A Muslim Primer

A Beginner's Guide to Islam

Ira G. Zepp

• Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
• Year: 2000
• ISBN:
  9781610752701
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

A Muslim Primer covers the basic beliefs of Islam and provides an informative source for both lay and professional readers. First published in 1992, it has proven to be a valuable handbook for all attempting to better understand the tenets of the religion of a major portion of the world's population. The reader is introduced to the authority of the Quran, the prophethood of Muhammad, the Wisdom of the Law, the Five Pillars of Islam, and to other fundamental principles of the religion. Distinctions are made between Sunni and Shiite traditions and the Sufi mystical dimension of Islam.

Well organized, visually appealing, and accurate, A Muslim Primer is useful to pre-collegiate and collegiate students of Islam, church and community study groups, and travelers, both tourists and business people.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Acknowledgments
• Contents
• Preface
• Foreword
• Introduction: Historical Context for Contemporary Interest in Islam
• By Way of Definition
• Part One: The Desert is Fertile
• Part Two: Essential Islam
• Part Three: Some Current Issues
• Part Four: Islam’s Gifts to the West
• Part Five: Islam and Christianity
• Concluding Reflections
• Appendices
• Sample List of English Words Derived from Arabic
• Glossary of Arabic Terms
• Endnotes
• Suggested Bibliography
• Index