Islam: The Straight Path (Oxford paperbacks) [Paperback]

John L. Esposito (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 6, 1988 | Series: Oxford paperbacks

The world's second largest religion, Islam is also one of the fastest growing and most politically potent, yet its nature remains obscure to many westerners despite its common theological and historical roots with Judaism and Christianity. Combining the finest Western scholarship with an insider's understanding of the Muslim world, this book provides a brief, yet comprehensive, introduction to the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from the seventh century to the contemporary resurgence. Drawing on his extensive experience traveling, researching, and teaching in the Muslim world, John L. Esposito records the struggle of Muslims to define and follow their way of life through the development of Islamic law, theology, mysticism, and philosophy, bringing his discussion to life with excerpts from a wide range of original sources. Written for a broad audience, Islam: The Straight Path addresses the powerful and pervasive role of Islam in modern Muslim life and the issues that Islam faces, avoiding simplified political generalizations about the contemporary scene. Completely up-to-date, this book is indispensable to understanding the Islamic world during this turbulent and important period in its history.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Esposito ( Islam in Asia , etc.), professor of international studies at College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, Mass., refreshingly eschews the more sensationalist aspects of contemporary Islam for a detailed survey of early Islamic history and a thorough review of the intricacies of Islamic law and ritual, and of the development of the various and often conflicting interpretations of these traditions in the modern world. The book corrects many popular misconceptions (e.g., that Friday is the "Muslim Sabbath" or that women are enjoined by the Quran to wear the veil) and is especially good on delineating the beliefs and practices of the Shii Muslims. Unfortunately, in his attempt to be factual and dispassionate, the author tends to present the material in a dry, toneless manner. And the proliferation of Arabic terms, inadequately defined in the glossary, will confuse those readers unfamiliar with the religion. Despite these shortcomings, this is a helpful guide to the history and current status of the world's fastest-growing religion.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Esposito's purpose was to "write an introductory volume on Islam . . . to enable readers to understand . . . what Muslims believe and practice," and although readers might occasionally wonder whether to regard Islam as a straight textbook, it succeeds admirably as a primer for the general reading public. Esposito begins with a straightforward discussion of the forces that brought Muhammad to spiritual and sociopolitical prominence. He then moves on to a thorough exposition and evaluation of Islamic theology, which he ties solidly to Islamic social theory. Albeit a bit wordy, Islam is eminently readable and will greatly aid readers in understanding the current conflicts in the Middle East. Highly recommended. David P. Snider, Casa Grande P.L., Ariz.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (October 6, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195043995
• ISBN-13: 978-0195043990
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John L. Esposito is University Professor of Religion and International Affairs at Georgetown University and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin-Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He is the editor of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islam and The Oxford History of Islam, and author of Unholy War, What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam, and many other acclaimed works.

Customer Reviews

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2.0 out of 5 stars misled as to condition, March 20, 2011

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This review is from: Islam: The Straight Path (Oxford paperbacks) (Paperback)

The book, Islam:The Straight Path, was underlined and highlighted by different colored markers on almost all the pages in the book. Very disconcerting to try to read.