Islam

Islam features widely in the news, often in its most militant forms, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand its nature. Malise Ruthven's Very Short Introduction, offers essential insights into the big issues, provides fresh perspectives on contemporary questions, and guides us through the complex debates.

Ruthven includes new material surrounding the concept of a globalized Islam, bringing into question the effects of economic globalization, the effect of international events in Middle Eastern countries, the issues surrounding Islam and democracy, and the reception and perception of Islam in the West.

Preface
1. Islam, Muslims, and Islamism
2. The Quran and the Prophet
3. Divine Unicity
4. The Shari'a and its consequences
5. Women and Family
6. The Two Jihads
Appendix: The five pillars of Islam
References
Further reading