Gerald Hawting's book has long been acknowledged as the standard introductory survey of this complex period in Arab and Islamic history. Now it is once more made available, with the addition of a new introduction by the author which examines recent significant contributions to scholarship in the field. It is certain to be welcomed by students and academics alike.

The attack on the towers of the World Trade Center of 11th September 2001, and the retaliatory assault on Afghanistan by the United States and its allies has redefined, in the most powerful manner since the Crusades, the interaction between Islam and the West as a clash of civilisations. Whilst the West today casts its shadow over the Middle East in the form of an avaricious secular faith, seeking control over oil and raw materials, the ancient accusation of 'Infidel' is snatched out of its hands. Holy war or Jihad - set forth in the Quran as Allah's 'divine bargain', paradise in return for martyrdom - is now clearly visible as the defining validation of the Muslim aggressors.

Since the Gulf War, many have asked the question, "Why do Middle Easterners think and act as they do?" Of the 1.3 billion people who today follow the Islamic faith...

For most Americans, knowing about Islam was not exactly a high-priority before 9/11. But today, understanding the worlds second-largest religion is a matter of urgency. Although the newspapers and airwaves are filled with facts about Islam, the material is often confusing, biased and contradictory. However, its impossible to get a sense of Islam from reading random passages from the Quran. Although no one book can capture the totality of such a complex faith, Beliefnet has gathered some of the best recent writing from their site and created Know My Faith: The Beliefnet Guide to Islam. Know My Faith contains essays that explore all areas of the religion from the very basic Islamic beliefs to broader topics such as the meaning of violence in Islam; the role of women; Islam in America, and Islam and Christianity.

Karen Armstrong presents a concise and articulate history of Islam, the world's fastest-growing faith...

In a sympathetic yet honest presentation, brothers Ergun and Emir Caner offer clear explanations of what is and what is not Islamic doctrine, and the religion's impact on daily life. Unlike so many books on this topic, Unveiling Islam offers a practical strategy that Christians can use to open a productive dialoge with Muslims. Unveiling Islam covers the entire scope of Islam--its practices, ethics, and beliefs. It explains the Jihad, sects within Islam, and how Islam can be used to justify violence when one of its primary tenets is peace. The final two chapters show how Islam views Christianity and how Christians can initiate constructive communication with Muslims.