Muslims: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices (Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices)

The revised, third edition of this authoritative and accessible text provides a survey of Islamic history and thought from its formative period to the present day. Many aspects of the discussion are updated and there are two new chapters on intellectual thought and medieval developments. Redressing the lack of critical thought evident in so many introductory textbooks on Islam, Andrew Rippin examines the elements which come together to form Islam, looking in particular at the Qur’an and the traditions from Muhammad. He traces the way these sources have interacted through history to create the disciplines of theology and law, as well as provide the basis for the alternative visions of Islam found in Shi’ism and Sufism. The trajectory of Muslim interaction with these sources is followed down through the medieval period to contemporary times, with speculation for what the future might hold for Islam. With a combination of well-documented source material, recent research in the field and thorough critical analysis, Rippin provides an introduction to this important and frequently misunderstood religious group in a concise, challenging and refreshing way. Teachers, students and the interested layperson will find this an invaluable introduction to the subject.