How to Understand Islam [Paperback]

Jacques Jomier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1989

How to Understand Islam looks at Muslim religious experience as it rises out of practices required by the law or followed out of devotion. The book examines Muslim belief, religious observance, ethics, and mystical literature. It also outlines the history of Islam from its first appearance.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Written from a Catholic vantage point and in a popular vein, Jomier's work serves as a basic text on the religious aspects of the emergence and expansion of the Islamic empire, Islamic dogma, and laws and practices of Islamic society. As a basic introduction the text is adequate, yet a clear understanding of Muslim thought and culture cannot be attained solely through this brief presentation of facts, which are unquestionably from a Western perspective with commentary and references to Christian thought throughout. Of possible interest to high school students with Christian affiliations and others wishing a quick introduction to a vast and complex subject.
- Paula I. Nielson, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (January 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824509811
• ISBN-13: 978-0824509811
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,220,460 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very fair and balanced, February 20, 2003

By 

Hafizullah Chishti "Hafizullah" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Understand Islam (Paperback)

This is a very fair and balanced account of the history, beliefs, and practices of Islam. It does not glorify Islam, does not criticize it, nor is there a whitewash of the violence that has occured in its name.

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and the fastest-growing religion in the U.S. and worldwide, yet Westerners and especially Americans are appallingly ignorant of this major force in today's world. There has been a sustained disinformation campaign by the Christian Church against Islam for over a thousand years, and this prejudice has worked its way invisibly into Western culture. It is imperceptible to most Westerners and is felt intensely by Muslims.

This book does much to inform and to clarify. It is doubly surprising, then, that it was written for Christian missionaries working in Islamic countries. Christians will find useful sidebars comparing and contrasting Christian and Islamic beliefs on several topics. Highly recommended.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Yet Fair, July 7, 2003

By 

G. J Wiener (Westchester, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Understand Islam (Paperback)

Jacques Jomier gives a good overview of Islam. I do agree with the previous reviewer that bias is kept to a minimum. Furthermore, Jomier discusses various aspects of Islam ranging from the history of its people, some key holidays, common customs, and comparisons with Christianity and its origins in Judaism and Christianity. Especially interesting are the various sects within the Muslim faith.

Since I am not of Christian faith, the last few chapters were a bit over my head. Nonetheless, a few key aspects of these religions did shine through and it is interesting to learn about some of the basic differences between these faiths. Furthermore, those of Christian belief will be enlightened to the Muslim thought.

Certainly a good intro to Islam and its place in today's world. One can truly see the many aspects of this growing religion.