Understanding Islam and the Muslims: The Muslim Family and Islan and World Peace

This is a so simple, small and also such a profound illustrated book depicting the doctrines of Islam and practices of Muslims all over the world without any bias or exaggeration, useful for Muslim and non-Muslim English speaking audiences in this age and time. Especially useful for growing Muslim children in English-speaking countries to get them a feeling of universal Islamic brotherhood with other Muslims in all other parts of the world, both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority countries. The authors have done a remarkable and a great service to all those English-speaking persons who are interested in learning about the truth about Islamic doctrine and how the followers of this great universal religion practice it and live in peace and harmony in their families and in their communities throughout the world.

This book is brilliant. It clears up so many of the misconceptions about Islam that pervade modern society, and does so in a highly accessible manner without being condescending. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you will be able to benefit from this book. Its question and answer format lends itself to making it easy for anyone to gain something from it, including those who lack even a basic understanding of the religion. That, combined with the generous and stunning use of photography throughout the text, makes this a joy to read. "A picture says a thousand words" - that notion is certainly true here. The beautiful and varied photographs represent the truly diverse nature of Muslims.While many are not conscious of this diversity, the slightest amount of thought will make it obvious - Islam is a religion that is prevalent in massive numbers from Southeast Asia (around Indonesia) all the way west to the Iberian Peninsula and West Africa (in fact being the most common faith across the entire African and Asian continents), not to mention the Muslim immigrants that arrived in the Americas. As such, it would be impossible for well over a billion adherents to live, across the whole world, according to one strict formula and this book illustrates the breadth, tolerance and beauty of Islam which allows for the incorporation of so many diverse individuals, societies and ways of life.In terms of its textual content, information is presented in short, clear answers generally with supporting evidence from the primary sources of Islamic law, belief, spirituality, history and eschatology (namely the Qur'an and the authenticated prophetic traditions), although the credentials of the author almost make this unnecessary - Tim Winter, a professor at Cambridge University, is probably the UK's leading Islamic scholar and is recognised the world over by both Muslim and non-Muslim experts. He has spent much of his life studying Islam in the Muslim World and is regularly invited to teach and lecture across the globe.Contrary to what another review states, this book does not seek to proselytize, rather it presents openly and honestly the realities of the Islamic faith and society. It does not limit itself to "portions of the Quran and Hadith that are positive in western eys" (sic) - anyone who reads it will see that for themselves. Matters are presented honestly, regardless of which palate might find them appealing. This further renders the "proselytizing" point invalid. Furthermore, the two claims that the book is not "in any way scholarly" and that "it states things about Islam without any support from Quran or Hadith and which are in fact not taught by any of the Islamic schools of Jurisprudence" are completely untrue, as stated in my previous paragraph. Such an inaccurate review of this book is grossly unfair. The person who wrote it may not like this book, but they have an obligation to get their facts straight and be honest in what they write about it. The one point on which I'd agree with that particular reviewer is that this is perhaps more of a booklet than a book, at just under 100 pages, however that makes it all the more accessible to a wider audience. On top of that, to give the reader an understanding of so many aspects of Islam in so few words is an achievement in and of itself, not to mention a sign of the true scholarship that has gone into this piece of work.The purpose of this book is to inform, and in that it succeeds magnificently. It is a huge surprise to me that it is not more popular or better known, especially given the sort of books about Islam one sees on the shelves of bookstores. For its purpose, this is one of the best available in the English language. At the very least it ought to be on every school curriculum. Regardless of religious or philosophical outlook, anyone can benefit from this book greatly. It is only short, and can probably be read through in less than half an hour, but even so its price is still remarkably low for such a gem. Having given this book away in the past I am now on my third copy and can not recommend it enough.As a last note, in keeping with the idea that a picture says a thousand words, I'd also highly recommend "IN THE SHADE OF THE TREE: A Photographic Odyssey Through the Muslim World" by Peter Sanders. It is somewhat different to Professor Winter's book, and more pricey, but in my opinion worth every penny.

the book is made good qualityand very clear readablea good buy!

Finally, a book uninfluenced by ideology. This book, like so many from Fons Vitae, gives an unbiased view of religious beliefs. The book is quick and concise. Winter and Williams are careful to point out that cultures within Islam vary from country to country, and give a few examples of differences within Islamic denominations. This book is not about Wahhabi Islam, nor about the perverted beliefs of Osama bin Laden. It is an attempt to dispel the widespread ideology that bin Laden's perverted beliefs are held by many Muslims by giving a general overview of the vast majority of Muslims.

Great book. Love the illustrations and clear, simple, yet deep and thoughtful explanations. Nice one