Islam (Very Short Introductions) - Softcover

Ruthven, Malise

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192853341 ISBN 13: 9780192853349

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks, 1998

Synopsis

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.

About this title

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192853341
• ISBN 13: 9780192853349
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176