This Is Islam

Gr 9 Up—This short work aims to teach about Islam in the post 9/11 cultural climate of misconception and fear of Muslims. Elias's intent is to inform readers about the religion from a historical perspective and to avoid cultural biases. The major topics and keywords of Islamic studies are covered in comprehensive but readable chapters that are complete with pictures and graphics displaying information, quick facts, and discussion topics. The author includes a list of scholarly resources that will aid teachers and students with further research. Some chapters are oddly placed. It is difficult to see why philosophy and theology, considerably advanced topics, are discussed before more basic chapters on the pillars of Islam and mosque life. Also, there is no section specifically on Islamic art and architecture. Other chapters suffer slightly due to their brevity. In his discussion of theology, the author introduces readers to most of the major theological schools in early Islam, but curiously omits the role of the influential Hanbali theology that informs many contemporary revival and reform movements, a discussion somewhat analogous to introducing Christian theology without mentioning the Protestant reformers. Despite these minor weaknesses, the work will give readers a solid overview of Islam along with tools for further investigation.—Justin Parrott, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH