Islam: A Guide for Jews and Christians

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 304 pages
• Published by: Princeton University Press February 22, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0691122334
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0691122335
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 13.6 ounces

From Publishers Weekly
This book stands as one of the few recent titles on Islam that is neither a Muslim apologetic nor a Judeo-Christian attempt to discredit the religion founded by Muhammad. Rather, it is a sincere, forthright and capable exploration of Islam that is aimed at Jewish and Christian readers. Peters, a professor of Middle Eastern studies and religion at NYU, writes quite accessibly, and he pays considerable attention to the similarities and differences between the Qur'an and the Bible. He also delves into the role of Muhammad, teasing out history from hagiography and exploring what the messenger of Allah means for Muslims today. Throughout, the book contains interesting tidbits of information (such as the existence of the so-called "satanic verses," controversial apocryphal writings found in early qur'anic commentary) alongside sweeping, broad images of Islam over the last 1,400 years. This book will help readers of serious nonfiction gain a clearer picture of Islam, which Peters calls "the least understood of the three monotheistic faiths."
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Review
" a superlative work unparalleled in its objectivity and scholarship. It should be read by anyone wishing to understand Islam". -- A.J. Abraham, Journal of Third World Studies

With this Guide, readers who have wanted an informed and balanced account of Muslim belief and practice need wait no longer. -- C. Clifton Black Theology Today Clearly the reading public requirements a book describing Islam that avoids trendy multiculturalism as well as Christian rejectionism. That is precisely what F.E. Peters provides in this lucid guide. Peters manifests all the virtues of clarity and fairness that come from a lifetime of study devoted to this complex and multifaceted religion Here is that most paradoxical of books: one that can change lives (and headlines), not by trying to convert, but simply by trying to describe. -- Edward T. Oakes, S.J. First Things

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Islam: A Guide for Jews and Christians (Hardcover) Unfortunately, and with all due respect, I believe this book to be unintentionally biased to a fault. Presumably accurate, the book dissects and describes the history and chief tenets of Islam, with its literal inconsistencies and contradictions. This can't be all there is. While the book does help to explain how Islam can inspire violent Islamic extremists, it sadly, and unfortunately, fails to address how Islam succeeds in inspiring the many many more nonviolent faithful.