A New Introduction to Islam

By Daniel W. Brown and Daniel W Brown

Book Overview

Written in an engaging style, this text introduces students not just to what Muslims believe and practise, but also to the history and development of Islamic studies as a discipline. Provides a thought-provoking account of the origins, major features and lasting impact of the Islamic tradition. Introduces students to the history and development of Islamic studies as a discipline. Examines how monotheism in the Near East produced a unique and brilliant intellectual and religious tradition spanning the fields of Islamic law, theology, philosophy and mysticism. Surveys the ways in which Islamic tradition has enriched the world and in turn been enriched by interaction with other civilizations, from the Mongols to the modern West. Considers the opportunities and challenges facing Muslims today. Includes detailed chronologies, tables summarizing key information, and useful maps and diagrams.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631216049
• ISBN13: 9780631216049
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.7" x 0.8" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Historical introduction to Islam

This is an undergraduate college textbook, and it reads like one. I found it interesting, though the style is rather dry. I appreciated the history of Islam being provided in the context of the religious ferment that was going at the time -- particularly the unorthodox Christian sects that had been driven out of the Byzantine empire into the desert regions. Mohammed apparently had contact with several of these groups during his travels, and his views and perspectives on Christianity were influenced by their theology. It was also interesting to read how in the early years, Muslims and Jews found common cause in their opposition to Christianity. All in all, an excellent overview of the history of Islam, the major (and minor) Islamic sects, Islamic theology, interpretations of Islamic law, etc. If you want an objective, non-polemic introduction to this important religion, this is a good one.

Easy-access intro to Islam

I bought the new second edition of this text for an introductory course on Islam and ended up reading the entire book before the class even started. It's well written and organized, a vital necessity with 1400 years of ground to cover. Of course there are the narratives and basic info that any introductory work would include, but Brown also uses good examples to bring things into perspective: for instance the "Coffee Debate" illustrates how Islamic law actually operates. The book is up-to-date not only in its discussion of issues like "Islam and Modernity" but also in bringing up recent scholarly debates about the Koran and Islamic traditions. I found myself constantly saying, "So that's why," in regard to controversial issues like gender or the sharia. Brown is sympathetic to his topic, but avoids an apologetic stance and tends to let facts speak for themselves. It's very much to his credit that someone like myself, a devout believer in a "heretical" religion, comes away from the book with far greater respect for Islam as a whole, and a thirst to know more. For that purpose the numerous references and bibliography are solid and useful. There's also a concise 10-page glossary for us non-Arabists.