Author Description

"The second volume looks at living Islam, the everyday practicalities rather than the eternal principles of the Muslim faith. It is a highly topical volume, with chapters on politics, economics, human rights and the emancipation of women. The role of the individual Muslim in the community is discussed. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) is studied in its attempt to achieve the goals of rationality, universality and equality set out in the Koran. Islamic society should be a reflection of these ideals, with individuals trying to satisfy God by going beyond worship and ritual and actually living in an Islamic way. A Muslim does not just have faith, he or she is faith. This volume shows the adaptability of Islam and its ability to take into account local traditions, which has allowed the faith to spread far afield to India, Africa and Europe. It also describes how, more recently, education has begun to take an increasingly important role in guiding Muslims, giving them confidence in their own values, and imbuing them with their faith." (http://www.unesco.org/culture/aic/).