Understanding Islam: An Introduction

By C.T.R. Hewer

The faith of a billion Muslims today, developed over fourteen centuries, is sympathetically and skillfully presented in this marvelous introduction. Hewer's extensive knowledge and contextually sensitive presentation yield an exceptionally rich and faithful account, presupposing no prior knowledge of the traditions, without orientalist, Western, or Christian biases. Includes diagrams, glossary, and easy to follow references to the Qur'an.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800637917
• ISBN13: 9780800637910
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

An introduction to Islamic theology, customs, philosophy, worldview, culture, scholarship, and histo

Written by a Fellow in Christian-Muslim Relations (St. Ethelburga's Centre, London) with twenty years' experience, Understanding Islam: An Introduction is an introduction to Islamic theology, customs, philosophy, worldview, culture, scholarship, and history, accessible to lay readers of all backgrounds and featuring a fair amount of black-and-white photographs. Author C.T.R. Hewer is a Christian who, despite not personally believing all of the tenets of Islam literally (because doing so would naturally require him to convert), feels that Muslims are cousins in faith and that the moral principles of Islam and exemplary life of Mohammad should be recognized. As a result, Understanding Islam is as unbiased as humanly possible in its straightforward presentation. Enthusiastically recommended particularly for public libraries, and also as a detailed primer for anyone from lay people to scholars seeking to educate themselves about Islam and the people who practice it.