A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam

Rating:
Summary: Concise in word and spirit
Review: Covering everything from Adam to Zakariyyah, this concise reference
guide is designed specifically for readers and students who wish to learn more about the world's fastest-growing religion. Fully illustrated, the book contains hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries, which give succinct yet authoritative information on everything from the Qur'an and its origins to the role of Islam in the USA. With even-handed coverage of the different schools of belief, and a timeline and guide to further reading, this is an indispensable and inexpensive guide to the Islamic faith (Publisher).

Brevity in description and presentation may be a laudable feature in a
concise encyclopedia. Elaboration is sometimes required to block
distractions and ambiguities. For instance, the book mentions Shii
as a group as opposed to Sunnis. But it falls short of explaining (under the entry on Sunnis and Shi'i) what doctrines of each group are. Sunni
Muslims believe that Islam is based on five pillars, namely, the profession of Faith or Iman, Salat or prayer, Saum or fasting, Zakat or alms-giving, & Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. In addition to these five pillars, Shii also consider Imamate (leadership of the descendants of the Holy Prophet, and their infallibility), Jihad (the holy war) and Taharah (cleanliness) as the pillars of Islam.

A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam draws a balance in its
presentation, as it aims to offer objective coverage of all the
different branches and movements within Islam, including the Sunni, Shi'i and Sufi traditions. The entries in this book explain key historical moments, pinpoint important geographical locations, define concepts from jihad to the Hajj, and outline the achievements of figures from Rumi to Malcolm X.

The best part of the book which I enjoyed reading is that which avoids controversial issues. The book does not take sides in its coverage of the existing shades of opinions. This is the greatest strength of the book, at a time when the Muslims, the followers of Islam, are more sinned against than sinning. The book strikes the balance and presents events in their true light. The balancing approach of the book makes it a useful resource.

Besides, the book is low priced and handy in size. Given its utility as a handy annotated dictionary on Islam, it can be acquired by public libraries and area study institutions specializing in religious studies.