Introducing Muhammad, 2nd Edition

I've read several of the Introducing...series, including Introducing Christianity. I purchased Introducing Islam, as I'll be spending alot of time in the middle east next year, and would like to have a better understanding and appreciation of the religion and culture. Where it works: Introducing Islam provides a good historical overview of Islam, including it's powerful influence on science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, art, poetry, government, and the legal system. Where it doesn't work so well: The Introducing series are popular because they delve into the philosophical aspects of whatever they are discussing, including the controversial. Introducing Christianity does an excellent job of this. However, in Introduding Islam, you sometimes get the impression Sardar is walking on eggshells. The text is mostly apologetic. There is a perception, whether deserved or not, that Islam is an intolerant religion. Sardar could have pointed out the philosphical differences and conflicts within Islam, which he does not. Why is there a prohibition on publishing an image of Muhammed? Why do women live under such heavy restrictions in the Muslim world? Why was there no universal outcry in established Islam after the events of 9/11? None of these issues are answered. Instead, Sardar includes a picture of the twin towers, and simply says "there is no relationship between Islam and the events of 9/11." This was the easy way out-if you are going to bring it up, at least write a few lines about it. So, bottomline, worth reading, but in some ways, a lost opportunity.

I too enjoyed Introducing Islam (I read the whole book while sitting in a Borders store - their couches are more comfortable than my ones at home!) and was constantly surprised at the facts that the author revealed, especially about the divergence between the literal word of the Koran and the subsequent sharia (traditional law) rulings and the way that, for example, men and women are accorded equal rights in certain parts of the Koran, but subsequent sharia has discriminated against them to their severe detriment. In the usual style of Introducing series, the text is always highly readable and doesn't get bogged down in too much historical or technical detail and is, as the title suggests, a great introduction to the topic. It also provides an excellent bibliography and explains basic concepts of Islamic religion, philosophy, science, etc. that could easily be followed up in more detailed works. My only concern is that it is the first of this series (Introducing - from Icon Books) that seems to be biased. That is, the author seems to be expressing an opinion too strongly rather than just literally introducing Islam. Others in the series like Modernism, Postermodernism, Critical Theory, Psychoanalysis, etc. that I read did not seem to be so opinionated, they seemed to be more factual - 'this is what is generally agreed to be what, say, postmodernism is about'. Still, highly recommended

I have read other books in the series and found them all to be very good, overviews of their subjects. Introducing Muhammad, also provides a very good overview of its subject-Muhammad and Islam. It offers the reader a good entry point to further study of Islam. Although I did find the author to be somewhat biased,it gave me a good insight into one of the world's largest religions and a new perspective on history. The illustrations really help to convey the authors points too.

I read this book twice, cover to cover within a week. It left me with the impression that, until now, what I know about Muhammad and his religion is shallow and unbalanced. The author has given me a fairer and deeper understanding of Islam. Thank you very much Mr. Sardar for enlightening me.

Excellent introduction to Muhammad. Comprehensive, informative, interesting, enjoyable. Get one if you want to know more about the man and his faith (Islam). I would recommend it as a first read to anybody who wants to know the Muslims' way of life.