Islam

From the arid sands of Arabia emerged in the seventh century, Islam. A religion so progressive in its philosophy and dynamic in its scope that it revolutionised society as it was known till then. It brought God and man together in a deeply personal bond that had nothing to do with intermediaries. Soon, this new religion powered its way into the deepest interiors of Africa, Asia and Europe. So vigorous was its impact that today, one-fifth of the worlds' population claims adherence to it. But there's another face to Islam: the face which has seen the exquisite mosques of Damascus, the delicate art of calligraphy, the sumptuous palaces of Spain and the Beautiful gardens of Persia and Kashmir.

This remarkably lucid and fascinating narrative traces the story of Islam from its birth to its expansion and development, details its customs and traditions and the amazing arts it gave rise to. Illustrated with over a hundred pictures and line drawings from all over the world, this book would be valuable to both enthusiasts and scholars.

About the Author:

Azra Kidwai is an eminent sociologist. After finishing her education from the Delhi School of Economics, she taught at the Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, for twenty-four years. At present, she is a participant observer in an exhaustive and authoritative study of Muslim society in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh in northern India.