull but covers all aspects of Islam
This book is a good book from the point of view that it covers all aspects of Islam from the Prophet Muhammad to present times. However the author writes in a dull and unexciting manner that makes reading the book a hard and painful experience.

excellent for academic study
This is an excellent book for any student of religion who wants an in-depth study of the Islamic tradition. Comprehensive and easy to read. Highly recommended!