Islam: A Concise Introduction

In a world where one in five people is a Muslim, understanding the Islamic faith is more important than ever.

Yet, as acclaimed author and scholar of world religions Huston Smith notes, no religion is more misunderstood by the West. This book, drawn from his seminal work The World’s Religions, is a direct response to the urgent need for a clear and concise introduction to Islam.

Huston Smith provides the essential background for anyone seeking to comprehend the foundations of this global religion. Moving beyond the headlines and stereotypes, he presents the core tenets of Islam with clarity and respect. The author explores the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the spiritual and historical significance of the Koran, and the key theological concepts that anchor the Muslim worldview.

This concise and authoritative guide clearly explains the foundations of the Islamic faith:

• The Prophet Muhammad: Follow the story of his life and the divine revelation that launched a global religion.
• The Five Pillars: Understand the core tenets of a Muslim’s life, from the confession of faith to the pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Core Theological Concepts: Grasp the essential teachings on God (Allah), Creation, the human soul, and the Day of Judgment.
• Essential Social Teachings: Explore the Koran’s perspectives on economics, family, the status of women, and justice.
• The Sufi Path: Discover the rich mystical tradition within Islam, focusing on the soul’s direct encounter with the Divine.

Huston Smith is internationally known and revered as the premier teacher of world religions. He is the focus of a five-part PBS television series with Bill Moyers and has taught at Washington University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, and the University of California at Berkeley. The recipient of twelve honorary degrees, Smith's fifteen books include his bestselling The World's Religions, Why Religion Matters, and his autobiography, Tales of Wonder.