Islam features widely in the media, often in its most militant versions, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand the nature of Islam, both as ideology and religion. This short introduction offers an insight into issues such as why the greatest "Jihad" (holy war) is now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil, why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis, and how the Shar'ia (Islamic law) has become such an important aspect of Islamic life. In addition the study investigates the ideas of "Islamic resurgence" as both an old and new concept, whether or not women can find fulfilment and equality within an Islamic framework, and the problems facing Islam in its confrontations with the modern world.
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Review:
"Malise Ruthven's book answers the urgent need for an introduction to Islam... He addresses major isssues with clarity and directness, engages dispassionately with the disparate stereotypes and polemics on the subjects, and guides the reader surely through the urgent debates about fundamentalism."--Michael Gilsenan, New York University
About the Author:
About the Author: Malise Ruthven is a lecturer in comparative religion specializing in Islamic affairs at the University of Aberdeen. His previous publications include Islam in the World.
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- PublisherOxford Paperbacks
- Publication date1998
- ISBN 10 0192853341
- ISBN 13 9780192853349
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages176
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