A Concise Guide to Islam: Defining Key Concepts and Terms - Paperback

by Ayman S. Ibrahim (Author)

For many in the English-speaking world, Islam remains a mysterious religion. What is Islam in the first place? Does it mean "peace," or does it mean "submission"? Can it mean both? What is jihad? Sharia? Hadith? Who is Allah? What is a caliph, caliphate, or infidel?

In this compact volume, an expert in the study of Islam provides explanations for more than one hundred important Islamic concepts and terms, which are divided into major sections: texts, history, faith and belief, practice and religious duties, jurisprudence, and movements. Ayman Ibrahim first introduces the section, then defines each concept or term briefly. Readers can read a chapter at a time or flip through the book to find concepts or terms as needed. Each term is described based on original Muslim sources, mainly written in Arabic, as well as ample scholarly studies.

This introductory guide is written for anyone with little to no knowledge of Islam. It complements the author's A Concise Guide to the Quran and A Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad. Together, these three volumes are useful as a set of resources on Islam.

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For many in the English-speaking world, Islam remains a mysterious religion. What is Islam in the first place? Does it mean "peace," or does it mean "submission"? Can it mean both? What is jihad? Sharia? Hadith? Who is Allah? What is a caliph, caliphate, or infidel?

In this compact volume, Ayman S. Ibrahim provides explanations for more than one hundred important Islamic concepts and terms. Each term is described based on original Muslim sources, mainly found in Arabic, as well as ample scholarly studies.

"In this thoughtful work, Ibrahim opens windows into our Muslim neighbors' worldview by clearly explaining Islam's key concepts and vocabulary. An excellent resource for healthy dialogue."
--George Bristow, senior research fellow, Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East (ISRME)

"An invaluable resource. For those working or serving among Muslims, this book will be the go-to reference to better understand Islamic concepts or words."
--Carol B. Ghattas, author and speaker with over thirty years in cross-cultural ministry among Muslims

"Ibrahim has provided a work that will be kept close, not only by those who are initially seeking to understand Islam and its adherents but also by any who find themselves needing a clear definition or explanation of a term or concept related to Islam. An exceptional resource!"
--George H. Martin, professor of Christian missions and world religions, editor of The Southern Baptist Journal of Missions and Evangelism, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"A valuable book, incorporating up-to-date scholarship in an easy-to-read style. Ibrahim has provided a versatile volume that promises to be frequently consulted."
--Duane Alexander Miller, professor of Old Testament, Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE)

"In his latest, aptly named book, Ibrahim brings welcome clarity to this influential world religion. The entire itinerary, from Islamic texts and history through jurisprudence to Islamic movements, will considerably enrich general readers."
--Ant Greenham, coeditor of Muslim Conversions to Christ: A Critique of Insider Movements in Islamic Contexts

"This book will be a welcome companion to all who desire to better understand the faith of their Muslim friends. I cannot recommend it strongly enough."
--J. Keith McKinley, associate professor of Christian missions, director of the Bevin Center for Missions Mobilization, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Ayman S. Ibrahim (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary; PhD, Haifa University) is Bill and Connie Jenkins Professor of Islamic Studies and director of the Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has taught in various countries in the Muslim world and in the West. His articles on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations have appeared in the Washington Post, Religion News Service, and First Things, among others. Ibrahim has written several books, including A Concise Guide to the Quran and A Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad.