Islam: Religion of Life

by Abdul Wadod Shalabi, Abdal Hakim Murad (Editor), عبد الودود شلبي

Written by an Islamic scholar who combines traditional religious training from al-Azhar University and Western education from the University of Cambridge, where he received his doctorate, this book provides an introductions to Islam for an educated readership.

Genres: Islam, Religion, History, Nonfiction, Spirituality

96 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[_immareadyou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly brief yet rich spiritual affirmation of the truth of Islam.

Much needed for 2021 so far.

[адэм · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better introductions that briefly, yet eloquently, elaborates on important aspects of Islam including the Five Pillars, Quran, points of creed, and key events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم. From the preface, it is very clear this book is intended for the non-Muslim reader who, while being open minded enough to look into Islam past the stereotypes of being the barbaric monolithic horde out to destroy Western civilization, may still be inadvertently affected with certain superficial negative biases. One thing I really appreciated about this work, apart from the many gems I felt obligated to tab and bookmark, is the author's ability to relate the practices of Islam with other world religions while also making sure to steer of perennialism, which can disappointingly be common in these types of works. Shalabi's descriptions of the congressional prayer and Hajj pilgrimage also brilliantly illustrate an intimate look into the various aspects of Muslim worship, fishing out the profound inner meanings from which the outward manifests. This would be my go to recommendation to any non-Muslim interested in taking a quick peak into what Islam is and how not only it's practitioners but also the whole of society benefits from it's true teachings. I also think Muslims can find great enjoyment in here and well written answers to some common questions a person interested im sincerely engaging the faith may ask. TL;DR Gai Eaton condensed minus the cringe perennialism

"Amidst the ruins of a thousand faiths and secular ideologies, Islam, religion of life, lives on."

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this book as an assigned reading for a course I’m taking, but as I began reading I got hooked.

I love how simply the author defines Fundamentals of the Islamic faith. The introduction is simply captivating and makes you want to keep on reading.

I love what the author writes here: “Life in the Two Testimonies of Islam inspires courage and dynamism. Ours is a faith of works. In other words, Salvation in the life to come is not achieved solely through verbal assent to a doctrine, but rather may only be assured by acting to the best of one’s abilities in the way which best serves mankind and the spiritual life which alone conditions life with meaning. The Muslim is thus the man of simultaneous stillness and movement.” (Page 19)

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn what Islam is about and why Muslims live how they do. It’s a very simple and easy read of just 81 pages.

[Enas Aliyuddin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It certainly is a very brief introduction to Islam, historically and theologically.. but it strongly emphasises the spiritual growth of individuals in Islam and what effect this should have on the society.
It is very useful for Muslims themselves to read it so they can find their way back to the core of Islam, find the real centre around which their lives should revolve.

[Rob Squires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best introductions to Islam out there.

[Rashid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best intro to Islam book I have ever read, hands down.