Many non-Muslims have no idea that Muslims worship the same God as Christians & Jews & that Islam preaches compassion charity humility & the brotherhood of man. & the similarities dont end there. According to Islamic teaching Muhammad founded Islam in 610 CE after the angel Gabriel appeared to him at Mecca & told him that God had entered him among the ranks of such great biblical prophets as Abraham Moses & Christ. Whether you live or work alongside Muslims & want to relate to them better or you simply want to gain a better understanding of the worlds second largest religion Islam For Dummies" can help you make sense of this religion & its appeal. From the " Quran" to Ramadan this friendly guide introduces you to the origins practices & beliefs of Islam including: Muhammad the man & the legend; The Five Pillars of Wisdom; The Five Essentials beliefs of Islam; The different branches of Islam & Islamic sects; The " Quran" & Islamic law; Islam throughout history & its impact around the world Professor Malcolm Clark explores the roots of Islam how it has developed over the centuries & its long & complex relationship with Christianity. He helps puts Islam in perspective as a major cultural & geopolitical force. & he provided helpful insights into among other things: Muhammad the Quran & the ethical teachings of Islam; Muslim worship customs & rituals surrounding birth marriage & death; Shiites Sunnis Sufis Druze & other important Muslim groups; & Islam in relation to Judaism & Christianity. In these troubled times it is important that we try to understand the belief systems of others for through understanding comes peace. " Islam For Dummies" helps you build bridges of understanding between you & your neighbors in the global village."