Aspects of Islam

"Clear, engaging, balanced and insightful, Aspects of Islam is a welcome addition to publications on Islam. An excellent introduction to the key beliefs and practices of Islam, to the issues Muslims face today, and to critical questions raised by non-Muslims." - John L. Esposito, professor, Georgetown University, and author of What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam and Islam: The Straight Path "An interestingly distinctive approach to a study of Islam. Geaves offers a remarkably balanced coverage of controversial topics and important ones - like shari'a and Sufism that are virtually ignored, or clearly not understood - in a style that makes them accessible to both specialists and general readers with little or no background in the subject." - John Esposito, director, Center for Christian-Muslim Understanding at Georgetown University "Going straight to the heart of timely and controversial issues, Geaves provides a fresh and engaging analysis of Islam in the post-9/11 world." - Jane Smith, professor of Islamic studies, Hartford Seminary "Geaves skillfully delineates the various competing views of Muslim and non-Muslim scholars, as well as those of the adherents of the faith, giving voice fairly and without misrepresentation to these competing viewpoints. This is truly an enjoyable read." - M. A. Zakl Badawi, Muslim College of Britain"

Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Western Media: a misrepresentation or a factual account? 3. Doctrine and Architecture: manifestations of tawhid 4. The Shari'a: the law of God or cultural construct? 5. The Umma: an homogenous unity or deeply divided? 6. Martyrdom: the Shi'a doctrine of suffering opposed to Sunni doctrine of 'Manifest Success' 7. Sufism: an aberration or the voice of traditional Islam? 8. The Prophet of God: human messenger or a manifestation of divine qualities? 9. Jihad: Islamic warfare or spiritual effort? 10. Muslim Fundamentalism: a misnomer or the heart of the faith? 11. Muslim Women: Islam's oppressed or victims of patriarchy? Glossary of TermsBibliographyIndex