Author Description

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, there has been an overwhelming demand for information about Islam, and recent events--the war in Iraq, terrorist attacks both failed and successful, debates throughout Europe over Islamic dress--have raised new questions in the minds of policymakers and the general public. This newly updated edition of What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam is the best single source for clearly presented, objective information about these new developments, and for answers to basic questions about Islam, Shariah law, global jihad, Islamic reform, and a clash of civilizations.In this revision and expansion of his highly popular guide, John L. Esposito presents in question-and-answer format the information that most people want to know about Islam. He provides succinct, accessible, sensitive, and even-handed answers to questions that range from the general--What do Muslims believe and why? and Who was Muhammad?--to more specific issues--Is Islam compatible with modernization, capitalism and democracy? How do Muslims view Judaism and Christianity? Are women second-class citizens in Islam? What is jihad? Does the Quran condone terrorism? What does Islam say about homosexuality, birth control, abortion, and slavery? Organizing the book in brief question-and-answer segments allows readers either to skip to areas that interest them, including many of today's hot-button issues, or to read the book straight through as a linked narrative.Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Modern Islam and The Oxford History of Islam, and author of The Future of Islam and many other acclaimed works, John L. Esposito is one of America's leading authorities on Islam. This brief and readable book remains the first place to look for up-to-date information on the faith, customs, and political beliefs of the 1.5 billion people who call themselves Muslims."An excellent primer on all aspects of Islam. Esposito elegantly educates the reader through what the Quran said, how Muslims are influenced by their local cultures, and how the unique politics of Islamic countries affect Muslims' views."--Publishers Weekly