Examines the central themes and concepts that are indispensable to an informed understanding of Islamic religion and society. This book focuses on a single aspect of the religion. It is suitable for those who wish to know how Islam relates to vital concepts in religion and society.

"A stimulating and original approach to understanding Islam. The contributions by a distinguished roster of scholars provide a fresh look at topics of enduring importance." Carl Ernst - William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of Nort "Excellent... beautifully framed by its editor. Students and scholars will appreciate the work's methodological sophistication, the thoughtfulness of each treatment, and the consistent clarity of presentation." Susan Niditch - Samuel Green Professor of Religion, Amherst College "Jamal Elias and his collaborators have produced an introduction to Islam that both beginners and specialists will find original and stimulating... The entries feel like conversations with learned interlocutors whose comments one is privileged to hear." Barbara Metcalf "Superb. An indispensable source for introductory, advanced, and comparative courses involving Islamic religious tradition and culture." Suleiman Mourad "An unusually satisfying book. Rather than replicating the standard structure of introductory works in Islamic studies, Jamal Elias has gathered a group of outstanding scholars and asked them to think freshly and provocatively about the categories that frame our understanding and interpretation of Islam." Jane McAuliffe - President of Bryn Mawr College