Unveiling Islam (Islamic Texts Society) (Paperback)

~ T.J. Winter (Author), (Author), Robert Du Pasquier (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Offers an exceptionally lucid and concise introduction to Islam specially intended for those with little prior knowledge." -- Muslim World Book Review

"Recommended to both non-Muslims who want to learn more ... and to Muslims who ... are in need of intellectual reinforcement." -- Islamica

Product Description

Alone among the world's religions, Islam is not just surviving but flourishing. Yet many people know little about Islam and regard its continuing attraction as something of a mystery. In this book, Du Pasquier, an award-winning Swiss journalist, provides a thorough introduction to Muslim belief, history and culture. He deals not only with topical issues, such as 'fundamentalism' and the status of Muslim women, but provides an overview of the Qur'an, the Prophet, Islamic history, and the nature of Muslim art and literature. Unbiased yet passionate, the book offers an 'unveiling' which must be heeded if the present mutual incomprehension between East and West is to be overcome.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0946621322
• ISBN-13: 978-0946621323
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #930,539 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, January 25, 2003

By	Mr Tea-Mole (Lancashire, England) - See all my reviews

This is a very good introductory text on Islam, concise yet comprehensive, enunciating not only the basic precepts and principles upon which the faith rests, but also containing quite detailed chapters on the civilisation and culture which stemmed from the historical inception of the faith. I would recommend this book especially for people born and living in the West, or who have had significant contact with the now dominant Western mode of living, as the author - himself having been born and lived in the West - writes in a way which acts as a bridge, connecting and establishing a bond of understanding over the gulf which presently separates the two cultures. A non-Muslim reader will gain a real insight into the mind and heart of a true Muslim - someone who really believes - becoming familiar not only with how he thinks and what he feels, but also with what motivates him and how he acts. The quality of the translation from the original French into English is superlative: lucid, accurate and easily comprehensible. All-in-all, this is one of the best introductory texts on Islam I have come across in the English language, and, on a more personal level, I would say that this book is an essential step which needs to be taken, in allowing sincere, thinking people anywhere to forge an understanding of the world and existence in a viable and tenable manner, at once congruous with modern knowledge and discoveries, and yet, at the same time, consistent with ancient wisdom and truths.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Decent book pity about the title, April 16, 2007

By	Gogol (England) - See all my reviews

I always find odd people who read religious books and then become outraged when they find the book is in defence of religion (seems that previous reviewer didnt get past page 10 though so never mind)

Then we have the equally odd review by Alyassa equally outraged that this book should be published by the Islamic Text Society whose goal is to "Convert the infidel" I can only assume he has never read a book published by a Catholic, Prodistant or any other religions domination book publisher because his odd reviews seem to have the opinion that Muslim book publishers are the only people on the planet engaged in trying to convert others to their faith (obviously nonsense)

Equally odd are his book recomendations seeing as the 2 he has mentioned are darlings of the author of 'Politically incorect guide to Islam' (a book compiled by an author with zero qualifications in Middle East studies but a favorite with the insane, the cranks and the foaming at the mouth madmen (see the reviews of his books for proof of this)) But then this is from the camp of people like Pipes (the man who seems to think Muhammad didnt exist! (See his review of 'Why I am not a Muslim') So I think it would be safe to say that the writers he has recomended are hardly the most useful never mind trustworthy.

Concerning the book, it is a short introduction to Islam. Similar to Islam and the destiny of man but in less detail. It covers the basic fundamentals of the religion and how they are undertood by its followers. It seems it was intended as an introduction to Islam for non Muslims rather than a book intended for Muslim and it would probably be worth a read if one was intending to travel to a predominant Muslim country or had dealings with a large Muslim community in his/her own area and wanted a book that would give then a brief but clear idea of how Muslims live their lives.

One negative though has to be the title. Considering since early orientalism to this present day their has been an obsession with the veil (far more than in the Muslim world itself where it is hardly discussed) and 'lifting the veil' 'beyond the veil' 'under the veil' uncovering the veil' (would seem some writers have more of an interest in staring at 'exotic' eastern women than actually studying the Middle East) It is such a pity that this book should continue the trend with such a silly title.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an Intro...., August 20, 2006

By	Naza "Slave" (Australia) - See all my reviews

I was very pleased to have been recommended this book by a friend and I understood why once I started. It portrays a brief, succinct, well written journey through the essential elements of the Islamic faith and a fascinating look at the history of this great religion as it spread with an unprecidented pace effectivelly changing the nature of history and the geography of the then known world forever. Bringing a people out of darkness to the heights of civilisation, scientific discovery, knowledge, social values and personal freedom....This is Islam! GREAT BOOK