Encyclopaedia of Islam

which has moved toward the vision and the path of development envisaged in Islam.

The book evaluates the content, influence and success of these four forms, asking how Muslims might now proceed to address the profound challenges which evolutionary theory poses to the effective reconstruction of their religious thought.

Drawing fascinating parallels with developments in the world of Christian theology which will help understanding between people of the two religions, the author reflects on the question of how Muslims can come to terms with the modern world. A valuable addition to the literature on contemporary Islamic thought, this book will also interest students and scholars of religion and modernity, the history and philosophy of science, and evolutionary theory.

With nearly 1500 rich years of history and culture to its name, Islam is one of the world’s great faiths and, in modern times, the subject of increasingly passionate debate by believers and non-believers alike. Islam: The Basics is a concise and timely introduction to all aspects of Muslim belief and practice. Topics covered include:

• The Koran and its teachings
• The life of the Prophet Muhammad
• Women in Islam
• Sufism and Shi’ism
• Islam and the modern world
• Non-Muslim approaches to Islam

Complete with a glossary of terms, pointers to further reading and a chronology of key dates, Islam

The research investigates the potential benefit ‘new Muslims’ can bring to bridge the gap between Muslim communities and wider British society, thus helping in the process of building mutual trust, greater cooperation and positive understanding among all parties in Britain. The work will help readers to become aware of the evolution of a “British Islam” that is more open, rooted in British values and spiritual traditions, and forms a part of the continually changing British religious landscape.