A Pelican Book: Islam: The Essentials

Consider yourself exceptionally lucky individual if you have the opportunity to read or listen Tariq Ramadan. There is no question that Mr.Ramadan is absolute genius. It saddens me to know how leading government players are using all power so feisty to silence his voice to extinction!

I have read most of them. This one is right, tight and bright. Both Muslims and non-Muslims will enjoy it. It's perfect for the young reader and the adult reader alike.

This is an important book. Tariq Ramadan has done us all a favour by writing this book.The structure is superb, and takes the uninitiated through the entire history. Then, he introduces you to the principles, and then the practises,He ends with some of the challenges, and debunks many myths and distortions. Unfortunately, we live in the world of the distortions.The book is well written, lucid, well researched and balances.Kudos to him for a masterpiece

I am just beginning to read this book and from what it seems from my initial skimming, it is a competent overview of the history and practice of the Islamic faith. I will update as I have a chance to read more. I did wish to point out, however, that this title is essentially the same as Ramadan's Introduction to Islam, published by Oxford University Press. So be wary (as I wasn't) when purchasing these titles that you may end up with two copies of the same text.

Amazing book, was worth my time.The media nowadays seek to give us all the answers that they want us to believe, it is sometimes good to turn off the news channels and open a book.

Very well written and balanced. Breaks down the fundamentals of Islam in an easy, understandable and clear way. I bought this book because I was seeking more knowledge about Islam and it delivered. If you don’t know much about Islam I think this is a very good book to start from. I bought the Quran as well so I can study more in practise what the book is talking about.

This is an excellent, brief introduction to Islam for those of who are not Muslims. It clarifies much, and addresses many misconceptions. I hope it is widely read.

Basic and informative

Awesome

A truthful and broad introduction to Islam.

This is a necessary book that explains the general theme and theory about the Muslim religion. It outlines the history and philosophy of the religion in a lucid and lively manner. Read it if you want to know about the Muslims.

Still only halfway through it, but it's a veryyyy condensed simple read. Sometimes it feels a little too condensed but as an introductory book, which is what I'm sure T.Ramadan intended for it to be, it's a great read mA. Great gift for someone who's looking to learn more about Islam.

I already knew something about Islam, but this clarified a few things. It gave more information than i needed sometimes, especially about historical matters, but I found it useful and accurate, from what I know of Islam.

Loving this book

excellent books.

An excellent introduction to Islam for non-Muslims, with clear explanation of the multiple dimensions of its main pillars, history and issues that relate to our modern world of today.For Muslim readers, an outstanding summary of Islam with deep analysis and reflections. A valuable resource which can especially benefit Muslim youth and help them reach a moderate understanding of Islam.A book highly recommended for anyone looking for answers and seeking to understand what Muslims believe and what Islam is all about.

Fantastic book! Such a great, clear book. Highly recommend to anyone who wishes to know about Islam. Perfect.

Very lucid n pointed how wrong weare about Islam

Arrived on time and in good condition. Very happy. Thanks

A well presented book that is an interesting read as an introduction the Islamic religion. The narrative is accomplished and absorbing in both style and content- the book is a pleasure to read. How representative of the religion Ramadan's position is, is an issue though and I think this book needs to be approached as one person's- albeit extremely learned- take on the faith. It's no worse for that though, and it also leaves as many questions unanswered as answered and perhaps that is the way it should be.Ramadan is also clearly a reformist and he's keen for Islam to adapt to the 21st century- a tall order and, again, how representative of current Islamic tendencies is debatable. There is also a risk in books like this of ill-focus because of the simple fact Islam hasn't been through an 'enlightenment' process and so awkward conundrums present themselves, and are too often resolved by a form of apologetics that glosses over the illiberal excesses of the religion [apologies strangely promoted by a confused liberal left that is often targeted by the excesses].That aside this is a very useful book, that is informative and thought-provoking. We need more like them in order to understand a religion that is becoming a defining aspect of the 21st century. Well worth a look.