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Review
"Malise Ruthven's book answers the urgent need for an introduction to Islam... He addresses major isssues with clarity and directness, engages dispassionately with the disparate stereotypes and polemics on the subjects, and guides the reader surely through the urgent debates about fundamentalism."--Michael Gilsenan, New York University
Product Description
Islam features widely in the news, often in its most militant versions, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand the nature of Islam. Malise Ruthven's Very Short Introduction contains essential insights into issues such as why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis, and the central importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life. It also offers fresh perspectives on contemporary questions: Why is the greatest 'Jihad' (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfilment in Islamic societies? How must Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world?
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First Sentence
Open almost any newspaper, turn on the radio or television, and there will be stories about Islam. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Open almost any newspaper, turn on the radio or television, and there will be stories about Islam. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one in a series of introductions to various world religions. It is a very useful book for either the student of religion or the interested person-in-the-street. I should declare a personal interest in that the author was one of my lecturers two years ago before he moved on to better things. The book is written in an accessible style with enough information to inform but not drown the reader. The problem with a book such as this is what to include and what to exclude and although there is nothing missing that should be there, the problem is that the appetite is whetted rather than satisfied. The book discusses a variety of current issues and treats the Islamic position with respect. Well worth buying.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
These Very Short Introductions can be a little deceptive- they are not elementary `idiot's guides'. Ruthven's book assumes the reader has a certain amount of background knowledge both in terms of the religion of Islam as well as current affairs. The absolute beginner might find the book a little hard going (as reflected in some of the other readers' Amazon reviews). This book offers an overview of certain critical issues such as Islamism, gender, and problems associated with Shariah Law. Ruthven is keen to draw a distinction between `Islam' the religion, and `Islamism' as political process; (he dismisses the term `Fundamentalist' borrowed, as it is, from Christianity), and anticipates its demise through the increase of pluralism. Elsewhere he notes that through the attacks on America and London, Islamism had demonstrated their nihilism and the moral cul-de-sac they have got themselves into. Ruthven also highlights the impact of the lack of any ordained central religious authority that stands between the believer and God leaving as it does, a power vacuum. All of this makes for a very interesting and informative read; the level of expression is first class. A great deal is achieved in this small book, but it is probably not aimed at the uninformed.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This pocket-sized volume is an excellent means for the serious reader to move towards an in-depth understanding of Islam. It is well illustrated with photographs and maps, and the author introduces a wealth of Islamic quotations. The vocabulary is academic to a degree, but the sentence structure is straightforward, making it readily accessible for those with a reasonable level of English. Together with its companion volumes on the other major world religions, this is a set book for the Open University course "Introducing Religions" (A217).
Those looking for an easier read might consider "Understanding My Muslim Neighbour", which uses a dialogue form to explore the main characteristics of Islam from a Christian viewpoint.
Those looking for an easier read might consider "Understanding My Muslim Neighbour", which uses a dialogue form to explore the main characteristics of Islam from a Christian viewpoint.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
audiobook
I have to study this subject and wanted to get the information quickly so found listening very good.
Published on 1 Nov 2009 by jen
Short but not lightweight
Malise Ruthven takes, what appears to be, an objective look at the history of Islam. The book clearly explains a number of terms and concepts that are probably new to a non Muslim... Read more
Published on 8 July 2009 by Dave Waters
Does exactly what it says on the tin.
A very short, useful introduction for those with an interest in Islam. Relevant to today; this does not give the reader an encyclopaedic knowledge, but is very helpful, gentle... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2009 by Kiwi
Have a dictionary handy.
I read a lot. I read a lot of history and I enjoy 'dipping in' to subjects that interest me. If I want to go deeper I can. Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2008 by K. Watton
useful
I know some people have commented that this book came across as obscure and complex, but luckily for me I didn't find that. Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2007 by Mrs. K. A. Wheatley
hard work
I love the idea of these very short introductions. The series is an excellent idea. However I've really struggled with this one. Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2007 by Northern Reader
Trying far too hard to impress
I got hold of this book hoping for some short, snappy answers to a lot of basic questions I had about islam. Big mistake. Read more
Published on 5 Oct 2006 by Mr. T. G. Janson
Islam a very short introduction
I was hoping this would be a short overview on Islam, however after reading a few pages of this book, I had lost the plot, what is the book trying to say, it was boring and long... Read more
Published on 3 May 2003
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