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 & the Wahhabis & 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? In this new edition Ruthven brings the text up-to-date by reflecting upon some of the most significant changes in the Muslim world in recent years; from the emergence of al-Qaeda & the attacks on New York & Washington on 911 & the ensuing wars in Afghanistan & Iraq to the uprisings in the Middle East & North Africa Ruthven
Includes:: new material surrounding the concept of a globalized Islam bringing into question the effects of economic globalization the effect of international events in Middle Eastern countries the issues surrounding Islam & democracy & the reception & perception of Islam in the West ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable