This compact introduction to Islam describes the essential aspects of
Islam as a living religion and social force. The book is organized around seven
topics: the life of Muhammad; Islamic political development and territorial
expansion; the important groupings of Islamic believers (Sunni, Shi'ite, and Sufi);
the Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam); Sunnah, Hadith (the record of the Prophet's
actions and sayings), and Shari'ah (the compilation of Islamic law); the five
Articles of Faith and the so-called Five Pillars of Islam that govern faith and
action; and other binding religious observances and festivals. The presentation of
these seven aspects of Islam strikes a balance between fact, tradition, current
interpretation, and commentary.

S. A. Nigosian underscores two
fundamental points: that to understand Islam properly, it is necessary to see it as
a major faith tradition, with Muhammad as the last of a series of messengers sent by
God; and that to grasp the spirit of Islam, one must recognize its emphasis on an
uncompromising monotheism, with strict adherence to certain social, political, and
religious practices, as taught by the Prophet and elaborated by tradition.