No God But God - by Reza Aslan (Paperback)

About the Book

In "No god but God," internationally acclaimed scholar Aslan explains Islam--the origins and evolution of the faith--in all its beauty and complexity. This updated edition addresses the events of the past decade, analyzing how they have influenced Islam's position in modern culture.

Book Synopsis

A twentieth-anniversary edition of the fascinating, accessible introduction to Islam with a new preface and study guide, from the #1 bestselling author of Zealot

FINALIST FOR THE GUARDIAN FIRST BOOK AWARD

"Wise and passionate . . . an incisive, scholarly primer in Muslim history and an engaging personal exploration." --The New York Times Book Review

Two decades after its original publication, No god but God remains a landmark work in understanding Islam's rich history and profound impact on the world. This 20th anniversary edition revisits the book that challenged the simplistic "clash of civilizations" narrative and offered a bold, nuanced portrait of a faith rooted in justice, equality, and compassion.

In this modern classic, Reza Aslan traces Islam's origins, from the revelations of Muhammad in Mecca and Medina to how the Prophet's vision of a radically egalitarian community was shaped, challenged, and interpreted by generations of Muslims, resulting in a faith of remarkable diversity and resilience. Moving through history to the modern era, Aslan confronts the politicization of Islam, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the pervasive Islamophobia that has distorted the religion's image, particularly in the post-9/11 world.

Fully revised and with a new preface and study guide, this edition connects Aslan's timeless insights to the profound changes shaping Islam today--from the emergence of a global digital community to the ongoing struggles between tradition and modernity. Accessible yet deeply researched, No god but God remains a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the past, present, and future of Islam.

Review Quotes

"Grippingly narrated and thoughtfully examined . . . a literate, accessible introduction to Islam."--The New York Times

"[Reza] Aslan offers an invaluable introduction to the forces that have shaped Islam [in this] eloquent, erudite paean to Islam in all of its complicated glory."--Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Wise and passionate . . . an incisive, scholarly primer in Muslim history and an engaging personal exploration."--The New York Times Book Review

"Acutely perceptive . . . For many troubled Muslims, this book will feel like a revelation, an opening up of knowledge too long buried."--The Independent (U.K.)

"Thoroughly engaging and excellently written . . . While [Aslan] might claim to be a mere scholar of the Islamic Reformation, he is also one of its most articulate advocates."--The Oregonian

About the Author

Reza Aslan is an acclaimed writer and scholar of religions whose books include No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam and Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. He is also the author of How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and the End of the War on Terror (published in paperback as Beyond Fundamentalism), as well as the editor of Tablet & Pen: Literary Landscapes from the Modern Middle East. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three sons.