Introduction to Islam

From one of the most prominent intellectuals in the Muslim world comes a timely new introduction to one of the world's most practiced-and most misunderstood-religions. In frank, unapologetic language, Tariq Ramadan walks readers through Islam and its principles, rituals, diversity, and evolution.

Ramadan, known for his efforts to reform and change the understanding of Islam in the West, avoids ideology and idealism, instead attempting to depict the true meaning of Islam for readers who have no previous experience with the religion. The book is therefore focused on defining the basic principles of Islam and offering an overview of the faith's history: from its beginnings in prophetic mission, to the Sunni-Shi'a schism, to the formation of distinct schools of law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism.

Perhaps the most misinterpreted aspect of Islam, shariah, literally translated as the way that leads to a source of water, receives an entire chapter of attention. Ramadan explains the ways in which shariah has been reduced by fundamentalism to a mere criminal code and expands upon its place in the larger Islamic worldview. He then confronts some of the most pressing issues facing Muslims today, including gender equality, religious diversity, and violence. Both sensitive and accessible, Introduction to Islam is a much-needed guide to understanding the role of Islam in the modern world.

"Whether the issue is violence, terrorism, women's rights or slavery, Muslims are today expected to provide answers and to justify what Islam is-or is not. But little opportunity exists, either in the media or in society as a whole, to describe Islam. In simple, direct language, Introduction to Islam introduces readers to Islam and to its principles, rituals, diversity, and evolution. In this book, Tariq Ramadan focuses upon the realities of Islam today. Avoiding ideology and idealism, Ramadan brings to life an essence of the true meaning of Islam and its implications today. No prior knowledge of Islam is required; the book makes the complexity of Islam easy to understand by looking closely at its multi-faceted reality as a religion, and at the civilization that arose from it. The book begins with definitions, and basic principles of Islam. It then delves into history: from the beginnings in the prophetic mission and the Sunni-Shia schism, to the rise of legal schools and the construction of the "Islamic sciences," and to its theological, philosophic mainstream, and mystical (Sufi) undercurrents. The six pillars of faith will also be presented, along with the five pillars of practice, as well as Islam's prescribed rights, duties and prohibitions, the principles of Muslim mysticism and the elements of Islamic philosophy and ethics. The two final chapters focus on the modern era, offering a broad overview of the debates and controversies that are shaking Muslim-majority societies, and reshaping the lives of those who live as minorities elsewhere." --

Ramadan presents an accessible overview of Islam's essential history, principles, and rituals while outlining its stunning diversity in interpretation and practice in this helpful and timely introduction to the religion . . . Muslims will appreciate this critical and wide-ranging overview of their religion. For non-Muslims, it is an invitation to understand the basics of Islam as well as to dive a bit deeper into its history, theology, and various manifestations over time and across the globe.--Publishers Weekly

Ramadan has started to pave out the road to reform and changes in the understanding of Islam in Muslim communities in the West.--Le Monde Diplomatique

Ramadan presents an accessible overview of Islam's essential history, principles, and rituals while outlining its stunning diversity in interpretation and practice in this helpful and timely introduction to the religion . . . Muslims will appreciate this critical and wide-ranging overview of their religion. For non-Muslims, it is an invitation to understand the basics of Islam as well as to dive a bit deeper into its history, theology, and various manifestations over time and across the globe. --Publishers Weekly