This primer on Islam addresses the information needs of non-Muslims interested in learning about the fastest-growing religion in the world and also guides young Muslims—especially those living in Western societies—who want to learn the basics of Islam. Reviewing the fundamental principles, beliefs, and practical aspects of Islam, diverse topics are covered, including morality, good and bad deeds, personal characteristics, rights and obligations, women's rights, Islamic law, sectarian differences, and relations with other religions. A brief history is provided as well as a discussion on how some Muslims, through their practice, have deviated from Islam's true purpose and meaning.
Arshad Khan has taught at the University of California–Berkeley and the University of California–Santa Cruz, where he developed data warehousing courses. He is the author of Islam, Muslims and America: Understanding the Basis of Their Conflict, and Understanding Muslim–West Alienation: Building a Better Future as well as the computer-engineering books Data Warehousing 101, Implementing SAP with an ASAP Methodology, SAP BEx Simplified, and SAP BW Simplified. He lives in San Jose, California.