The Concise Encyclopaedia of Islam

There is no other single-volume work in print encompassing the beliefs, practices, history and culture of the Islamic world, whose faithful number some 800 million today. At its political zenith Islam comprised an empire reaching from the Indus to the Atlantic. Today, it is perhaps the most vigorous of the world religions, and its impact on the political and social history at the beginning of the new millennium is proving profound. All aspects of religious belief, ritual practices, prayer, significant political movements, spiritual and political leaders, art, architectures, sects, law, social institutions, history, ethnography, nations and states, languages, medicine, science and major cities and centers of learning are covered. A chronology, maps, dynastic charts, diagrams of the Hajj and the branches of Islam are included, together with a recommended bibliography. The Concise Encyclopaedia of Islam is written by a scholar for the general reader and researcher, without assuming any prior knowledge of the subject. Detailed cross-references lead the reader into deeper knowledge of Islam, whatever his starting point. Many quotations, and hitherto untranslated prayers, support the religious and philosophical entries. Cyril Glasse has a deep personal acquaintance with the Muslim world and its heritage. This work is the result of a lifetime’s study and has been substantially revised and updated since its first publication. In its first edition, the work won worldwide respect for its research, clarity, read-ability and grace of writing and understanding of both the current Islamic scene worldwide and its complex past.