Islam Today: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World

by Akbar Ahmed

Although there are over one billion Muslims in the world, and over ten million in the West, most discussions of Islam are based on clich s or outright prejudice. This lively and compelling book sets... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1860642578
• ISBN13: 9781860642579
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris & Company
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Best single book to introduce the Muslim world today!

Written shortly before 9-11, this book is still probably the best single volume for introducing Islam and the Muslim world today! Consider the daunting task. Who can find or would presume to write one book explaining Christianity and politics and society of the entire Christian world in one short volume? Ahmed does this rather well for the Muslim world. Of course everyone would have alternative emphasis or focus and the broad coverage and discussion necessarily leaves out things that may have been of interest or `hot' news items. Understanding, not sound bits: maturity, not hypercritical unbalance focusing on Armenian persecution or a cottage industry of hate that sees little but dhimitude (whose followers ought better study "democide" that is much worse, much more common, and much more relevant)is achieved. It is likely that a reviewer suggesting taqiyya (in ay case largely a Shia not Sunni practice) suffers from such a perspective. Ahmed is not apologetic but rather critical of many faults in the Muslim world. If anything, he `lets off' the interventions and policies of the US and of Israel with too little criticism while emphasizing both Muslim and social-anthropological roots of problems. Although the selection of Ottoman, Mughal, and Saffavid Empires as background seems peculiar to an Arab and post 9-11 Osama obsessed American it is entirely valid, helps understanding the political and social issues and provides necessary perspective. There is no space for significant thought centers and the large Muslim population of Indonesia however. The book is current if the goal is understanding. (Although the perspective is not that of international relations that is wanted by some readers who don't first have understanding of the countries involved.) Arab countries are discussed largely in the topical essays about democracy, family, and identity. Central Asia is surveyed. Muslims as minorities in various areas are described. The observations and opinions are always worth consideration and reflection. Coincidentally, and usefully, one will always form a somewhat personal view while reading. Some Islam phobes will miss focus on key pet polemics, but they will find honest if brief discussions of favorite critiques about such things as women's rights and even their "pet" crimes like mutilation. Sorting out what is Islamic and what is not - whether literalist or from understanding of principles and spirit of Islam is useful. My own major criticism would be that the treatment of Western media is too forgiving and he has not opportunity to deal with the perverted impact of polemic, ignorance, and the extreme forms of `orientalism' and neoCons so pervasive in government, among pundits, and reviewers who are multiple `experts' hateful and/or believing all attacks on Islam help their `causes' a book of this kind is much needed. (Readers would do well to read "Why America's Top Pundits are Wrong" for analysis and critiques of Huntington (by extention L

A Perfect Guide to Islam for the Interested Reader

The Western Media is so disparaging to Islam and Muslims, sometimes overtly but usually covertly, that truthful and authoritative writings such as Dr. Ahmed's are very important to publish and circulate.Here's hoping that the 21st century will bring much understanding and fraternal dialogue among Muslims, Christians, and all the other precious faiths and traditions of this world.As is written in the Quran: "We have divided you into different tribes so that you may know each other" ... there is so much that is interesting to learn and appreciate about all the different traditions practice today. Try this book to learn about Islam and Muslims. This is a must-read for Muslims themselves especially.

Dispelled Misunderstanding

I gave this book 5 stars more for what it did for me rather than simply literary analysis. This book became the begining of my conversion to Islam. After reading this book it allowed me to open myself to look at Islam much more seriously than I had before. On a literary basis, the author is not as objective as I believe he tries to come accross. He is clearly pro-islam and consequently some of his arguments/observations sound contrived.

Muslim community in context

I run QED, a UK non-profit making company, which addresses barriers facing South Asian communities in playing full role in Britains economic, social and political life. One of the major barrier is the negative perception of Muslim community amongst non-muslims. I feel this book addresses this issue in a positive way. I would recommend those who have negative views about Muslims to read this book. It will help them to understand the Muslim community and develop meaningful dialogue with it.

An excellant, clear explanation of Islam

I found this book to be very well written. For the first time I have a picture of the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam and what the Islamic countries and peoples are going through in modern times as well as giving a consise history of the Islamic empires of the past. The author does not present a lop sided picture at all but strives to show the problems that Islam faces from both within and without. It most definitely made the Islamic people more human to me.