This translation into English of a great Islamic classic offers the western world a simple yet profound interpretation of Islam Drawing upon years of unparalleled experience in diplomacy & government Azzam examines the social & economic ramifications of the Muslim state one based on humane ideals of law & justice expressed in the Qur'an & one which can provide the foundation for a just society Abd al-Rahman Azzam (1893-1976) is generally considered as the father of the Arab League He served as the League's first Secretary-General between 1945-52 as well as distinguishing himself in a long career as an ambassador & parliamentarian As Vincent Sheean points out in his introduction ' In Damascus as well as in Djakarta Istanbul & Baghdad this man is known for valour of spirit & elevation of mind He combines in the best Islamic mode the aspects of thought & action like the Muslim warriors of another time who are typified for us Westerners by the figure of Saladin' Malcolm X's reading of ' The Eternal Message of Muhammad' & his meeting with Azzam Pasha are vividly recounted in his ' Autobiography' It is clear that these events marked the point in his life at which Malcolm X turned towards orthodox traditional Islam