A New Introduction To Islam

A New Introduction to Islam offers readers a fresh account of the origins, major features, and lasting impact of the Islamic tradition. It carefully explores the development of Muslim beliefs and practices within the social and religious context of the Middle Eastern world, providing a new and illuminating perspective. The book examines how uncompromising monotheism in the Near East produced a unique and brilliant intellectual and religious tradition spanning the fields of Islamic law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism. It surveys the ways in which Islamic tradition has enriched the world and in turn been enriched by interaction with other civilizations, from the Mongols to the modern West. An epilogue considers the opportunities and challenges facing Muslims today. In addition, the book introduces readers to the history and development of Islamic studies as a discipline, showing how it has shaped our understanding of Islam. Useful features include detailed chronologies and tables summarizing key information, as well as maps and diagrams. It provides the ideal introduction to the fascinating practice, history, and beliefs of the Islamic tradition.