audiobook Islam -- An Introduction: A Teach Yourself Guide (Teach Yourself: Reference) by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood in History

Review

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. QuestionableBy Thomas Esposito1. Provides history relevant to the history of the Islamic faith2. Provides Qur'anic references and citations a. If these references and citations are checked against the 15th Edition Noble Qur'an of 1996; they show themselves to be paraphrased and; at times; are completely inaccurate.3. Evolution is presented as a possibility; which is Qur'anicly inaccurate.4. Vague concepts about the creation of Adam and Eve are conveyed and do not disclose the Qur'anic revelation in its entirety completely accurately. The author rather attempts to hide Adam's creation as first; and philosophically denies that Eve was created from Adam; which the Qur'an clearly conveys.5. The historical references and tenets of the Faith are desirable to research; but the fact that inaccurate information is reported in this book renders it to be ultimately labeled "not trustworthy."1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Thorough intro to IslamBy EmA thorough and solid introduction to Islam. This book is extensive in its coverage of most aspects of Islam. The unique format includes interesting details; pictures; summaries of contents; and lists of essential facts.This book does suffer from some errors of fact. Other times the personal beliefs of the author are treated as a universal truth.On page 54; serious errors are made in regards to evolution. She states how evolution is an unproved guess with questionable evidence. She promotes a theory on why pig meat is halal (that they eat excrement) that doesn't seem to be Islamically or factually backed up. Early in the book; a mistake is made in Ismaili theology. The author seems oblivious to how questionable or even abhorrent her statements are to the western readers this book is aimed too. She suggests no Muslim would ever accept a homosexual couple raising a baby or having a child. Some aspects of discrimination against women are simply taken as fact. She writes Muslim women should accept their husbands as their leaders in the relationship and obey him.The treatment of Shi'a Islam in this book is almost non-existent. It's briefly mentioned in the beginning and in a few other places. Nearly every source quoted is a Sunni one. She even makes some disparaging remarks about Shi'a Islam.This book is not exactly secular despite the publishing press. It comes off as quite apologetic for Islam at times. The author is British and the book speaks quite a bit about Islam in Britain. Another place this book is lacking is in the absence of a bibliography.This is a decent book on Islam if one keeps the above points in mind.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. A Great IntroductionBy Mendel MordecaiThis book is a great introduction to Islam at a modest price. There is a slight emphasis on women's issue in this book; which was written by a women; but certainly nothing that gets in the way or becomes objectionable. As a matter of fact; I liked that feature. This book also does a good job of balancing the theoretical; the practical; the historical; and current events. I actually found myself using it as a reference when I wanted to explore a particular issue.A word about the Teach Yourself series. The series seems well designed and executed - at least with this book. I found myself depending on the list of topics at the start of each chapter; the Insight sections (brief insights on key issues); and Things to Remember at the end of each chapter. I know that this genre of guides is famous for such features; but it was particularly well done in this book. I was actually surprised as to how useful it was.You would be hard pressed to find a better introductory book on Islam; and the reasonable price is another benefit.