Islam: A Concise Introduction

By Neal Robinson

Book Overview

This book provides a concise yet panoramic overview of Islam, unlike most introductory books, which focus mainly on the development of Islamic institutions in the classical period. To place Islam in perspective, Neal Robinson discusses the problems raised by Western perceptions of Islam and provides a brief account of Islamic history down to the present. He then explains major topics in Islamic worship to help readers understand it as a living faith. Appendices guide the novice through the structure of Arabic names, transliteration, and the Islamic calendar and festivals.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878402241
• ISBN13: 9780878402243
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.5"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Title Fits

The author begins by listing some of the ways western civilization has slighted Islam over the centuries (and there are many). He also argues that is a more tolerant religion than others in the world (certainly in its early history it was more tolerant than Christianity was at the same time). He follows up by decrying how peaceful Islam is. Here the author slips a bit. His history of Islam seems filled with conflicts between rival clans and sects. The Prophet himself rose to power defeating polytheists in a military battle. The second half of the book review the pillars of Islam and give great insight into the significance of the Prophet and the Quran. At times the author can seem a bit of an apologist for radical Islam. The book was written in 1999. I wonder if he would continue to tacitly accept such radicalism today.