Myths and misunderstanding continue to proliferate about Islam and its millions of followers worldwide. Through stunning photography provided by ARAMCO World and an accessible question and answer format this newly-expanded version of America’s most popular short introduction to the key precepts of Islam offers succinct, and sometimes surprising, answers to frequently asked questions about the Muslim faith.

Written by eminent scholars T.J. Winter, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Cambridge University, and John A. Williams of the College of William and Mary’s Department of Religion, this new version of a classic work is unique in that it has the endorsement of Al Azhar University of Cairo, which has been the center of Islamic study for the entire Muslim world since 969 C.E.

“Through its text and photographs, this book seeks to replace inaccurate images of Islam with recognition of the multi-faceted character of this global religion and its widely diverse adherents. It cannot be reduced to stereotypes. Islam is not inherently violent, nor are Muslims intrinsically prone to violence.”

-Bruce B. Lawrence, Professor of Islamic Studies, Duke University  

“A much welcome contribution-an accurate and scholarly presentation of the Islamic faith. Having carefully reviewed the contents, I find there is nothing to add. The Ministry of Islamic Endowments intends to make this reliable resource available on its website.”

-Dr. Ali Jum’a, Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence, University of Al Azhar, Cairo; Director of the Azhar Mosque and Imam at the Sultan Hasan Mosque, advisor to the Minister of Islamic Endowments, Cairo.

Dr. Jum’a also wrote the Afterword which appears in the book.

“The most user-friendly introduction to the basics of Islam today. It’s compact enough to make it an ideal choice for workshops and discussion groups.”

-Dick Doughty, assistant editor Saudi Aramco World  

Tim Winter is University Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, England; and Director of Studies in Theology at Wolfson College. His research work focuses on Muslim-Christian relations, Islamic ethics and the study of Orthodox Muslim response to extremism. He is best known for his translations and namely his Al-Ghazali series including Al-Ghazali’s On Death and What Comes After and On Disciplining the Soul.  

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