Islam

By Matthew S. Gordon

Book Overview

From angry street demonstrations in the Middle East to the terrorism of Osama bin Laden, the news is filled with images of Islam as a militant and rabidly anti-American religion. Now, in this lavishly illustrated volume, Mathew Gordon offers a different view, in a clear and informative guide to virtually every aspect of Islam.
Gordon begins with a historical overview of Islam, from the divine revelations Muhammad received in Mecca to the triumphant rule of the Caliphs. He illuminates the central features of Islam, from the structure and teachings of the Koran, to the Sharia (the intricate and subtle web of legal teachings), to the duties of worship (the profession of faith, the daily cycle of prayer, alms-giving, the Ramadan fast, and the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). The book offers lucid and insightful discussions of the different branches of Islam, such as the Shii (also called Shia or Shiite), the Ismaili, and the mystic traditions of Sufism. In addition, he explains the importance of divinely inspired figures, or Imams, in Shiism; includes sidebars on such things as Islamic literature and art; and offers boxed features on topics such as the Hajj, the historical place of conquered non-Muslims in the Arab Islamic empire. Gordon also addresses the role of women in Islamic societies, the many political crosscurrents, and much more.
Islam has spread around the world--from the Philippines to Pakistan, and from Albania to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. This clear, honest, and respectful guide, featuring dozens of striking color photographs, clears away the misconceptions and reveals Islam's true beauty and power.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019521885X
• ISBN13: 9780195218855
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 116 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Islam Introduction

The revised edition covers the highlight concepts of Islam. What I wanted to note here is that the author, rather than just noting "what" a particular Islamic custom or ritual is, also provids much "why" background to that ritual. He does an excellent job in noting the religious disputes between the Sunni versus the Shiite versus the Sufism order. He does a fine job in detailing the fall-out between the Sunni and Shiite sects in the 750s C.E. He provides nice "why" background to the various religious rituals. A book less for a child, more for a teenager...and a fine review for adults just learning about Islam. Not much quoting from the Quran, but a lot of analysis about various subjects in the Koran. Great tight writing. This is a "keeper".

A brief introduction to Islam

This easy to read book covers Islam's history,beliefs,sacred text, concept of the afterlife, etc. Like all of the books in this series, it's meant to be a brief introduction. Especially good for a child or someone with no or little prior knowledge of the religion.

Especially recommended reading for students grade 6 - 12.

This revised and updated edition of Matthew Gordon's Islam World Religions provides updated details on the current activities of Islam and provides an important survey of the history, fundamental beliefs, structure and population of believers of Islam in the modern world. Black and white photos pepper a survey which provides students in grades 6 and up with a basic introduction to the religion.