John L. Esposito is one of America's leading authorities on Islam. Now, in this brilliant portrait of Islam today-- and tomorrow-- he draws on a lifetime of thought and research to provide an accurate, richly nuanced, and revelatory account of the fastest growing religion in the world.

Here, Esposito explores the major questions and issues that face Islam in the 21st century and that will deeply affect global politics: Is Islam compatible with modern notions of democracy, rule of law, gender equality, and human rights? How representative and widespread is Islamic fundamentalism and the threat of global terrorism? Can Muslim minority communities be loyal citizens in America and Europe? In the midst of these questions, Esposito places an important emphasis on the issue of Islamophobia, the threat it poses, and its vast impact on politics and society in the US and Europe. He also turns the mirror on the US and Europe and paints a revealing portrait of how we appear to Muslims.

Recent decades have brought extraordinary changes in the Muslim world, and in addressing these issues, Esposito paints a complex picture of Islam in all its diversity--a picture of urgent importance as we face the challenges of the coming century.

Reviews
"A Georgetown University professor and well-known scholar of Islam, Esposito analyzes the current and future practice of Islam in this short but insightful volume... Esposito's enthusiasm for his topic makes his book an easy and enlightening read."--Publishers Weekly
"Esposito's book is a calculated appeal to the moderate middle ground upon whom the success of Obama's policies depends. Esposito is the right man for the job: he is a leading scholar of modern Islam, with more than 35 books on the subject to his credit, and heads a centre for Christian-Muslim understanding at Georgetown University. Through his scholarship and engaging writing, Esposito proposes the way forward for a better future for both Islam and the west."--The Financial Times
"Esposito's newest book is a well-researched, richly nuanced portrait of Islam. Though manageable at 234 pages, the book is both comprehensive and in-depth. His choices are fascinating and provide a road map for the myriad ways in which Islam is changing and adapting to new challenges. The Future of Islam is a step in the right direction."--The Christian Science Monitor
"The Future of Islam will be welcomed by readers who want a solid overview of where Islam and Muslims are now... Esposito provides, in short, the kind of information that is all too often lacking in U.S. foreign policy approaches to Muslims and the Muslim world."--America Magazine

Now in a new edition, this exceptionally successful survey text introduces the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its earliest origins up to its contemporary resurgence. John L. Esposito, an internationally renowned expert on Islam, traces the development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history and politics. Lucidly written and expansive in scope, Islam: The Straight Path, Fourth Edition, provides keen insight into one of the world's least understood religions. It is ideally suited for use in courses on Islam, comparative religions, and Middle Eastern history and culture.

New To The Fourth Edition:

* A revised Chapter 5, "Religion and Politics," provides more focused and up-to-date coverage of Osama bin Laden's influence and the continued growth of extremism; the relationship of Islam to violence; the meaning of jihad and the origins of a global jihad ideology; the role of suicide bombing; and the influence of Saudi Arabia's Wahhabi Islam.

* An updated Chapter 6, "The Struggle for Islam in the 21st Century," covers Muslim responses to new social and political contexts and presents the diverse and competing positions--from traditionalist to modernist--of contemporary Muslim leaders on issues of religious authority, women's rights, Shariah, violence, and terrorism.

* More extensive treatment of early Islam in Chapters 1 and 2

* An enhanced art program featuring twenty-one photos and three maps

* A new appendix that includes an extensive timeline of key events in the history of Islam

Reviews
"This is an excellent, comprehensive, and highly accessible introduction to Islam and its civilization; Muslims and their societies in the pre-modern to the modern period; and contemporary intellectual and political trends. In my opinion, it really is the single best introduction to Islam and Muslims today. The book keeps getting better and better with each new edition!"--Asma Afsaruddin, University of Notre Dame "I have to commend OUP for its commitment to revising and updating this important book. Esposito writes in a lucid, accessible, and direct style that allows the book to be an excellent introduction for novice students. Esposito illustrates the rare ability of being comprehensive without being reductive."--Febe Armanios, Middlebury College

ISLAM ITS MEANING AND MESSAGE provides a window on the world of Islam. It presents Islam as the Muslims believe it and covers the whole spectrum of its beliefs, values, social principles, cultural institutions and contemporary problems. A book of readings on Islam, it contains some of the best writings of contemporary Muslim scholars dealing with different aspects of Islamic ideology and culture. The authors come from all parts of the Muslim world and represent the global movement of Islamic resurgence.

On May 2, 1999, Merve Kavakci walked into the Turkish Grand National Assembly to take her oath of office as a member of Turkish Parliament, while wearing her Islamic headscarf (hijab) which is banned for civil servants in secular Turkey. A near riot ensued, and the Prime Minister told the crowd to 'put this woman in her place.' Since then, Kavakci has become an outspoken critic of Turkey's secularization policy, travelling the globe in support of Muslim women's rights, especially regarding the hijab, which she promotes as a symbol of female empowerment.

The Day Turkey Stood Still is a unique behind-the-scenes story of the first headscarved woman to be elected into the Turkish Parliament and the harsh reaction against her election. The book reveals for the first time what happened behind closed doors to prevent Merve Kavakci from taking her oath of office, and it deconstructs her vilification by the government, the military, the media, and the political parties. The book also uses this fascinating true story to promote a greater understanding of contemporary Turkish politics and to illustrate the ongoing tension between Turkey's military-secular bloc and its predominantly Islamic population.

This highly-accessible book will resonate with Western readers who want to know more about this fundamental issue and gain a greater understanding of women's issues, religious conflicts, political Islam, human rights, and the struggle for democracy in the Middle East. The Day Turkey Stood Still will be required reading for any academic who wants to understand the dynamics and undercurrents of Turkish politics today.

One of the best known and widely distributed general information books about Islam. The author directs his message to both Muslims and non-Muslims in a style that appeals positively to many Westerners. Islam in Focus was written toward the end of the author's life and reflects a strong ethical approach to Islam. As a graduate of Al Azhar University in Cairo he also studied and lived in North America. This combination enabled him to become a well respected lecturer and scholar and serves him well in this book. He talks about the knowledge of God and belief in Him constitute the very foundation of Islam. The subject is so vital it calls for a thorough and clear discussion. For the purpose of clarity some simple demonstrations will be used. These may well appear boring or too simple for those who already know something about the subject. Such informed persons are invited to have patience and show appreciation of the importance of the matter. There are individuals who like to doubt the concept of God in the name of science, or because of a lack of experience and understanding. The attitude of such people reflects an uneasy mentality, although they claim to be learned intellectuals. My concern will not be with their claims; rather it will be with their true position. This book is easy read and very straight forward and it’s highly recommended.

With black and white photos, written by an American Muslim, this work presents a brief yet comprehensive survey of the basic teachings on the significance of Islam's central concept, faith in and submission to God. American Muslim author Suzanne Haneef also offers here an excellent insights and explanations about Islam and Muslims. The most common questions asked of Muslims are answered in a straightforward style, neither apologetic nor defensive. It introduces the reader to how Muslims feel about various aspects of life, how they worship, and how Muslims living in the West practice their religion. Simple language makes it an easy read for anyone interested in learning more about Islam and comparative religion. The author grew up a devout Christian and later discovered Islam through contact with Muslims and extensive reading. She is active in the field of Islamic education and has traveled widely in the Muslim world. This book is the result of thirty years of studying and living Islam. This book is highly recommended.

Rebounding, the second novel of the Echoes series written by American Muslim author Jamilah Kolocotronis, explodes with revenge and revelation as the series' main character, Joshua Adams, struggles with the painful echoes of his past and is confronted with frightening accusations of terrorist activity.

Joshua Adams' father, Sam, abandoned his wife and children for another woman when Joshua was barely five months old. After 40 years of neglect, Sam shows up, wanting to reconnect with his sons. Joshua's struggles with anger and resentment are inflamed by his father's cruel remarks about Joshua's bi-racial marriage. Words spoken in a moment of anger haunt Joshua as Sam seeks revenge and initiates a power struggle between the father and son. The struggle between father and son leads to Joshua's arrest and imprisonment on charges of terrorism. He is degraded by guards and inmates because of his faith. His faith also sustains him. After his release, Joshua must decide how to respond to his father.

Jamilah Kolocotronis' five book series chronicles the lives of Joshua Adams and his Muslim and non-Muslim family members living in Chicago-USA. "In the first book, Echoes, Joshua is a young man, dealing with the effects of bitterly divorced parents, a wild youth, his own disastrous teenage marriage, and guilt over his short-comings as a father," Kolocotronis says. "The impact of his decision to convert to Islam has far-reaching impact on all his extended family members."

Rebounding picks up the story when Joshua is forty, well-established and at peace with himself. "Of course, things change radically when his father comes back into his life," Kolocotronis says, with a grin. Future books in the series will focus on Joshua's brothers, children, and nephews. Kolocotronis' epic family saga of despair, revenge, bitterness, hope, love, and faith takes its place alongside Roots, The Magnificent Ambersons, the Fortsyte Saga, and The Thorn Birds. It could be the story of any American family.

Joshua Adams has always been a wild child. He graduated from reckless childhood accidents to girls and alcohol. By the time he is twenty-three he has three children and a failing marriage. He leaves his wife, after yet another argument, and moves in with some Muslim guys he knows. With the patient encouragement of his friends, Joshua begins to study Islam. Six months later he becomes a Muslim and looks forward to starting a new life. But his fresh start is overshadowed by echoes from his past. First Joshua must conquer the old habits which haunt him after the initial excitement of his conversion has worn off. He must continue his new life as a practicing Muslim while facing difficulties from his past life: a bitter ex-wife, three children whom he abandoned, and strained relationships with his mother and two older brothers. Joshua makes the greatest jihad-the jihad of the self-as he struggles to overcome his past and become a true Muslim. Echoes, the first book in the Echoes Series, is a story of determination and love.