The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture

Christine Huda Hodge, who is apparently a convert to Islam, gives an apologetic interpretation of the Islamic faith that often fails to reflect historic reality and the challenges and opportunities of this major religion. If one needs convincing on this point, consider the following examples:

1) Hodge states on pg. 29 that, in modern times, the discovery of oil has turned the Arabian Peninsula into a very developed region. Unfortunately, most countries in the Arabian Peninsula still have a sub-optimal economic performance compared to the most developed regions of the world, to say nothing of politics.

2) Hodge writes on pg. 185 that to many in the West, jihad is associated with such images as hordes of Muslim armies offering the conquered nations Islam or the sword. For example, conquering Islamic armies in France were not being tourists or peacefully converting locals to Islam before Christian King Charles Martel and his Frankish army routed them at the decisive battle of Tours-Poitiers in 732.

3) Hodge states on pg. 192 that Muslim leaders and individuals all over the world express condemnation and outrage when innocent people are the victims of acts of terrorism. Unfortunately, many moderate Muslims do not speak out often enough or loud enough to condemn terrorism in unequivocal terms. All too often, extremists dominate the stage.

4) Hodge writes on pg. 194 that all over the world, women are engaged in a constant struggle for their God-given status and rights. Unfortunately, most Muslim women still have a subordinate status compared to women in the most developed regions of the world.

Islam, one of the most influential faiths that has ever existed, deserves a much better coverage than this apologetic and biased representation of this major religion and its practitioners. The Everything Understanding Islam Book renders a big disservice to an honest interfaith dialogue that is more necessary than ever.
Rating: 2 / 5
The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture

Some resources estimate Muslims as 1.8 billions( CIA fact book for 2006 say they are 1.6 billions)

This make it very important to know about islam

If you are a christian/jew it is mentioned in your book that you should follow the Last prophet,(see Muhammad in the bible a book or on youtube)

The book is good introduction.

You may find 2-3 things a little different and it is better to clarify it with a muslim scholar in an islamic center close to you) for example:

Islamic law on Homosexuality( their are 3 opinions of scholars not just killing them( also include a punishment to help them avoid it)

Again the book is good start

For more Information try The sealed nectar or

martin Lings(Muhammad).
Rating: 5 / 5
The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture

Excellent! I have long been looking for an easy to read, yet comprehensive, book about Islam, and this one is it. The author does a good job of covering the basic beliefs and practices of Muslims, yet she also delves into the more complex issues with such refreshing ease, rendering even the complex quite accessible. The author also hosts an online community at[the website]. The book’s layout is pleasing to the eye and is a good guide through the material.
Highly recommended for casual readers, for students, and those interested in a thoughtful discussion.

Table of Contents:
1) The Vision of Islam
2) The Diverse Muslim World
3) Origins in Arabia
4) Muhammad the Prophet
5) Expansion of Islamic Civilization
6) Six Articles of Faith
7) The Five Pillars of Practice
8) Islamic Prayer
9) Islamic Guidance and Law
10) Historical Divisions and Deviations
11) Islam and other Faiths
12) The Muslim Perception of Jesus
13) The Muslim view of creation
14) Heaven and Hell
15) Islamic Manners and Morals
16) Dietary Laws, Health Care, and Funeral Services

17) Jihad: The Holy Struggle
18) Shrouded in Mystery: Women and Islam
19) Islamic Married Life
20) Raising Muslim Children
21) The Extended Muslim Family
22) The Islamic Arts
23) A Faith of Exploration and Discovery
24) Islam and the West
Rating: 5 / 5
The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture