Islam is everywhere in the news these days, from reports of
Sunni and Shi’a Muslims battling each other in Iraq to violent
protests against cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Extremist
factions are in the spotlight, but the real Islam remains
largely a mystery to non-Muslims. What is this religion,
practiced by 1.3 billion people and the second-largest faith in
the world? The Beliefnet® Guide to Islam demystifies everything
about Islamic beliefs and practices, from the famous “five
pillars” to views of the afterlife to the real meaning of jihad.
The book features important insights on issues facing Islam
today, such as violence, the status of women, and relations with
other faiths—and dispels numerous myths along the way. Written
by Beliefnet columnist Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa and Sufi poet
Kabir Helminski, the book also features a foreword by Ambassador
Akbar Ahmed, a noted scholar. Whether you’re curious about the
basics or searching for deeper understanding of Qur’anic verses
and sayings of the Prophet, thi