Online resource. "Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Islam. Topics include the rise and spread of Islam, basic tenets and teachings, social and legal systems, and arts and culture. The addition of color photographs and pertinent Arabic/English quotes from the Qur'an enhance the usability of this resource" (from the CHOICE review by A. A. Kraima).

"A well-organized and attractively designed introduction to Islam [. . .] Each chapter begins with a single page summary and concludes with a well-chosen citation of a Muslim text, along with the author's explanation. Given their brevity, Gordon's discussions are particularly nuanced. Giving visual force to the themes are beautiful color photos." (from the CHOICE review by P. S. Spalding).

"Nasr is probably America's leading Islamicist, and he lives up to his reputation with this short yet comprehensive primer on Islam. Nasr presents the religion of more than a billion people today without prejudice or preference. In eight short chapters, he surveys all that can be described as 'Islamic'--the theology, people, history, cultures and more" (from the Publishers Weekly review).

"Waines insists on presenting Islam as Muslims would see it, rather than through the eyes of the skeptical academic. Waines does not shy away from presenting the complexity of Islamic society and tradition. It is unfortunate that such an otherwise carefully constructed and comprehensive work does not maintain high levels of academic accuracy and neutrality throughout its treatment of the modern period, possibly the most important section of the work" (from the Journal of Religion review by Shari Lowin).

"A comprehensive survey of the basic teachings of Islam. Haneef, an American Muslim, introduces the general reader to Muslim beliefs and practices, values, morals, and customs." (from Library Journal review by Elizabeth J. Plantz)

"This accurate overview for the general reader includes discussion of recent issues such as the Taliban in Afghanistan. The opening chapter, "What Do You Know About Islam?" makes readers reconsider the stereotypes and misunderstandings they may have." (from Library Journal review by Martha Cornog)

"[the authors] review the religion's famous five pillars of faith; its founder, Muhammad; the Qur'an; the Hadith, or sayings of Muhammad; and Islamic attitudes about freedom, jihad, and the status of women" (from the Booklist review by Ray Olson).

"A collection of articles from both scholarly and popular publications. Each section consists of three to five articles on a particular aspect of Islam, including beliefs and practices, women, democracy, other Abrahamic traditions, and western interpretations of Islam. The purpose of the book is to educate the reader about the various aspects of Islam at a time when Islam is more feared than understood." (from the ARBA review by Jeanne D. Galvin).

3d ed.

"Examines ten controversial issues in Islam using a 'differing viewpoints' methodology. The author is particularly skillful at demonstrating the variety of Muslim perspectives on each topic and avoiding the error of presenting 'monolithic' Islam [...] Although this work is not suitable as a stand-alone summary of Islam, the author manages to weave into his account much basic material." (from the CHOICE review by G. J. Miller).

"[Author's] basic intent is to outline the essential aspects of Islam as a living force [...] he does not claim to provide a systematic exposition of Islam's history or philosophy. Rather, his focus is to identify a great world religion and recognize its contributions to human civilization. However, apart from a couple of paragraphs, the book has little to say regarding Muslim contribution to human civilization or the scientific achievements of medieval Muslim scholars." (from the Journal of the American Academy of Religion review by Liyakat Takim).

"The author has done a fine job of being comprehensive, and easy to read. She is even-handed in her treatment of controversial topics, such as the position of women in Islam, and the positions taken by the various kinds of Muslims, which is hard to understand for the outsider. The discussion on the Hajj trip to Mecca, one of the requirements of being a Muslim, is very clear[...]There are many interesting and timely references, websites, an extensive topical bibliography, index, glossary, and additional resources on each chapter." (From the Journal of Religion and Psychology Research review by Rabia L. Clark)

"This distinctive work offers ten well-written, scholarly essays about various regions of the world and their Islamic cultures. It is intended for general audiences and provides modern and historical context for each Muslim community covered [...] omitted is consideration of the geopolitically important Islamic communities of Europe and West Africa." (from the CHOICE review by B. D. Singleton).

3 vols. "Glossaries, cross-references, and chronologies support the younger student's curiosity [. . .] excellent for introductory study" (from the ARBA review by Linda L. Lam-Easton).

"Not an introductory manual on Islam; rather it serves as a compilation of documents on Islamic fundamentalism [. . .] the purpose is to contextualize authors and provide their own words translated into English [. . .] as a way to provide hints and insight as to how thought in Islamism developed" (from the ARBA review by Kay Shelton).

"Easy to read, elegantly written, and at points humorous, Brown’s book bases itself solidly on the principle of critical thought [...] Brown’s book is a thoughtful and comprehensive guide to the study of the materials on and ways of thinking about Islam" (from the Journal of Religion review by Shari Lowin).

"Rippin’s goal is to assemble pivotal essays in Islamic studies and its ‘conglomeration of methodologies’ (p. 2). He arranges essays of twenty authors, mostly historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and specialists in religious studies, to make obvious their engagements with each other." (from Reviews in Religion and Theology by Timur Yuskaev)