Great World Religions: Islam cover art

Great World Religions: Islam

 Preview
Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Great World Religions: Islam

By: John L. Esposito, The Great Courses
Narrated by: John L. Esposito
Try Standard free

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $20.99

Buy Now for $20.99

About this listen

How familiar are you with the world's second-largest and fastest-growing religion? In these 12 lectures, Professor Esposito guides you through the facts and myths surrounding Islam and its more than 1.2 billion adherents. Many in the West know little about the faith and are familiar only with the actions of a minority of radical extremists, but this lecture series will help you better understand Islam's role as both a religion and a way of life, and its deep impact on world affairs both historically and today.

What does the future hold for Islam and the West in the new century? How will it change under the influence of conservatives, reformers, and extremists? Moving from Muhammad to the present, from the 7th to the 21st centuries, you'll explore Muslim beliefs, practices, and history in the context of its significance and impact on Muslim life and society through the ages, as well as world events today. Topics you'll cover include the life and legacy of the prophet Muhammad; the nature and true meaning of jihad; the Muslim beliefs about other faiths such as Judaism and Christianity; Islamic contributions to mathematics, science, and art; the intricate relationship between Islam, modernization, capitalism, and democracy; and much more.

Professor Esposito takes a closer look at the historical development of two great Islamic institutions: Islamic law and Islamic mysticism. And he examines the worldwide "struggle for the soul of Islam" occurring today between conservatives and reformers, mainstream Muslims and extremists.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2003 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2003 The Great Courses Islam
All stars
Most relevant
I decided to listen to this book to learn more about Islam while travelling in Morocco. It detailed a concise and relevant history of the Islam religion, linking its development to contemporary religious, political and social issues. I especially enjoyed his discussion of women in Islam and the dynamic changes in ideology that are occurring. Recommended for anyone looking for an introduction to the Islam religion.

Great introduction to the Islam

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I wanted an introduction to the beliefs and practices of Islam. However, this title focused more on the perception of Islam in the West and why this is an issue. I would say this is a good title to someone who doesn't watch the news and wants to know more at a casual level.

A look at how Islam is viewed

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.