Includes index.

This comprehensive, accessible, and factual guide to Islam is essential to understanding the world's fastest-growing religion. This essential guide to Islam covers every aspect of the Muslim faith and its history - from the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of the Koran to Islam in the 21st century. Celebrating the scientific, literary, and artistic achievements of the Islamic Golden Age and the ideas of philosophers and theologians across the centuries, it opens a window on the Islamic world. The series' trademark graphics and mind maps unpick the central tenets of Islam, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Clear factual writing offers insight into terms like Sharia law, the Caliphate, and jihad; Sunni and Shia divisions; and Sufi poetry and music. Images of Islamic art, architecture, calligraphy, and historical artefacts illustrate the articles. Modern issues such as fundamentalism are discussed in context alongside the work of peaceful traditionalists, modernizers, and women's rights campaigners, among others. Packed with more than 80 inspiring quotations, and bold, intriguing illustrations, The Islam Book is an invaluable source of information both for members of one of the world's major religions and any interested reader who wants a clear unbiased guide to the meaning of this faith.