'The world is green and beautiful; and God has appointed you as His trustee over it.'- he Prophet Muhammad. Islam is one of the great monotheistic religions of the world. It produced a magnificent civilisation, envied for its science and learning, spanning over a thousand years. The teachings of Islam emphasise unity, humility, forgiveness and love of God. The Qur'an sings the virtues of knowledge and rationality. The life of Muhammad demonstrates the importance of tolerance, social justice and brotherhood. In Sufism, Islam presents a mystical system based on love and devotion. So, why is Islam associated with hatred, violence, obstinacy and bigotry? Ziauddin Sardar examines the true teachings of Islam and explores the reality of the Muslim world today. Emphasising the diversity of Islam and its ideals, he assesses the role Islam plays in the lives of ordinary Muslims and how Islamic beliefs and practices help Muslims understand the modern world.
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What Do We Believe - a new series from Granta, introduces different beliefs from across the world in lively, accessible, and intelligent short books
About the Author
Ziauddin Sardar was born in Pakistan in 1951 and grew up in east London. He has worked as Muslim and Middle East correspondent for Nature, New Scientist and the Independent and has made programmes for Channel 4, London Weekend Television and the BBC. He has published over forty books, including Desperately Seeking Paradise, and contributes to the Observer, New Statesman, Independent, Evening Standard and Daily Mail. He is Visiting Professor of Postcolonial Studies at City University, London.