Islam for Beginners

by Nabil Ibrahim Matar and Nabil Matar

Book Overview

This unique combination of text and illustration introduces the faith and culture of Muslims from the seventh century to the present. Intellectually compelling and visually striking, this book will... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0863161553
• ISBN13: 9780863161551
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Writers & Readers Publishing
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Introduction to Islam

In addition to teaching me new things, "For Beginners" books provide me with sheer reading pleasure, and this book is no exception. Actually I rate it highly among the "For Beginners" books I have read. At 200 pages, it is far thicker than most of them and is therefore and excellent value. You will learn a lot about Islam from reading this book. Like other Islam books, this book covers the essentials of the religion and the history of the Muslim world. Unlike other Islam books, this book covers a much wider range of topics, interspersing beautiful specimens of art an calligraphy on almost every page. The book also does interesting case studies of ten Islamic cities throughout history, among them Cairo and Damascus, naturally, but also lesser-known Islamic centers such as Cordoba (in Spain), Isfahan (in Iran), Djenne (in Africa), Agra (in India), and Samarkand (Central Asia). These case studies are used to introduce such things as commerce in the Islamic world, social issues and role of women, architecture and city planning, science and medicine, philosophy, and literature. This is indeed a comprehensive and thorough introduction to one of the world's most popular religions. Those of you who enjoyed this book and who have an interest in Middle East politics will find "Arabs and Israel for Beginners", by Ron David, a perfect complement. I strongly recommend you buy both at the same time.

Most Basic of the Basic Islam Books (Transparently Empathetic)

Absolutely perfect for anyone interested in Islam with zero to minimal background. (For clearer truth in advertising, regarding the above title's use of "comic book," there's no attempt at humor in the drawings, just informative, helpful illustrations.) The book's perspective is Muslim, thus respectful in treatment of Muhammad; Islam's history and contributions; it's authorities (Qur'an, Sunna, Hadith); and it's present discussion regarding the right path as regards socio-political identity. It is faithful to the Qur'an and Sunna and manifests the dominant Sunni perspective (80-85% of Islam), yet doesn't neglect mentioning minority sects, like Shi'a. Extremely basic, extremely clear.

Fun reading, A Dummies Guide, Good gift.

Nowadays, the kinds of books we get on Islam are getting too heavy to read. I bought a couple of these books to give to my friends who were interested in Islam, but did not want to invest the time in a "Real" book.The illustrated approach makes it light. The book is nice in that it tries to be factual, and doesn't try to "convert" anyone.It's a great starting point. If you have a Muslim friend or want to have a simple understanding of Islam, this is a good book you can probably finish in one or two sittings.After getting a politicised view of Islam through the News and Media, this is a fairly neutral way to learn what the religion is about without having to get too intellectual.

Excellent Introduction to Islam

n addition to teaching me new things, "For Beginners" books provide me with sheer reading pleasure, and this book is no exception. Actually I rate it highly among the "For Beginners" books I have read. At 200 pages, it is far thicker than most of them and is therefore and excellent value. You will learn a lot about Islam from reading this book. Like other Islam books, this book covers the essentials of the religion and the history of the Muslim world. Unlike other Islam books, this book covers a much wider range of topics, interspersing beautiful specimens of art an calligraphy on almost every page. The book also does interesting case studies of ten Islamic cities throughout history, among them Cairo and Damascus, naturally, but also lesser-known Islamic centers such as Cordoba (in Spain), Isfahan (in Iran), Djenne (in Africa), Agra (in India), and Samarkand (Central Asia). These case studies are used to introduce such things as commerce in the Islamic world, social issues and role of women, architecture and city planning, science and medicine, philosophy, and literature. This is indeed a comprehensive and thorough introduction to one of the world's most popular religions.Those of you who enjoyed this book and who have an interest in Middle East politics will find "Arabs and Israel for Beginners", by Ron David, a perfect complement. I strongly recommend you buy both at the same time.

Outstanding Primer for the Uninitiated

If you have no knowledge or very little knowledge of Islam, and you want to get a quick overview, I found this to be a remarkable title. I've personally given away 1/2 a dozen or so.If you are looking for more in depth answers to questions that you have, I recommend visiting your local mosque or Islamic center to see if they have classes.