3 Review(s)

Geaves attempts to move beyond stereotypical images, revealing the full diversity of Islam in the contemporary world. Beginning with a chapter on how the Western media represents Islam, he skillfully examines issues such controversial as martyrdom, shari'a law, jihad, the place of women, community, Sufism, fundamentalism and other sects within the faith, interpretations of the Prophet Mohammed, and the importance of the concept of unity. By examining differences in belief and practice, he helps the reader to see that Islam is not a homogenous entity, but a dynamic faith with its own controversies and debates. At times the writing takes on a narrative, literary, storytelling quality, conveying the deep appreciation Geaves has Islam as a faith tradition. In contrast to our Robinson book on the sames subject, a book that is driven by historical events and has a distinct "textbooky" feel, Geaves offers a more thematic and "experiential" approach. Robinson does a decent job of explaining Islam, concisely, as a religious phenomenon; Geaves explains how Muslims live their faith. The book's greatest virtue is its clarity; it presumes no previous knowledge of the topic. Each chapter begins with an abstract, and the book includes a helpful glossary.