Exploring the history, philosophy and practice of one of the world's greatest religious traditions, this is the perfect reference for all students of Islam. Ideal for both introductory-level study and as a definitive reference source.

Andrew Rippin is Professor of Islamic History and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Victoria Canada, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. His publications include Muslims: their religious beliefs and practices (third edition Routledge 2005) and The Qur'an and its interpretative tradition (2001).

Part 1: The Geo-political Islamic World Part 2: The Religious Islamic World Part 3: The Intellectual Islamic World Part 4: The Cultural Islamic World Part 5: Social Issues and the Islamic World