The essential introduction to Islam by a leading expert Hardly a day goes by without mention of Islam & yet for most people & in much of the world Islam remains a little-known religion Whether the issue is violence terrorism women's rights or slavery Muslims are today expected to provide answers & to justify what Islam is
- or is not But little opportunity exists either in the media or in society as a whole to describe Islam precisely the question this short & extremely accessible book sets out to answer In simple direct language it will introduce readers to Islam to its spirituality its principles its rituals its diversity & its evolution
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This exceptionally successful survey text introduces the teachings & practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary practice John L Esposito an internationally renowned expert on Islam traces the development of Islam & its impact on world history & politics Lucidly written & expansive in scope Islam The Straight Path Updated Fifth Edition provides keen insight into one of the world's least understood religions It is ideally suited for use in courses on Islam world religions comparative religions & Middle East history & culture A FREE 6-month subscription to Oxford Islamic Studies Online (wwwoxfordislamicstudiescom) edited by John L Esposito is included with the purchase of every new copy of this text ...

Islam a faith that embraces all races & cultures has spread far & wide across the globe & today about one in five people in the world is a follower of the Islamic faith Few people have not heard about Islam or interacted with Muslims But many including some Muslims do not know much about Prophet Muhammad or what the Qur'an actually teaches Unfortunately the focus on terrorism may have resulted in an inaccurate & biased view of Islam & of Muslims in general Islam is not responsible for those Muslims involved in terrorism & violence; these Muslims make up only a tiny fraction of the vast majority of practicing Muslims who adhere to Islam & find peace & happiness in it Islam actually promotes peace & harmony Thus it is important for the world to discover what Islam really is & what it teaches This book explores the fundamental beliefs of Islam from its conception to what its adherents need to practise to be righteous & helpful to the peace & progress of one's country of residence & the whole wide world Presented in an elegant & concise way it explains the different aspects of the faith in topical form & clarifies misconceptions about Islam Through this book readers will be able to better understand & appreciate the truths & expectations of Islam for both Muslims & people of other faiths to work together to build a safer & more harmonious society for everyone ...

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

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Now available in a fully-revised & updated third edition Islam History Religion & Politics provides a comprehensive & engaging introduction to the core teachings historical development & contemporary public struggles of Islam 224 pages Sonn Tamara ...

Across the Islamic world illuminating Korans from Morocco to Malaysia & adorning mosques mausoleums & palaces are hidden some of the most exquisite geometrical devices ever conceived by man In this excellent little book geometer Daud Sutton unravels the mystery of Islamic patterns explaining where they come from how to draw them & hinting at the Divine messages they encode WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information Fascinating FINANCIAL TIMES Beautiful LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS Rich & Artful THE LANCET Genuinely mind-expanding FORTEAN TIMES Excellent NEW SCIENTIST stunning NEW YORK TIMES Small books big ideas ...

Islamic geometric designs are admired worldwide for their beauty & marvellous intricacy yet in truth they are seldom understood Indeed their complexity & artistry can seem almost beyond the powers of human ingenuity In this handsomely illustrated volume artist & teacher Eric Broug analyses & explains these complex designs in their historical & physical context His own original drawings accompany magnificent photographs of mosques madrasas palaces & tombs from the Islamic world ranging from North Africa to Iran & Uzbekistan & from the 8th to the 19th centuries Chapters are devoted to each of the main families of geometric design fourfold fivefold & sixfold & to the complex combined patterns Every design is carefully explained & illustrated with a wealth of stunning photographs & clear meticulously detailed drawings Readers can follow the design processes by which these patterns were created & even learn to reproduce & invent geometric patterns for themselves using exactly the same tools as the Islamic craftsmen of old a ruler & a pair of compasses ...

Geometric patterns are perhaps the most recognizable visual expressions of Islamic art & architecture magnificent in their beauty & awe-inspiring in their execution Now with the aid of this book anyone can learn how to master this ancient art & create intricate patterns or re-create classic examples An introduction guides the reader through the basics & is followed by some of the best examples of geometric patterns from around the world arranged into three levels of complexity with careful step-by-step instructions taking the reader through the stages of composition This book also

Includes:: a CD-ROM allowing you to experiment with Islamic geometric patterns on the computer

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In this inventive interpretation of the popular colouring book concept Islamic design expert Eric Broug helps readers to create their own patterns based on compositions from across the Islamic world The book opens up the world of intricate Islamic patterns allowing artists designers & doodlers alike to learn about these works of art as they produce their own With 48 Islamic geometric compositions from around the world to choose from artists at all skill levels will relish the myriad opportunities to replicate these intricate patterns or create their own The workbook&s clever design invites the pattern-maker to consider a composition in the book take a corresponding loose leaf from the back of the book & figure out which sections of lines to trace to make the composition Readers will have the unique satisfaction of making patterns appear where previously none were visible Compositions
- including a mix of more familiar geometric compositions & those that have scarcely been documented
- are categorized by region & have various levels of complexity making it possible for beginners to get started & artists or designers to develop their skills

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Does history matter? This book argues not that history matters but that Islamic history does This Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history; the controversies surrounding its study; & the significance that it holds
- for Muslims & for non-Muslims alike Opening with a lucid overview of the rise & spread of Islam from the seventh to twenty first century the book charts the evolution of what was originally a small localised community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents Chapters are also dedicated to the peoples
- Arabs Persians & Turks
- who shaped Islamic history & to three representative institutions
- the mosque jihad & the caliphate
- that highlight Islam's diversity over time Finally the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious & political contexts are analysed while stressing the unique status that history enjoys amongst Muslims especially compared to its lowly place in Wester




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