Islam

Comparing Religions is a next-generation textbook which expertly guides, inspires, and challenges those who wish to think seriously about religious pluralism in the modern world.

Reflecting on the legacy of four great religious figures, this book places each in their historical context, offers glimpses of what they were like personally, assesses how they saved their followers from confusion, and traces each religious tradition after its founder's death.

Islam is a world-wide religion embracing many cultures and nations, comprising today nearly 900 million people. Muslims believe that God (Allah) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad guidance for proper conduct in this world and salvation in the next. These revelations are contained in the Muslims' scripture, the Qur'an. From modest beginnings in Mecca fourteen centuries ago, Islam spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and then into south-east Asia. This book is the story of the Muslims' beliefs and practices as they developed during the formative period. Separate chapters are devoted to a description of the sacred law (the Shar'iah), theology, and mysticism. Attention is given also to the beliefs and practices of the important Shi'ah minority of Muslims. The story comes down to the present day, recounting the period over the last two centuries during which Muslims have been challenged by Western hegemony and have sought to establish a modern sense of identity.

Excellent survey of origins, tenets, and substance of Islam explores Mohammed's influence on religion, history, politics, and society. Comprehensive, even-handed; one of the finest volumes available in English about Islam. "should be studied by every generation of students in courses on religion."

Presents biographies of the historical figures credited with founding the five world religions, chronicling what is actually known about the charismatic figures, and introduces the cultural and religious worlds that heard their messages.

A visual synthesis of the Arab-Islamic world, which continues to grow and gain a global presence.