Islam for Dummies: A Reference for the Rest of Us!

By Malcolm Clark

Book Overview

Many non-Muslims have no idea that Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews, and that Islam preaches compassion, charity, humility, and the brotherhood of man. And the similarities don't end there. According to Islamic teaching, Muhammad founded Islam in 610 CE after the angel Gabriel appeared to him at Mecca and told him that God had entered him among the ranks of such great biblical prophets as Abraham, Moses, and Christ. Whether you live or work alongside Muslims and want to relate to them better, or you simply want to gain a better understanding of the world's second largest religion, Islam For Dummies can help you make sense of this religion and its appeal. From the Qur'an to Ramadan, this friendly guide introduces you to the origins, practices and beliefs of Islam, including: Muhammad, the man and the legend The Five Pillars of Wisdom The Five Essentials beliefs of Islam The different branches of Islam and Islamic sects The Qur'an and Islamic law Islam throughout history and its impact around the world Professor Malcolm Clark explores the roots of Islam, how it has developed over the centuries, and it's long and complex relationship with Christianity. He helps puts Islam in perspective as a major cultural and geopolitical force. And he provided helpful insights into, among other things: Muhammad, the Qur'an and the ethical teachings of Islam Muslim worship, customs, and rituals surrounding birth, marriage, and death Shi'ites, Sunnis, Sufis, Druze, and other important Muslim groups Islam in relation to Judaism and 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 and your neighbors in the global village.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764555030
• ISBN13: 9780764555039
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Islam for Dummies

Gives a great insite to the islamic people in an easy to understand context. Answers questions you might be hesitant to ask of Islamic people.

LOVELY

THIS BOOK IS LOVELY AND SO VERY HELPFUL TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I AM ALSO VERY APPRECIATIVE OF HAVING IT AVAILABLE TO ME AT ALL TIMES VIA INTERNET. I HAVE READ IT VIA INTERNET AND THE ACTUAL BOOK AS I HAVE A VERY BUSY LIFESTYLE.

Full of plenty of information

When you buy these for dummies or idiots guide's books its always a grab bag. Either they presuppose you are a total moron, and fill the book with so much fluff that you end up getting very little actual knowledge of the topic. Or, they present the material in a semi-academic manner and you actually learn something. Thank god this book is the latter of the two. The book is well structured, and presented from a realistic point of view. At no point in the book are Muslims presented as evil or good. They are people, who just happen to view life from a completely different perspective than most Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists Taoists....any religion. Yes the book lacks silly anecdotes and the perspective of a Muslim. However silly anecdotes tend to take the place of concrete information and a Muslim perspective would only provide bias (if you doubt me read The Complete Idiot's Guide To Judaism. It reads like a Children's book with the goal of conversion). For the reviewer that labeled this book dry and lacking humor I recommend a children's book on Islam. They have very little words, a whole lot of silliness, and plenty of pictures. You should probably have time for that

A Must Have!

I recently ordered this book because my boyfriend of a little over a year is Muslim and I felt I needed to learn more about his religion. This book helped me understand his background SO much more and we've had some great conversations about his beliefs and mine (me being Christian). I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to get more insight on the Muslim religion for what ever purpose!

Islam for all: Human Rights Perspective

Prof. Warren Malcolm Clark did an excent job in explaining many fundamental doctrines, ideas, and rituals of Islam. [...] I have to say that Prof. Clark has created a unique approach to Islamic issues. He tried to avoid typical Western attitude toward Islam and Muslims. And he was quite successful in that. I am looking forward to meet him in person to congratulate him for his remarkable academic and popular contribution in an area of such a great importance.