Islam: A Short Introduction: Signs, Symbols and Values (Oneworld Short Guides S.) [Paperback]

Abdulkader Tayob (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1851681922 | ISBN-13: 978-1851681921 | Publication Date: September 1, 1999

In this innovative introduction, Abdulkader Tayob takes the reader on a symbolic voyage of discovery around a mosque, using the immediate and tangible structures to introduce the teachings, practices, values, and issues central to Islam.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Abdulkader Tayob is Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where he has been working for the last ten years. He has also been Visiting professor at universities in Cairo, Germany and the US, and has presented many conferences in the field of religious studies in the US, Scotland, Germany, Sudan, Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oneworld (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851681922
• ISBN-13: 978-1851681921
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #958,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Islam: A Short Introduction, June 8, 2001

By 

Hina (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Islam: A Short Introduction: Signs, Symbols and Values (Oneworld Short Guides S.) (Paperback)

"Islam - A Short Introduction"

In my perspective, "Islam - A Short Introduction" is a great and an informative non-fiction book written by Abdulkader Tayob. Obviously from the title of this book, the reader can tell that the information in this book is based on the religion "Islam". It is a much-needed, concise and innovative introduction to the Islamic religion. I think this is a good book because it is a somewhat meandering tour that leads the reader from Islamic history on towards the modern Islam. Secondly, it describes in detail some of the Islamic rituals and methods that all Muslims have to follow. Last but not least, this book supports its information by providing evidence straight from the Quranic verses.

First of all, this is an interesting book because it is like a small tour that takes the reader right from the beginning of the religion Islam and all the way towards modernity in Islam. In the way, it talks about many of the important aspects of Islam, which all Muslims should be aware of. For example, "the call to prayer" is one of the important parts of Islam and thsi book explains its importance and significance. I liked the way this book provided a description about Call to Prayer because I remember that when I was young, I used to love hearing the Call of Prayer and watching believers making their way to the mosque, back in my country Pakistan. A statement taken from the book clearly indicates that this book has provided an excellent description about the importance of Call to Prayer: "The mosque may be a physical symbol of Islam, but the Call to Prayer is a ritual act which sets that symbol into motion by calling people together." (Pg. 3, 3rd paragraph)

Furthermore, this book covers up other Islamic aspects such as prayer, worship, and pilgrimage. Also, to give this book an interesting touch, the author compares other religions such as Christianity and Judaism with Islam.

Secondly, this book interests me or would interest any reader because it provides a great deal of information about some of the Islamic rituals and methods that all Muslims must or should try to follow. For example, the book states the major purification rituals in Islam, how to perform them, and their values according to Islam. Moreover, it also provides knowledge about acts that Muslims have to perform during their lifetime including at the stages of birth, puberty, marriage, and death. A statement from the book explains one of the Islamic rituals related to the birth of a child:

"Ritually speaking, it is the responsibility of the parents to declare the Call to Prayer into the ears of the infant immediately after birth." (Pg. 45, 3rd paragraph)

This statement and many others in the book prove that this book provides detailed and valuable information about the rituals of Islam. However, the content of this book could've improved if the author would've added some information about the five fundamental pillars of Islam and their importance. Afterall the five fundamental pillars are valued the most in Islam and are considered to be the first responsibility of every Muslim. Other than that, the content is very interesting and worth reading.

Last but not least, I like the way this book supports its information by providing evidence straight from the translation of Quranic verses. This is good because it allows the reader to better understand the content as well as some of the important issues and concerns the author is trying to take up. Providing evidence right from the Muslim's holy book "Quran" leaves the reader with no misconceptions and prejudice. It also makes it easy for Muslim readers, who are seeking a new perspective on their faith, to read this book and understand the content without any dissatisfaction. In order to prove my point, I would refer to one of the parts of this book where the author is trying to explain the importance of Purification in Islam. To better explain and support his words, he refers to one of the verses of Quran:

"God loves those who repent, and those who are pure (Quran 2:222)." Pg. 44, 1st paragraph)

Another situation where the author proved his point by referring to Quran involves the importance of the "Night of Power" during the month of Ramadan (Fasting). The author described its importance by indicating that the Quran was brought down during the month of Ramadan from the seventh heaven onto the first heaven. Then, he referred to Quran to prove his information:

" We have brought it down on the Night of Power And what will explain to you what is the Night of Power? The Night of Power is greater than a thousand months In it, the angels and the Spirit descend with the permission Of their Lord on every affair Peace it is until the break of dawn." (Quran 97:1-5) (Pg. 56 1st paragraph)

Not only did this book provided evidence from the Quran, but also included the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). I think that is a great step toward meaking the content clear and more understanding.

In conclusion, I would state that overall this book is interesting and informative because it takes the reader on a small tour from the beginning of Islam and on towards the modernity in Islam. It provides detaled information about the Islamic rituals and methods. It not only contains detalied content but also supports it by giving evidence from the Quran. It is a thought-provoking and accessible exploration of the key elemnts of Islam for students, Muslims seeking a new perspective on their faith, and all those interested in the study of religion in the world today.

By: Hina Jawed

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview, profound in some places., July 28, 2005

By 

David Drennan (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Islam: A Short Introduction: Signs, Symbols and Values (Oneworld Short Guides S.) (Paperback)

Abdulkader Tayob did a great job in writing a thoroughly comprehensive, but easy-going book introducing Islam. Not only does he cover the fundemental tenets of faith, and the '5 pillars', but he also covers many aspects of history, as well as more complex matters.

All are developed through the metaphor of visiting a mosque and travelling to the different areas in progression. It is very well written and structured, and lucidly covers many of the differing viewpoints within Sunni Islam itself. The author takes pains to not have any bias, and just presents differing views with no conclusion drawn. It is good to see.

It is a great little book, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Islam as the majority of us mainstream Sunni Muslims believe.