The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture

Some resources estimate Muslims as 1.8 billions( CIA fact book for 2006 say they are 1.6 billions) This make it very important to know about islam If you are a christian/jew it is mentioned in your book that you should follow the Last prophet,(see Muhammad in the bible a book or on youtube) The book is good introduction. You may find 2-3 things a little different and it is better to clarify it with a muslim scholar in an islamic center close to you) for example: Islamic law on Homosexuality( their are 3 opinions of scholars not just killing them( also include a punishment to help them avoid it) Again the book is good start For more Information try The sealed nectar or martin Lings(Muhammad).

Want to understand Islam? What are the "Five Pillars of Islam" and who was Muhammad? What is the Qur'an, "jihad", the status of Muslim women and the veil all about anyway? Do you cringe at the thought of dry textbooks, or yet another lifeless newspaper article about Islam? Christine Huda Dodge takes on the tenacious challenge of presenting answers to these questions and more, blowing life and shape into the myriad of facets to this fascinating and yet pondersome religion, that finds itself at the front of current events, debate, and discussion. Dodge presents a blend of easy, smooth reading, without a loss of intellect. From historical tradition, to modern culture and practice, her unbiased wit and lively writing style separate this title from the stack of other competing books of its genre. A must for every modern library, The Everything Understanding Islam Book will leave you with a firm base of knowledge to better understand and form your own opinions on the debate, questions, common misconceptions, and current events of Islam in the world today.

The reviewer who gave 2 stars doesn't even have the author's name correct. Disregard, and read this book yourselves!

I actually wanted to pick up a book on the history of Islam in order to refresh my memory, but after a little thought, considering the breadth of the subject matter, I chose this book instead. I consider myself fortunate that I did choose this book. The author delivers everything stated in the title, plus gives the reader a little of the early history of Islam and some brief but concise and very relevant information on the major divisions of Islam today. From this book, I learned that not all Muslims share the same outlook or beliefs, much like Christians, and that deep philosophical and intellectual rifts exist within Islam. In essence, there are progressive and fundamentalist elements within the religion, just as there are in Christianity, and more important, there are sects possessing pseudo-Islamic elements, just as there are in Christianity. After reading this book, I actually came away thinking that both Islam and Christianity are more similar than different, with respect to the fact that the power structures in both are male-dominated and male interpreted, and also that although the religions both have benevolent overtones, their most zealous adherents clearly display malevolent tendencies. Anyone, from kids to adults, can pick up this book and learn something. The book introduces a lot of terms, most likely in Arabic (romanized of course), but without a phonetic sounding of them I am afraid that I may be butchering the pronunciation of the terms when I say them in conversations with friends about Islam. My only real complaint with the text is that it does not give the reader much of the history of Islam, but then no book can provide one with a whole history of a world religion in a mere 250 pages. The text is an excellent, non-partisan introduction to a world religion counting more than a billion followers. I heartily recommend it to those looking to learn more about Islam- its belief and its practices, but for those of you looking for books focusing on Islam in either a historical or geopolitical context, you will find this basic text unsatisfactory for your needs. I suggest you read something like Jihad vs. McWorld, or some other text along those lines such as the works of the late Edward Said. Given the current world situation we all face today, this book should be required reading for everyone.

Excellent! I have long been looking for an easy to read, yet comprehensive, book about Islam, and this one is it. The author does a good job of covering the basic beliefs and practices of Muslims, yet she also delves into the more complex issues with such refreshing ease, rendering even the complex quite accessible. The author also hosts an online community at[the website]. The book's layout is pleasing to the eye and is a good guide through the material. Highly recommended for casual readers, for students, and those interested in a thoughtful discussion. Table of Contents:1) The Vision of Islam2) The Diverse Muslim World3) Origins in Arabia4) Muhammad the Prophet5) Expansion of Islamic Civilization6) Six Articles of Faith7) The Five Pillars of Practice8) Islamic Prayer9) Islamic Guidance and Law10) Historical Divisions and Deviations11) Islam and other Faiths12) The Muslim Perception of Jesus13) The Muslim view of creation14) Heaven and Hell15) Islamic Manners and Morals16) Dietary Laws, Health Care, and Funeral Services17) Jihad: The Holy Struggle18) Shrouded in Mystery: Women and Islam19) Islamic Married Life20) Raising Muslim Children21) The Extended Muslim Family22) The Islamic Arts23) A Faith of Exploration and Discovery24) Islam and the West