Search for book title or author's last name

Introducing Islam

By William Shepard

Price: $100.00

Add to Cart

About the Book

What exactly is ‘Islam’ and what does it mean to be a ‘Muslim’ in the world today? Since the events of 9/11 and 7/7, Islam has become one of the most controversial and misunderstood religions in the world. Introducing Islam encourages students to put aside their preconceptions and explore this fascinating religion.

William Shepard, an experienced teacher in the field, traces the history of Islam, from its origins in the Jewish and Christian traditions and the Arabian peninsula, including the life and career of Mohammed, to the rise and decline of Islam through the ages, and its interactions with the modern world. William Shepard devotes a chapter each to important topics such as The Qur’an, Islamic law, Islamic theology, and the Sufi movement. In addition to this, four chapters are devoted to studies of Islam in individual countries: Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Indonesia, and William Shepard explores Islamic civilization through discussion of Islamic art and culture, and community rituals.

Introducing Islam is the ideal introduction for students wishing to gain a sympathetic understanding of Islam. Illustrated throughout, the book also includes text boxes, summary charts, a glossary of key Arabic terms, and a list of further reading to aid students’ understanding and revision. The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415455183.>

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Invitation to Islam: 'What’s in a Name', 'Islam: A Witness' 2. Before Muhammad 3. The Dawn of Islam 4. The Spread of Islam and the Development and History of Islamic Civilizaton (to about 1700) 5. The Qur’an 6. Muhammad, the ’Good Model’ 7. The People of the Sword 8. The People of the Pen 9. Knowing the Will of God (Islamic Law) 10. Knowing about God 11. Knowing and Loving God 12. Three Thinkers: Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah 13. God is Beautiful and Loves Beauty 14. The Life of the Community 15. The Great Reversal 16. Imperialism, Neo-Imperialism, Revival and Revolution in the Twentieth Century 17. Turkey Over the Last Century 18. Egypt Over the Last Century 19. Iran Over the Last Century 20. Indonesia Over the Last Century 21. Internationalization 22. Concluding Thoughts. Appendices