ePub Introduction to Islam: Beliefs and Practices in Historical Perspective by Carole Hillenbrand in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great introduction - very informationalBy Willow1190I read this book for a class. Wonderful; clear introduction to a very deep topic. All the information you need to know to be introduced to Islam is right here in this textbook. Would recommend.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Megan HughesOverall; a comprehensive outline for beginners.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Balanced; Scholarly; and Thorough Research.By B. WolinskyCarole Hillenbrand writes of how Jesus is considered a prophet in Islam; but also writes how the crucifixion is omitted. The Quran hints that Jesus wasn’t physically killed; rather that he was taken to heaven while still living; similar to Enosh and Elijah. Joseph is also a prophet to the Muslims; and the story of him and Zukilyah (Potiphar’s wife; not named in the bible) is used as an example of resisting temptation. She leads him through multiple rooms; each one decorated with erotic artwork; and in the artwork provided; he wears green clothing; symbolizing purity. Introduction to Islam; from Thames Hudson Publishers; is a book that creates a realistic; balanced portrayal of one of the three great religions; both venerated and maligned at the same time. This book is clear in that local customs always influence Muslim practices; as in the chapter on prophets. The author includes a 14th century illustration from Iran; depicting Mary and the angel; where she sits in a Buddhist cross-legged pose. Most of the Persian artworks have Chinese influence; in the faces; the colors; and the animals. Rashid-al-Din’s World History has a painting of Jonah and the Great Fish; using Chinese elements such as the fish as a thrashing carp. The style of the splashing water also has similarities to Chinese brush painting. The author doesn’t mince words in discussing negative aspects of Islam. For instance; no authority in a Muslim country would tolerate blasphemy or disrespect towards Mohammad; and even in tolerant Muslim Spain; Christians could not speak of him negatively. She discusses Satanic Verses and the backlash to Rushdie’s book; and the death threats; book burnings; the ban on its sale. She does; however; note that most of the men who burned the book had not read it. Next we have the 2006 Danish cartoon controversy; where a depiction of Muhammad with a bomb-shaped turban sparked violent protest. But the author states that the violence was the work of radicals; who are (according to her) only 7% of all Muslims. The Most destructive protest was the Muslim boycott of Danish food. Diversity; in the form of the Sunni-Shiite split; is discussed; with good explanations of both philosophy and tradition. Hillenbrand also writes a few pages on Islam in Europe; and how the French Muslims are mostly from North and West Africa; while Germany’s Muslims are from Turkey; Britain’s Muslims are from India and Pakistan; etc. We also learn about the Sufi orders; and how their practices are different depending on whether you’re in Africa; Egypt; or Turkey. What disappoints me about this book is that Islam in China and South Africa are left out. I’ve seen depictions of Cape Town Muslims; descended from Indonesian captives (known as Cape Malays) and the men and women pray side by side; not with the women behind the men. It would be interesting to hear Arab Muslims view on this. I would also have liked to read about how the Chinese Muslims in Taiwan go about preserving their customs in a non-religious society.