In the contemporary world the Islamic community is represented by around 1.4 billion people or twenty five percent of the global population. Geographically, Muslims are the majority in 57 countries and they represent significant minorities in many others. The worldwide Muslim community today encompasses a wide range of ethnic, national linguistic, theological, political and socio-economic backgrounds.
To understand the religion of Islam it is essential to comprehend the prophet Muhammad, his message, his life and the early medieval Arabian society into which he was born. Muhammad is said to have been born in around 570 CE, and during a retreat in the month of Ramadan in 610 Muhammad received a visit from the Archangel Gabriel who revealed to him the first few verses of the Qur'an, marking the beginning of Muhammad's prophetic mission and the religion of Islam.
In addition to the prescriptions of divine law, shari'ah, enshrined in the Qur'anic revelations, the Muslim community is guided by Muhammad's Prophetic teachings which encourage Muslims to establish themselves as the 'ummatun wasatan', literally, 'the middle nation', or, a moderate nation that is placed at the middle between two extremes of disbelief and idolatry or religious zealotry and extremism. Each aspect of life is regulated by laws of permissibility, halal, and prohibitions, haram.
This book comprehensively explores the life and work of Muhammad, the history of Islam, Islamic beliefs and doctrine, and religious practices and worship. Beautifully illustrated with more than 500 full-colour paintings, artworks, maps and photographs, and including a helpful glossary at the end, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to and overview of a complex and often misunderstood religion. It is the perfect introduction for general readers new to Islam, and a handy resource for students and scholars alike.
About the Authors
Raana Bokhari is a PhD student in Religious Studies. She has lectured on Islam and Muslim women in particular, and worked as a Research Associate at Lancaster University in education and social exclusion. She is the author of several articles on Gujarati Muslim women in Leicester, England.
Dr Mohammad Seddon obtained his PhD in Religious Studies at Lancaster University in the UK, and is currently lecturer in Muslim Studies at the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Chester. He is a former Research Fellow at the Islamic Foundation, Leicester, and is an Executive Member of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (UK). His research interests are historical and contemporary issues relating to Islam and British Muslim communities. He has published a number of related works and books including, British Muslims: Loyalty and Belonging and, British Muslims Between Assimilation and Segregation: Historical, Legal & Social Realities.
Charles Phillips is author of more than 20 history books, including The Illustrated History of Knights and the Golden Age of Chivalry, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Aztec & Maya, The Complete Illustrated Guide to Kings and Queens of Britain and Ireland and The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces and Stately Houses of Britain and Ireland. He was a contributing author on religion and mythology for Ancient Civilizations. Charles is a graduate of Oxford University and holds an MA from the University of Westminster, London.
