An Introduction to Islam (Introduction to Religion) [Paperback]

David Waines (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521429293 | ISBN-13: 978-0521429290 | Publication Date: April 28, 1995

Islam is a world-wide religion embracing many cultures and nations, comprising today nearly 900 million people. Muslims believe that God (Allah) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad guidance for proper conduct in this world and salvation in the next. These revelations are contained in the Muslims' scripture, the Qur'an. From modest beginnings in Mecca fourteen centuries ago, Islam spread rapidly throughout the Middle East and then into south-east Asia. This book is the story of the Muslims' beliefs and practices as they developed during the formative period. Separate chapters are devoted to a description of the sacred law (the Shar'iah), theology, and mysticism. Attention is given also to the beliefs and practices of the important Shi'ah minority of Muslims. The story comes down to the present day, recounting the period over the last two centuries during which Muslims have been challenged by Western hegemony and have sought to establish a modern sense of identity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... will deservedly be the standard introduction to Islam for some time.' Oliver Leaman, Expository Times

'... an excellent introductory text on Islam ... wonderful passages of classic writings.' Religion

Book Description

This comprehensive and up-to-date introduction offers a thematic approach to the beliefs and practices of Muslims together with a historical treatment of Muslim thought and concerns in the pre-modern and modern periods. Attention is given to Khumayni and the Iranian revolution and to the so-called Rushdie Affair.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521429293
• ISBN-13: 978-0521429290
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books on Islam, August 25, 2011

By 

C P Slayton (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Islam (Introduction to Religion) (Paperback)

(Caveat: This is a review of the 1995 publication. This 2004 one has additional notes on contemporary Islam. I think my review is still valid.) There are a lot of books out there on Islam and the number is growing. This book was published in 1995 (2004), before the great spike in Islamic and Arabic studies hit Universities all over. Having said that, there is something remarkable about how David Waines gives clearer insights on Islam than the more tailored works of the post-9/11 era.

Perhaps that is what makes this book one of the better introductions to Islam. Waines doesn't base Islam on the "five-pillars" which in reality are not theological pillars in Islam at all but just ethical pillars of obedience. Waines digs into Islamic theology, which is the best 'introduction' to Islam. Waines looks at the history of the schools of Islamic theology and explains well their origins.

If your understanding of Islam does not include what Ash'ari and Mu'tazilite doctrines are then you need to read a book on Islam that doesn't just introduce the practice but the teaching that then influences the practice. Waines is it. Even if scholars may not agree completely with Waines' take on all the elements he presents, the fact that he presented them all gives him great credit.

Waines doesn't leave Sufism and Shi'ism out to dry either like so many Islamic works focusing on what they consider the important 'orthodox' teachings. Sufism is very widespread. Shi'a Muslims make up over 10% of all Muslims. Waines allows an entire chapter to trace the beginnings of each branch touching not only on history but theology.

Lastly Waines takes the theological discourse and applies it to the 19th and 20th century in order to understand the reform movements in Islam. Even if Muslim theology was pretty well established in all schools by the 12th century A.D. there have still been movements within the streams that have influenced the modern practice of Islam.

At 280 pages this is well worth the read and takes the place of a dozen other books of fifty pages or less.