50 Islam Ideas You Really Need to Know

Description

No other religion is subject to as much debate and controversy as Islam. But who was Muhammad, and what did he teach? Does the Qur'an really preach holy war? What is the role of women within Islam? And what does the rise of Isil and militant Islam mean for Muslims and for the world? Explaining Islam's history, core beliefs and rituals, as well as current issues of political and social importance, this book covers everything you need to understand the world's fastest-growing religion. Written by renowned scholar and Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies, Mona Siddiqui, it addresses such varied concepts as the five pillars of Islam; the divisions between Sunni and Shi'a; the importance of Shari'a law; the significance of Mecca and the Ka'ba; the role of Ramadan, the veil, the mosque and the madrasa; and much more - all in 50 concise and expert essays.

Mona Siddiqui joined the University of Edinburgh's Divinity school in December 2011 as the first person to hold a chair in Islamic and Interreligious Studies. She also holds the posts of Assistant Principal for Religion and Society and Dean international for the Middle-East. Amongst her most recent publications are Hospitality in Islam: Welcoming in God's Name; My Way: A Muslim Woman's Journey; Christians, Muslims and Jesus; and The Good Muslim: Reflections on Classical Islamic Law and Theology. She is a regular commentator in the media on issues around religion, ethics and public life, known especially for her appearances on BBC Radio's Thought for the Day. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for her contribution to interfaith services and is listed in the Debretts top 500 most influential people in the UK.