Although there are over one billion Muslims in the world and over ten million in the West, most discussions of Islam are based on clichés or outright prejudice. This lively and compelling book sets out to bridge the gulf of misunderstanding. Islam, argues Akbar Ahmed, does not mean the subordination of women, contempt for other religions, opposition to the modern world, or barbaric punishments for petty crimes.
Outsiders can learn to appreciate the beauty, depth, and variety of Islamic tradition only by returning to its sources. One cannot fully come to terms with modern Islam without understanding its sources and traditions. Anthropologist Ahmed accurately explains the conflicting cultural values and ignorance of East and West and does an excellent job explaining the differences between the Shi'iah and Sunni branches of Islam, women in Islam, and Muslim minorities. Unfortunately, owing to space constraints, Nigeria and Indonesia are not covered. Islam Today starts with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and the Qur'an's five pillars, which govern the beliefs and behavior of Muslims everywhere. It goes on to show how the great Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires have deeply marked the successor states in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India, and explores how the Muslim minorities in the West struggle to maintain their identities and ideals in uncomprehending or hostile environments. Ahmed explores these issues with insight and sympathy, penetrating beyond the stereotypes to the realities of Islamic life.
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