The Britannica Guide to the Islamic World (Britannica Guides) - Softcover

Exploring the beliefs, history and politics of Islam, The Britannica Guide to the Islamic World is a clear and unbiased reference resource, compiled by experts in the field. It introduces the ideas as well as the places at the centre of one of the most important religions of our time.

Founded in the seventh century by the prophet Mohammed, Islam has now spread across the world and every culture. Exploring Islamic history, beliefs and scriptures, it will be an invaluable and comprehensive guide to Muslim faith.

In addition, the Guide reveals the role that Islam plays today including the conflict in the Middle East, the rise of Islamism, and the divisions between the Sunni and Shi'ite sects.

As the Islamic World becomes the focus of politicians and the media, it is more important than ever to have a reliable and accurate introduction to this controversial topic.

The Britannica Guide to the Islamic World is introduced by Ziauddin Sardar.

Ziauddin Sardar was born in Northern Pakistan in 1951 and grew up in Hackney, London.

His career has been wide and varied and includes the: Hajj Research Centre, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah; Nature; New Scientist; Reporter, London Weekend Television; Director, Centre for Policy and Futures Studies, East-West University, Chicago; Advisor to former Deputy Prime Minister, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Visiting Professor of Science Policy, Middlesex University.

Currently he is the Editor of Futures, the monthly journal of policy, planning and futures studies; co-editor, Third Text, the critical journal of visual arts and culture; Visiting Professor, School of Arts, the City University, London. Commissioner for the Commission for Equality and Human Rights and a columnist on the New Statesman.