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...

• 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.