Islam

Islam Richard C. Martin 178pp.

Richard C. Martin’s Islam is a fantastic introduction to the study of Islam. Over the course of the book, he discusses the historical context in which Islam arose, the historical tradition through which the religion has developed, and the interplay of Islam and secular culture throughout the world. Martin chooses to place short biographies throughout the text, giving excellent examples of how individuals have acted through and in response to their faith throughout history.

Islam’s greatest success is in giving the new reader a ground from which to study and think about Islam. Martin traces the course of Islam over the centuries, as theological debates and political changes have shaped the way that this religion works in society. In doing so, Martin strives to correct a failing in much western discourse about Islam. The least educated about Islam will refer to the religion as one massive, undifferentiated whole. The somewhat more educated tend to discuss the religion from a Sunni standpoint with Shi’a as outsiders and, at best, a strange sect within the religion. Not so with Martin. Each tradition within Islam is given a fair and comprehensive treatment, allowing the reader to step into the stream of discourse without hesitation.

I enjoyed Islam quite a bit, Martin’s writing was clear and concise, weaving together sources and disparate traditions into a cohesive whole. The only aspect of Islam which I found lacking was the notable exception of any mention of Wahabbism. In the final section of the book, there is a discussion of modern trends within Islam, even to the point of acknowledging the fundamentalist response to modernization. For a book which makes nods to gaining an understanding of the relationship between Islam and the west, I thought that this lacking was sorely felt. However, the book’s strengths are powerful enough to make up for this, creating an informative and worthwhile text.

Would I recommend Islam? Yes, most certainly.

Score: 4.3/5

Would I keep this on my bookshelf? No. While this was a remarkably useful introductory text, I don’t see myself coming back to it.

-Mr. Cheddar