The Islam Book provides a comprehensive overview of the Muslim world. Coverage includes Muhammad's life, the origin of the Quran, the Hadith, and the Golden Age of Islam (756-1526). It also covers Islam in the modern world, covering such topics as education for women and Islam on the Internet.
"The Quran is at the center of Islam, occupying for Muslims a position that is similar in significance to that of Jesus Christ for Christians." Muslims believe Muhammad to be "a messenger" not divine. He is looked to as the last prophet, superseding the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament patriarchs.
Despite the Quran's centrality, much of Muslim beliefs, practices, and laws come from the Hadith, or Muhammad's words and actions. The most basic Muslim belief element, known as the Shahada, is as follows: "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God..." Acceptance of this belief defines a person as part of the umma, "or the Islamic community." Muslim infants hear the Shahada at birth, and it appears on the flag of Saudi Arabia.
Daily prayers made facing Mecca are an integral part of Muslim everyday life. Other vital elements in the Muslim faith are almsgiving, fasting, and the Haji, or the pilgrimage to Mecca. Two other guiding principles of Islamic law are halal ("food, products, or behavior that is permitted, or lawful") and haram ("food or behavior that is forbidden, or unlawful").
During what is known as the Golden Age of Islam (756-1526), Muslims made many lasting contributions in several fields, especially mathematics, medicine, and astronomy. Muslim scholars built upon and extended the scholarship of classical Greece by translating classical Greek works into Arabic. "When the first universities opened in the major European cities, a great part of their libraries consisted of Latin translations of Arabic texts from Cordoba" [Spain under Muslim rule].
Storytelling, both religious and secular, is an important aspect of history in Muslim countries. "Individuals known as qussa specialized in telling religious stories in the mosques." Secular storytellers, known as hakawati, "have come to be known outside the Muslim world" for the stories known in English as The Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights.
Calligraphy, also both of a religious and secular nature, "is an enormously prestigious art in Islamic culture." Different styles of calligraphy developed to copy manuscripts of the Quran. "Calligraphy appeared on sacred and secular objects in almost every medium -- stones, stucco, ceramics, glass, jewelry, embroidery, carpets, woodcarving, and metalwork."
Today, Islam is present in many parts of the world, with Indonesia having "the world's largest Muslim population" of 229 million. "Africa is home to almost one-third of the world's Muslims." Many live in northern Africa, while southern Africa is predominately Christian. Shai Islam is prominent in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. Sunni Islam predominates in Turkey, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
While retaining its traditions, Islam has embraced modern technology. In 2019, "a Malaysian start-up" company introduced "SalamWeb, a new browser that is compliant with Islamic values." There are phone apps for "prayer time notifications" and to "indicate the direction of Mecca."
Muslim halal tradition is part of modern industries such as travel and banking. "The halal travel industry caters to the desire for hotels serving halal food, gender-segregated pools, and no alcohol." The Quran prohibits loaning money at interest. Instead, "Islamic banks loan money to businesses in exchange for a share in profits. If the business defaults or does not earn a profit, the bank also does not benefit." According to a 2019 estimate, "the global halal market is expected to be worth $9.71 trillion by 2025."
While technology has proven to be beneficial to the Muslim community, it has proven detrimental in some instances. "Militant Islamist groups continue to use online forums to attract recruits to their causes and to post propaganda videos featuring horrific killings...Social media has also increased the reach of controversial clerics, such as Saudi Arabian Muhammad Al Arefe, who has advocated violence against non-Muslims."
All in all, this is an ideal introduction to Islam, especially for non-Muslims such as myself. It is highly recommended.
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| Books in the series | Learn what it means to believe in God and understand religions' place in society. This book teaches one about the ideas behind faiths and the significant locations of religions around the world, through easy-to-follow graphics and jargon-free text. | Explore the history of philosophy and find out how theories from over 2,000 years ago are still relevant to our modern lives. | Classic myths retold and explained, from early creation beliefs to classical hero narratives. | Understand the faith of Islam, through the Islamic Golden Ages and discover significant philosophers and theologians across the centuries. Muslims and general readers will find a clear, impartial guide into the heart of Islam. | A perfect introduction and learning resource about the key ideas and beliefs of Bible teachings and studies. This book profiles key figures, locations, and essential theological theories to give you a clear insight into Christianity. |
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Reviews with images
Informative. Readable. Simply excellent.
My review title says it all. The graphics, layout, organization, packaging, paper quality and so on are great. Highly recommended!
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Top reviews from other countries
Carleton Jones
A good and concise beginner’s guide to understanding Islam.
Reviewed in Canada on June 7, 2021
Psy
Book is written well along with illustrations for easy understanding
Reviewed in India on June 16, 2022Volodymyr Averkov
Funny book well printed, but not a source for information about Islam
Reviewed in Germany on April 26, 2022Amazon-klant
Heb het verkeerde item gekregen
Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 7, 2022
Amazon-klant
Reviewed in the Netherlands on April 7, 2022
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Rowan
Ideal book for learning about Islam.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2020
Rowan
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2020
Details the history of Islam like where it started and how. It also goes in to detail about the islamic scientists and philosophers through the golden age of islam some years after the phophet pbuh died. It explains the expansion of Islam throughout the world and who introduced the different sects. And its all given in 2-4 page sections on a particular topic which keeps your attention.
This book would be great if you're not Muslim and just have an interest in this extensive and beautiful religion or for a revert like myself who wishes that he had this book when he reverted.
If you're a revert or thinking of reverting, this is definitely a book to read.
Peace and blessings to all involved in producing it.
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