Islam: A Very Short Introduction

Islam dominates the news, often in stories filled with images of violence. Yet these disturbing images are at odds with a faith that most adherents—who now number over a billion worldwide—would regard as no less pacific than Buddhism or Christianity. Indeed, the word Islam in Arabic means "self-surrender" and is closely related to salaam, the word for peace.

In this thoroughly revised new edition, Malise Ruthven offers a balance, compact, and reliable overview of Islam. An internationally r...