Islam for Dummies - by Malcolm Clark (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the Qur'an to Ramadan, this friendly guide introduces you to the origins, practices and beliefs of Islam

Many non-Muslims have no idea that Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews, and that Islam preaches compassion, charity, humility, and the brotherhood of man. And the similarities don't end there. According to Islamic teaching, Muhammad founded Islam in 610 CE after the angel Gabriel appeared to him at Mecca and told him that God had entered him among the ranks of such great biblical prophets as Abraham, Moses, and Christ.

Whether you live or work alongside Muslims and want to relate to them better, or you simply want to gain a better understanding of the world's second largest religion, Islam For Dummies can help you make sense of this religion and its appeal, including:

• Muhammad, the man and the legend
• The Five Pillars of Wisdom
• The Five Essentials beliefs of Islam
• The different branches of Islam and Islamic sects
• The Qur'an and Islamic law
• Islam throughout history and its impact around the world

Professor Malcolm Clark explores the roots of Islam, how it has developed over the centuries, and it's long and complex relationship with Christianity. He helps puts Islam in perspective as a major cultural and geopolitical force. And he provided helpful insights into, among other things:

• Muhammad, the Qur'an and the ethical teachings of Islam
• Muslim worship, customs, and rituals surrounding birth, marriage, and death
• Shi'ites, Sunnis, Sufis, Druze, and other important Muslim groups
• Islam in relation to Judaism and Christianity

In these troubled times, it is important that we try to understand the belief systems of others, for through understanding comes peace. Islam For Dummies helps you build bridges of understanding between you and your neighbors in the global village.

P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you're probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Islam For Dummies (9780764555039). The book you see here shouldn't be considered a new or updated product. But if you're in the mood to learn something new, check out some of our other books. We're always writing about new topics! .

From the Back Cover

• Understand common Muslim beliefs
• Explore Islamic history, from Muhammad to the present-day
• Identify the differences between Islamic sects

Learn about customs, history, and Islamic law

You don't have to be Muslim to understand Islam. This friendly guide introduces you to the origins and practices of Islam, including the Five Pillars and life-cycle rituals, and reveals the significance of Muhammad and the Qur'an, Islam's sacred scripture. You also meet the various Islamic sects, and see how Islam fits in with other Abrahamic religions. Follow how Islam has adapted over time, and examine recent developments in the Islamic world. From Islamic tradition to Islam in the modern-day, this insightful reference provides everything you need to know about the Muslim faith.

Inside...

• The prophet Muhammad and the origins of Islam
• Muslim ideas on heaven and hell
• Teachings of the Qur'an
• Islamic rituals and customs
• The principles of Islamic ethics
• Muslim contributions to world civilization

About the Author

Professor Malcolm Clark taught in the Department of Religion at Butler University for 30 years.