The perfect resource for those wishing to learn more about the Muslim culture, its people and its teachings, Fifty Key Figures in Islam explores the lives and thoughts of fifty influential individuals in Islam and surveys a heritage that spans 1,500 years. Covering key figures such as the Prophet Muhammad, Suleiman 'the Magnificent' and El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), the entry for each figure includes: biographical details a presentation and analysis of their main ideas an account of their impact and influence within and, if appropriate, beyond the Islamic tradition list of major works and additional reading. Fully cross-referenced for ease of use, this clearly presented work is ideal for those interested in or studying the area, and could not have come at a more fascinating time in history for Islam.

The perfect resource for those wishing to learn more about the Muslim culture, its people and its teachings, Fifty Key Figures in Islam explores the lives and thoughts of fifty influential individuals in Islam and surveys a heritage that spans 1,500 years. Covering key figures such as the Prophet Muhammad, Suleiman 'the Magnificent' and El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), the entry for each figure includes: biographical details a presentation and analysis of their main ideas an account of their impact and influence within and, if appropriate, beyond the Islamic tradition list of major works and additional reading. Fully cross-referenced for ease of use, this clearly presented work is ideal for those interested in or studying the area, and could not have come at a more fascinating time in history for Islam.

Fifty Key Jewish Thinkers is a panoramic survey of over 2,000 years of Jewish thought, religious and secular, ancient and modern. Now in its second edition, this essential reference guide contains new introductions to the lives and works of such thinkers as: Hannah Arendt, Immanuel Levinas, Judith Plaskow, Sigmund Freud, and Walter Benjamin. Also including fully updated guides to further reading on figures from the middle ages through to the twenty-first century, historical maps and a chronology placing the thinkers in context, this is an essential and affordable one-volume reference to a rich and complex tradition.

Fifty Key Figures in Science Fiction is a collection of engaging essays on some of the most significant figures who have shaped and defined the genre. Diverse groups within the science fiction community are represented, from novelists and film makers to comic book and television writers. Important and influential names discussed include: Octavia Butler George Lucas Robert Heinlein Gene Roddenberry Stan Lee Ursula K. Le Guin H.G. Wells This outstanding reference guide charts the rich and varied landscape of science fiction and includes helpful and up-to-date lists of further reading at the end of each entry. Available in an easy to use A-Z format, Fifty Key Figures in Science Fiction will be of interest to students of Literature, Film Studies, and Cultural Studies.

This book starts with the prevailing idea of a conflicting relationship between Islam and the Western concept of democracy, both in theory and in practice. With this backdrop, the author addresses the crucial question—Is Islam compatible with democracy? The book offers very useful discussions in framing the contemporary debates surrounding Islam and democracy, treads through diverse theoretical Islamic texts like the ‘Quran’ and ‘Sunnah’, discusses the historical evolution of the concept of Shura—the primary source of democratic ethics in Islam, provides an assessment of the views and visions of some selected Muslim scholars (from 19th to 21st centuries) on Islam–democracy compatibility, and examines the elements of compatibility between Islam and democracy without ignoring the basic differences that exist between the Western approach to democracy and Islamic political thought.

Beginning with an examination of medieval Islamic fundamentalist movements such as Kharjism, Ibadism, Hanbalism, and Wahhabism, Sayed Khatab looks at the similarities and differences between them and present organizations such as al-Qa'ida. It may be surprising that many of the radical narratives embraced by modern groups have not emerged recently. Identifying these roots can lead to a better understanding of al-Qa'ida's theological and intellectual narratives, and how they effectively indoctrinate youths and attract many of them to violent acts of terrorism. The book then focuses on al-Qa'ida's theology, ideology, and tactics; the geographic contours and implications of al-Qa'ida's political strategy in relation to the western and eastern countries which are considered enemy states; the impending clash of cultures; and the ideological war within al-Qa'ida. Innovative in its concept, examining political Islamic thought from a historical to a contemporary perspective, Islamic Fundamentalism generates new understanding of the many complexities of political Islam, and the role of violence and terrorism.

This highly topical introduction to the holy book of Islam includes essential reference resources such as a chronology of the revelation, weblinks and extensive guides to further reading. Exploring the Qur'an's reception through history, its key teachings and its place in contemporary thought and belief, the book analyzes: the Qur'an as the word of God its reception and communication by the Prophet Muhammad the structure and language of the text conceptions of God, the holy law and jihad Islamic commentaries on Qur’anic teachings through the ages. The Qur'an: The Basics is a concise and easy-to-read introduction to the text that provides the foundations of Muslim faith, right-living and daily worship.