Presents readers with an explanation of the roots and beliefs of Islam, and seeks to provide an objective view of this often misinterpreted religion. Author Ziauddin Sardar explains what makes a Muslim; where Muslims come from and who they are today; what, exactly, they believe and how they reflect those beliefs; and where Islam is headed. Includes a chronology of Islamic history from A.D. 632 to the present, a glossary of terms, selections from the...

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, there has been an overwhelming demand for information about Islam, and recent events such as the war in Iraq, terrorist attacks both failed and successful, debates throughout Europe over Islamic dress, and many others, have raised new questions in the minds of policymakers and the general public. This newly updated edition is a source for clearly presented, objective information about these new developments,...