Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world today. An understanding of its beliefs and practices has become essential knowledge not only for religious and political leaders but also for ordinary citizens who increasingly interact with Muslims as neighbors, coworkers, and schoolmates.
This book is designed to offer the general public a concise overview of the origins, basic beliefs, and common practices of Islam, as well as the reasons for its dramatic resurgence in recent times. Emory Bogle details the life mission of the prophet Muhammad and describes the spread of Islam after his death. He accounts for the rise and contemporary influence of Shi'i Islam, a topic of particular interest to Western readers. Bogle also explains the basic beliefs ("The Five Pillars") of Islam, as well as the role played by the Qur'an (Islam's scriptures), the hadith (the words and behavior of Muhammad), and the shari'a (Islamic law).
This book will be extremely useful to general readers who are interested in Islam. It should draw an audience from nonspecialists such as church groups, business organizations, and employees of American corporations that work in or otherwise have an interest in the Islamic world.
Emory C. Bogle (1937–2010), Professor of History at the University of Richmond, has traveled in and studied the Middle East for nearly thirty years. His close association with Islamic leaders and adherents of all sects of Islam well qualifies him to define its essence for non-Muslims.
- Maps and Charts
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Chronology
- Chapter 1. Muhammad and the Origin of Islam
- Chapter 2. Islamic Belief and Practice
- Chapter 3. Islamic Expansion: 570 to 1517
- Chapter 4. Shi'i Islam
- Chapter 5. Confrontation with Modern Secularism
- Chapter 6. Shi'i Response to Secularism
- Notes
- Select Bibliography
- Glossary
- Index
