Islam: Basic Introduction
Methodology and Concepts
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Of necessity, this FAQ on Islam does not paint a complete picture of the full breadth and depth of Islamic history and theology. More complete works on the subject can fill numerous bookcases, but there is not room for that much information here. This is only supposed to be a basic overview in an effort to introduce people to new concepts. Because of that, a great deal has to be skipped or explained only briefly.
Islam: Basic Introduction
Introduction & Methodology
The documents in this Islam FAQ generally provide information from both the traditionalist and revisionist perspectives. Sympathy lies with the skeptical and critical methods offered by revisionists, but it would be a mistake not to also include the basic beliefs held by Muslims which they have adopted through Muslim tradition.What does Islam mean?
The Arabic term 'islam means "submission" and itself comes from the term 'aslama, which means "to surrender, resign oneself." In Islam, the fundamental duty of each member is to submit to Allah (Arabic for "the God") and whatever Allah wants of them. A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim, and this means "one who surrenders to God."Who was Muhammad?
Not very much is known about Muhammad's early life, although he is widely believed to have been born in 570 C.E. in Mecca. The earliest accounts we have of him date to 750 C.E. with the book Life by Ibn Ishaq, more than one hundred years after Muhammad's death. Although this is the first and most basic source for information about the life of Muhammad for all Muslims, it does not present a very flattering portrait of him.
Further Reading
Recent Books on Islam
What is Islam? Is Islam opposed to democracy and human rights? Are there good reasons to reject
Islam and its theological claims? To what extent have politics and economics influenced the
development of Islam in the Middle East? The books here answer those questions and more,
presenting a critical and scholarly perspective.
Recent Books on Palestine & Israel
Few people are unaware of the violence which keeps occurring between Israelis and Palestinians.
Why is this happening - what are the causes, and are there any solutions? Everything comes back
to religion: the disagreement and violence between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Understanding
the role of religion in these disagreements is necessary to understanding the violence itself.
Recent Books on Religion, Violence, and Terrorism
Religious leaders normally argue that religion is a force for good and love in the world. Yet,
at the same time, we see religion regularly used for war, mass murder, terrorism, and even
genocide. Why does this difference exist - how can religion be claimed as a basis for peace
while so many use it as a basis for terrorism?
