Title : What Everyone Needs To Know About Islam
Author : John L. Esposito
Publisher : Oxford University Press, 2002
Pages : 204
Genre : Non-fiction, Religion
Bought at : Kinokuniya, Suria KLCC
Price : Around RM70.00
About the author...
John L. Esposito is a University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. A past president of the Middle East Studies Association, he is Editor-in-Chief of the four-volume Oxford Encyclopedia of The Modern Islamic World, Editor of The Oxford History of Islam, and the author of numerous books, including Islam: The Straight Path and The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?. This author has studied extensively about Islam, Hindu and Buddha and is an expert in religion comparative studies. You can read his extensive resume here.
About the book...
In his preface, the author stated that the book came to the shelves as a product of the 9/11 tragedy. After that tragedy on 2001, there has been many questions about Islam and its connection to violence and terrorism. Being an expert in the study of religions, especially in Islamic studies, the author writes about the basics of Islam and the Muslim community in the what-you-need-to-know basis. The contents are written in question and answer style, ranging from the general 'What do Muslims believe?' to more specific issues like 'What is Islam's attitude towards alcohol and pork?'. The questions are divided into several chapters as in General Information; Faith and Practice; Islam and Other Religions; Customs and Culture; Violence and Terrorism; Society, Politics and Economy; and Muslims in The West. The questions are what the author regards as most frequently asked, and each questions are written in independent manner that readers can start reading the book by choosing any chapter from anywhere in the book. The answers are written in a non-judgmental way, means it is what it is, and not showing any personal preference whatsoever. The book has an extensive references, the words are simple and easy to digest. It is NOT a complete guidance towards Islam, but merely and sufficiently a starting point for those who wish to be introduced to the religion.
For me, who is currently looking for acceptable reading materials about introductory Islam in English (with a specific personal intentions), this book is an interesting discovery.
About the author...
John L. Esposito is a University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. A past president of the Middle East Studies Association, he is Editor-in-Chief of the four-volume Oxford Encyclopedia of The Modern Islamic World, Editor of The Oxford History of Islam, and the author of numerous books, including Islam: The Straight Path and The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?. This author has studied extensively about Islam, Hindu and Buddha and is an expert in religion comparative studies. You can read his extensive resume here.
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About the book...
In his preface, the author stated that the book came to the shelves as a product of the 9/11 tragedy. After that tragedy on 2001, there has been many questions about Islam and its connection to violence and terrorism. Being an expert in the study of religions, especially in Islamic studies, the author writes about the basics of Islam and the Muslim community in the what-you-need-to-know basis. The contents are written in question and answer style, ranging from the general 'What do Muslims believe?' to more specific issues like 'What is Islam's attitude towards alcohol and pork?'. The questions are divided into several chapters as in General Information; Faith and Practice; Islam and Other Religions; Customs and Culture; Violence and Terrorism; Society, Politics and Economy; and Muslims in The West. The questions are what the author regards as most frequently asked, and each questions are written in independent manner that readers can start reading the book by choosing any chapter from anywhere in the book. The answers are written in a non-judgmental way, means it is what it is, and not showing any personal preference whatsoever. The book has an extensive references, the words are simple and easy to digest. It is NOT a complete guidance towards Islam, but merely and sufficiently a starting point for those who wish to be introduced to the religion.
For me, who is currently looking for acceptable reading materials about introductory Islam in English (with a specific personal intentions), this book is an interesting discovery.
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