Islam

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Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction

Adam J. Silverstein

Opening with a lucid overview of the rise and spread of Islam, from the seventh to the twenty-first century, this Very Short Introduction introduces the story of Islamic history, charting the evolution of what was originally a small, localized community of believers into an international religion with over a billion adherents. The book examines how Islam rose from the obscurity of seventh-century Arabia to the forefront of modern global concerns, and it highlights how we know what we claim to know about Islam's rise and development. Historian Adam J. Silverstein also discusses the peoples--Arabs, Persians, and Turks--who shaped Islamic history, and sheds light on three representative institutions--the mosque, jihad, and the caliphate--that highlight Islam's diversity over time. Finally, the book analyzes the roles that Islamic history has played in both religious and political contexts, while stressing the unique status that history enjoys among Muslims, especially compared to its lowly place in Western societies where history is often seen as little more than something that is not to be repeated.

Tales of Persia: Missionary Stories from Islamic Iran

William Miller

News from the Middle East finds us wherever we live in today’s world. Children often wonder about this far-removed land, while parents struggle to teach their children about Islam. Tales of Persia is a timely book of missionary tales that will teach readers about Islam and encourage a new generation of Christians. Tales of Persia is especially useful for family devotions and Sunday school classes.

Islam (Opposing Viewpoints)

David M. Haugen

Islam (Examining Religions)

Ruqaiyyah W Maqsood

A study of Islam which looks at its history, the life of Muhammad, beliefs, worship, festivals, Shari'ah, the mosque, and how Islam affects moral behaviour, attitudes, social practices and lifestyles.

The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (Islamic Texts Society)

Leila Azzam

This children's book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad is taken from traditional Muslim biographical literature, including hadith. Passages from the Qur'an are used throughout to reinforce the stories. The material is authentic and the style lively and attractive. Although the book has been written for children of 10 to 15 years of age, it can be usefully read by anyone as an introduction because of its completeness and clarity. There are 32 colour illustrations although there has been no attempt to portray either the Prophet or his Companions. The illustrations are representative of traditional Islamic life as lived in many Arab countries and portray scenes that have occurred in those countries for over a thousand years.

No god but God: The Origins and Evolution of Islam

Reza Aslan

In this invaluable introduction to a faith that for much of the West remains shrouded in ignorance and fear, Reza Aslan, an internationally acclaimed scholar of comparative religion, examines Islam: its rituals and traditions, the revelation of Muhammad as Prophet and the subsequent uprising against him, and the emergence of his successors. Aslan's comprehensive text explores the complex history of the fastest-growing religion in the world.
   
No god but God is an engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking book for young people that is sure to stimulate discussion and encourage understanding of the Islamic faith and the people who follow it.

The War Within Our Hearts

Habeeb Quadri, Sa'ad Quadri

"An insightful volume that takes on many of the issues confronting Muslim youth in the West, sometimes with humor, oftentimes with brutal frankness, but always with sound knowledge and great clarity."— Imam Zaid Shakir, Zaytuna Institute, California

This is not just another book about Muslim youth. It is a book by young Muslims for young Muslims, addressing issues such as media, music, dating, and drugs in a language that is their own. With an introduction by Imam Zaid Shakir.

Tales from Rumi

Ali Fuat Bilkan

A collection of stories from Rumi's classic opus The Mathnawi, this astounding compilation of more than 24,000 verses is carefully adapted for younger audiences. Best known for his spiritual poetry and the whirling dance of sufi practice he inspired, Rumi's influence continues to spread around the world.

The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook

Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, Yasmine Hafiz

How do you reconcile being a teenager in America with being a Muslim? It’s not as difficult as you think! The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook is a positive, fun, informative guide to being a Muslim teenager in America today. Covering everything from basic Islamic history and reading the Quran to drinking and dating, and filled with thoughts and opinions from Muslim teenagers across the country, this is an indispensable primer, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to learning about and finding one’s place in American Islamic culture.

Abu Bakr: The Pinnacle of Truthfulness (Leading Companions to the Prophet)

Resit Haylamaz

This book is about Abu Bakr, the first Caliph to rule the world of Islam after the Prophet Muhammad. More important than his achievements as a state leader was his close companionship with Prophet Muhammad, a relationship that earned him the name al Siddiq. He was the only Companion who was privileged to ride alongside the Prophet Muhammad in his great migration to Madina, a turning point in the history of Islam. This book analyzes his exemplary life, his relationship with the Prophet, and his unique role in the birth period of Islam.
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