Islam today
Subtitle: a short introduction to the Muslim world
By: Akbar S. Ahmed.
Publisher: I.B. Tauris Publishers
Published: 2001
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
Subjects: Islam -- 20th century
Description: "Islam, argues Akbar S. Ahmed, does not mean the subordination of women, contempt for other religions, opposition to the modern world or 'barbaric' punishments for petty crime. Yet outsiders can learn to appreciate the beauty, depth and variety of Islamic tradition only by returning to its sources. Islam Today starts with the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an's 'five pillars', which govern the beliefs and behaviour of Muslims everywhere.

It goes on to show how the great Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires have deeply marked the successor states in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India, and explores how the Muslim minorities in the West struggle to maintain their identities and ideals in uncomprehending or hostile environments. Ahmed explores these issues with insight and sympathy, penetrating beyond the stereotypes to the realities of Islamic life."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [241]-243) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: raising questions; title: What is Islam?; title: The challenge of the past: empires and dynasties; title: When worlds collide: Muslim nations and Western modernity; title: Muslims as minorities; title: Islam in the age of the Western media.