Introduction to Islam

Ramadan (Western Muslims and the Future of Islam) presents an accessible overview of Islam’s essential history, principles, and rituals while outlining its stunning diversity in interpretation and practice in this helpful and timely introduction to the religion. Ramadan, a grandson of Hassan al Banna (the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt), promises that the volume will not be a defense of Islam, but he does refute common non-Muslim assumptions that violence, terrorism, the oppression of women, and slavery are essential to the religion. He identifies a wide range of opinions and practices within Islam, illustrating some of its historical and present-day contradictions, missteps, and challenges as both a religion and a civilization. Particularly helpful in this regard is the concluding section, “Ten Things You Thought You Knew About Islam,”which includes measured clarifications of misunderstood practices such as Sharia, jihad, polygamy, and ritual slaughter. Muslims will appreciate this critical and wide-ranging overview of their religion. For non-Muslims, it is an invitation to understand the basics of Islam as well as to dive a bit deeper into its history, theology, and various manifestations over time and across the globe. (Oct.)