Islam: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Malise Ruthven

Very Short Introductions

• Offers insights into the structure and beliefs of this major world religion
• Looks at issues surrounding why Islam has major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis
• Considers the importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life
• Examines the role of women in the Islamic world, including recent debates relating to the veil-controversy in France
• Includes new material surrounding the idea of globalized Islam, looking at the effects of economic globalization on Islam, the effects of international events in Middle Eastern countries, the issues surrounding Islam and democracy, and the role and perception of Islam in the West
• Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductionsseries - millions of copies sold worldwide
• Text has been fully updated to incorporate world events and issues that have arised since the original publication
• Includes new material surrounding the idea of a globalized Islam - looking at Islam and democracy, the effects of economic globalization, and the role of Islam in the West
• Updated references and further reading