The Very Short Book Club reads about Islam
Islam dominates the news, often in stories filled with images of violence. Yet these disturbing images are at odds with a faith that most adherents--who now number over a billion worldwide--would regard as no less pacific than Buddhism or Christianity. Indeed, the word Islam in Arabic means "self-surrender" and is closely related to salaam, the word for peace. Join us this month for a very short book club meeting (noon to 1 pm!) to discuss Islam: A Very Short Introduction , in which internationally recognized authority Malise Ruthven offers a balanced, compact, and reliable overview of Islam that considers contemporary questions including: Why is the greatest Jihad (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfillment in Islamic societies? How must Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world?