No God But God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam - Softcover

Aslan, Reza

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099472325 ISBN 13: 9780099472322

Publisher: Arrow, 2006

Synopsis

Though it is the fastest growing religion in the world, Islam remains shrouded in ignorance and fear. To many in the west, Islam means jihad, veiled women and suicide bombers. Yet these represent only fringe elements of the world's fastest growing religion. While there have been a number of successful books on the topic of Islamic history - from Karen Armstrong's Islam: A Brief History to Bernard Lewis's The Crisis of Islam, there is surprisingly no book for a popular audience about Islam as a religion, let alone one by an author from an Islamic background. No God But God fills that gap.

What is the essence of this ancient faith? Is it a religion of peace or of war? How does Allah differ from the God of Jews and Christians? Can an Islamic state be founded on democratic values such as pluralism and human rights? In No god but God, challenging the 'clash of civilisations' mentality that has distorted out view of Islam, Aslan explains the faith in all its complexity, beauty and compassion.

About this title

Review:

"'Reza Aslan's No God But God is just the history of Islam I needed, judicious and truly illuminating.' A.S. Byatt" (Guardian Books of the Year 2005)

"'Aslan...is a superb narrator, bringing each century to life with vivid details and present tense narration that make popular history so enthralling... Illuminating... Aslan is superb on the origins and richness of Islam.... A terrific read.' Glasgow Herald"

"A revelation, an opening up of knowledge too long buried... [Aslan's]...careful scholarship and precise language dismantle...false claims and commands... Aslan is acutely perceptive.' Independent"

"'Aslan is an engaging writer, his strength lies...as an observer of contemporary challenges facing Islam... Sensitive and generous' Financial Times"

"'Enthralling. A book of tremendous clarity and generosity of spirit.' Jim Crace"

From the Publisher:

Shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, this remarkable examination of the nature and history of Islam shows how the religion developed and has evolved over time, exploring its central tenets of belief and interpreting its current crisis of modernity.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arrow
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0099472325
• ISBN 13: 9780099472322
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336