Islam for Dummies

Exploring the extraordinary diversity of one of the world’s fastest growing religionsIslam is the second largest religion in the world and the fastest growing religion in the United States; internationally its constituency increases by 2.9 percent annually, faster than the growth rate of the world’s entire population. In tandem with the publication ofThe Middle East For Dummies, Islam For Dummies acquaints readers with this international phenomenon, explaining the history, beliefs, and extraordinary diversity of this rich faith tradition. This easy-to-follow guide covers where Islam originated, relates how it spread throughout the world, and debunks its popular myths and misconceptions. The author, a professor of Islamic studies, describes in plain English"the Islamic way of life, " showing how a Muslim’s beliefs apply to everyday living.Islam For Dummies also shows how Islam relates to Christianity and other world religions; explores the origins and varieties of Islamic fundamentalism; explains the significance of Allah, the Koran, and the Prophet Muhammad; and discusses the role of women in Islam. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.