Islam: A Short Introduction (Oneworld Short Guides) - Softcover

Tayob, Abdulkader

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851681922 ISBN 13: 9781851681921

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 1999

Synopsis

This book leads he reader into Islam by walking him or her through a mosque. It is a somewhat meandering tour, based on the principle that the immediate object or concept calls for attention and explication. Beginning with the minaret, and ending with the minbar (pulpit), it uses the structures of a mosque to wander through the rich and fascinating images, symbols and values of Islam. It begins with the tangible and quickly moves to the intangible and abstract, and back again. Social significance is not far behind an exploration of how Muslims use and grapple with the challenges of their faith and tradition. Each of the key structures of the mosque is used to explore other, seemingly unrelated, aspects of Islam. Thus, for examples, the minaret calls attention to the significance of height in Islamic architecture, but also to the presence of Islam among other religious traditions, the issue of music in Muslim society and the place of modern technology in Islamic rituals. The author has avoided the tendency to oversimplify the complex questions concerning religion in the modern world. Thus, in almost every case, the book explores and informs, but also grapples with the familiar and commonplace. This introduction is not simply an introductory gloss on Islam but, hopefully, a challenging encounter.

About this title

About the Author

Abdulkader Tayob is Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where he has been working for the last ten years. He has also been Visiting professor at universities in Cairo, Germany and the US, and has presented many conferences in the field of religious studies in the US, Scotland, Germany, Sudan, Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

From the Back Cover

This is a much-needed, concise and innovative introduction to the religion of Islam.

Abdulkader Tayob's unique approach takes the reader on a symbolic voyage of discovery around a mosque, from the minaret to the minbar (pulpit). He uses these immediate and tangible structures to introduce teachings, practices, values and issues central to this rich and fascinating world faith, including:
-- prayer, worship and pilgrimage
-- gender and community
-- technology and religion
-- challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.

This is a thought-provoking and accessible exploration of the key elements of Islam for students, Muslims seeking a new perspective on their faith, and all those interested in the study of religion in the world today.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1851681922
• ISBN 13: 9781851681921
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192