Islam is everywhere in the news these days, from reports of Sunni and Shi’a Muslims battling each other in Iraq to violent protests against cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Extremist factions are in the spotlight, but the real Islam remains largely a mystery to non-Muslims.
What is this religion, practiced by 1.3 billion people and the second-largest faith in the world? The Beliefnet® Guide to Islam demystifies everything about Islamic beliefs and practices, from the famous “five pillars” to views of the afterlife to the real meaning of jihad. The book features important insights on issues facing Islam today, such as violence, the status of women, and relations with other faiths—and dispels numerous myths along the way.
Written by Beliefnet columnist Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa and Sufi poet Kabir Helminski, the book also features a foreword by Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, a noted scholar. Whether you’re curious about the basics or searching for deeper understanding of Qur’anic verses and sayings of the Prophet, this book is an invaluable resource.