Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society - Hardcover

'At a time of great international unrest in which the issue of faith has risen up the agenda of us all, Professor Akbar Ahmed's book Discovering Islam is essential reading for thinking people who wish to understand this great world religion. This is an incisive, intelligent book and I am delighted to commend it.'- The Right Hon. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury; 'A personal statement written with grace and flair.' The Middle East; 'Instructive, entertaining and even stimulating.' - Middle East International; 'Through an exploration of his experiences as a Muslim and his personal search for understanding, (Akbar Ahmed) sets before us the kindlier face of Islam and the dynamics of its history'-History Today; 'This is a most readable book which will set Muslims and non Muslims thinking'-Islam, Christian and Muslim Relations; 'An in-depth analysis of Islamic history and society... required reading for students and researchers'-Colonel Ghulam Sarwar, The Voice of Islam

Now reissued with a new introduction, Discovering Islam is a classic account of how the history of Islam and its relations with the West have shaped Islamic society today. Islam is often caricatured as aggressive and fanatic. Written in the tradition of Ibn Khaldun, this readable and wide-ranging book balances that image, uncovers the roots of Islamic discontent and celebrates the sources of its strength. From the four "ideal Caliphs" who succeeded the Prophet to the refugee camps of Peshawar, an objective picture emerges of the main features of Muslim history and the compulsions of Muslim society.