Islam: An Introduction to Religion, Culture, and History [9781418545956]

Overview

An essential and succinct introduction to the culture, history, and practices of the world's second largest religion.

Next to Christianity, Islam is the largest religion in the world. One out of every six people in the world is Muslim. Like Christianity, it's monotheistic (belief in one God), it has a holy text, and an ethical or religious law. Like Christians, Muslims are devoted to religious activities like prayer and fasting. And yet, many Christians feel at a loss to understand this neighboring system of faith.

Professor James A. Beverley provides answers to questions many Christians have about Islam in this short and readable book. Islam clearly lays out responses to topics such as:

• What Muslims think about God, the world, and their place in it.
• How Muhammad established a religion that now stretches around the world.
• How different groups within Islam define Jihad.
• Why Palestine is important to Muslims.
• What roles women play in different Islamic communities.
• And how Christians should relate to Muslims.

Features include:

• Glossary of terms related to Islam
• A list of Frequently Asked Questions for easy reference
• Topical bibliography for further study