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An Elementary Study of Islam
This book is a brief introduction to the five fundamentals articles of the Islamic faith. The articles of faith, which all Muslims believe in, are: Unity of God, Angels, Prophets, Holy Books and Life after Death.
Throughout the book, the author emphasises the areas of similarities between Islam and other religions. He shows how religious teachings evolved through the ages culminating in the complete, perfect and universal teachings of Islam.
The author further argues that it is this universal nature of Islam which renders it the religion capable of uniting people from all the nations of the world under one banner of Peace and Submission.
Throughout the book, the author emphasises the areas of similarities between Islam and other religions. He shows how religious teachings evolved through the ages culminating in the complete, perfect and universal teachings of Islam.
The author further argues that it is this universal nature of Islam which renders it the religion capable of uniting people from all the nations of the world under one banner of Peace and Submission.
- GenresReligionIslamNonfiction
86 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 12, 2018
A concise and well-written summary of the central beliefs in Islam from the perspective of the Ahmadiyya branch of Islam in particular, of which the author was the previous leader (Khalifa) until his death in 2003. Ahmadiyya Islam takes a spiritual stance on many points that other sects of Islam have a physical and material viewpoint about (such as life-after-death being an exclusively spiritual state, not a physical paradise), and stands firmly on the side of peace with all of "God's creatures," the separation of mosque and state, and interfaith relations. I would highly recommend this read for anyone with limited familiarity with the spiritual, peaceful sides of Islam.
Information included in this brief book that I find particularly valuable to us Westerners who are given little exposure to "real" Islam is that Islam is a universal religion, encompassing religious truths from across the globe, in a way no other religion other than perhaps Bahá'í does.
Information included in this brief book that I find particularly valuable to us Westerners who are given little exposure to "real" Islam is that Islam is a universal religion, encompassing religious truths from across the globe, in a way no other religion other than perhaps Bahá'í does.
Muslims are required to believe not only in the divine scripture revealed to the Holy Founder of Islam, which is called the Quran, but it is essential for every Muslim to believe in all such divine revelations as were vouchsafed to other prophets, from wherever and whichever age. ... According to the Quran, the areas of uncompromisable differences in all religions are the handiworks of men belonging to later ages. In the light of this universally acceptable teaching of the Holy Quran, Islam seems to have paved the way for the unification of all religions, at least in fundamental principles. Thus it does away with man-made obstacles and barriers created to keep the religions apart as distinctly separate entities. ...Realizing commonalities between people is the first step to promoting peace, and Islam has so much more in common with other religions around the globe than many Westerners realize.
The recognition of the truth of all books and the recognition of the truth of all prophets is a revolutionary declaration which has many benefits for man as a whole. Among other things, it powerfully paves the way for inter-religious peace and harmony.
June 10, 2017
A fantastic introduction here with supporting scripture. This is a great shorter, not intimidating text to start learning about the values and foundation of Islam. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2021
A short book that focuses on the main tenants of Islam from a non biased source.
February 21, 2025
This is elementary and leaves plenty of room for seeking more information about Islam and conflicts.
April 12, 2018
A good short introduction to the main tenets of Islam for non-Muslims.
I came to this book when I was at the tail-end of a MOOC studying the Qur'an and its relationship to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures from a Western academic perspective. It was interesting to see some of the same material presented by a Muslim scholar.
I was particularly interested in the author's repeated assertion that Islam recognises all prophets as being from God - not just those of the Abrahamic religions, but also Bhuddist and Hindu "prophets". I was not expecting such universalism and would be interested to know how widespread this is among Muslim scholars, especially those not from the Indian subcontinent.
Overall a handy beginner's guide.
I came to this book when I was at the tail-end of a MOOC studying the Qur'an and its relationship to the Hebrew and Christian scriptures from a Western academic perspective. It was interesting to see some of the same material presented by a Muslim scholar.
I was particularly interested in the author's repeated assertion that Islam recognises all prophets as being from God - not just those of the Abrahamic religions, but also Bhuddist and Hindu "prophets". I was not expecting such universalism and would be interested to know how widespread this is among Muslim scholars, especially those not from the Indian subcontinent.
Overall a handy beginner's guide.
April 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this basic introduction to Islam. One can feel the love and humanity in each page, and the desire of the Imam Ahmad to convey the true heart of Islam to the world. In an age where the principles and articles of faith are bent to political and ideological purpose, this volume lights up the path to a greater understanding by using and interpreting core Quoranic writings. Recommended for those seeking to understand beyond the surface.
July 14, 2013
A concise and readable summary of some key tenets of Islam. Very helpful in understanding the basics of the modern religion, and a very, very slight glimpse of some of the more complex debates. Aimed at those new to the religion - like me - it was readable, but understandably, not terribly challenging.
July 28, 2014
lame book. written with much prejudice. written with much condescension. after pointing out all of the"good" in Islam, the author skipped over jihad in a two page chapter. illogical. weak reinforcements to his points even using the q'ran. don't waste your time.
August 26, 2014
Ahmad has put forward a beautiful little Introduction to the Islam belief system that is a very easy read. Not in depth by any means but that was not his goal. There is enough substance here for the non-Muslim to gain a level of awareness and respect for the Islamic faith.
April 8, 2013
This was a really interesting read. very informative. I recommend it for everyone.
August 29, 2014
A biased, but highly readable book. Good if you want to know how Muslims themselves perceive their religion.
November 8, 2015
Packs a lot into a very short read!
May 17, 2019
The single best concise introduction to Islam I've ever read. This should be considered a must-read for everyone in the West when so much false information is being passed around.
March 24, 2015
Elementary, indeed, but does provide a great background into tenets of Islam
May 1, 2017
Always learning
I love that it touches on other religions, how Islam relates to them rather that separates. I found that it spoke about the Messiah which is the one and the same for Christianity, but was clear any ascension to the heavens was not bodily, but spiritually. It also touches on evolution, reincarnation, free will vs destiny, and the mercy of God when judging a life and including socio-economic factors into the judgements of actions (ie. theft of food due to lack of money).
I love that it touches on other religions, how Islam relates to them rather that separates. I found that it spoke about the Messiah which is the one and the same for Christianity, but was clear any ascension to the heavens was not bodily, but spiritually. It also touches on evolution, reincarnation, free will vs destiny, and the mercy of God when judging a life and including socio-economic factors into the judgements of actions (ie. theft of food due to lack of money).
May 2, 2017
Small, and simple book based of the lecture presented by the 4th successor and head of the Ahmadiyya community in spain. If you want a short and sweet explanation of the communities views and values read this book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews