The A to Z of Islam

This book will enable readers to understand in a perspective Islam’s contemporary philosophical trends as well as the social and political responses by Islamic movements to issues of 21st-century politics, such as the inroads of Westernization in the Islamic world. A chronology highlights important Islamic milestones till the end of the 20th century. The book is rounded-off with a comprehensive bibliography which guides interested readers to in-depth knowledge resources on various topics. Various aspects of Islam are covered in crisp, alphabetically arranged entries, spanning its history, religion, philosophy and political and spiritual movements, including: The essential articles of Islamic faith and way of life; Sources of Islamic law and theology; The different Islamic schools of philosophy; Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims; and other sects and communities; Influential Islamic theologians, scholars, political and cultural leaders; Islamic traditions, prayers and pilgrimages, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies; Important Islamic cultural, religion and historic centres; Significant political developments, military battles and important Islamic dynasties.