xxx, 338 pages : 21 cm

Scholar and author Reza Aslan explains the origins and evolution of Islam in all its beauty and complexity. This updated edition addresses the events of the past decade, analyzing how they have influenced Islam's position in modern culture. Aslan explores what the popular demonstrations pushing for democracy in the Middle East mean for the future of Islam in the region, how the Internet and social media have affected Islam's evolution, and how the war on terror has altered the geopolitical balance of power in the Middle East. He also provides an update on the contemporary Muslim women's movement, a discussion of the controversy over veiling in Europe, an in-depth history of Jihadism, and a look at how Muslims living in North America and Europe are changing the face of Islam

Includes bibliographical references ([315]-320) and index

The sanctuary in the desert: Pre-Islamic Arabia -- The keeper of the keys: Muhammad in Mecca -- The city of the prophet: The first Muslims -- Fight in the way of God: The meaning of jihad -- The rightly guided ones: The successors to Muhammad -- This religion is a science: The development of Islamic theology and law -- In the footsteps of martyrs: From Shi'ism to Khomeinism -- Stain your prayer rug with wine: The Sufi way -- An awakening in the East: The response to colonialism -- Slouching toward Medina: The quest for Islamic democracy -- Welcome to the Islamic reformation: The future of Islam

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews