Recommended Reading
Introduction to Shi'i Islam: the History and doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism by Moojan Momen(Yale University Press, 1985) £16.95.
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An excellent introduction to Shi'a Islam dealing with the history and development of this important yet often misunderstood religion by looking at Shi'a doctrines with particular emphasis on the differences between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
The Origin and Early Development of Shi'a Islam by SHM Jafri (Ansariyan Publications,1979) £4.95
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Jafri is a Shi'a historian who provides a detailed introduction into
the origins of Shi'a Islam charting the course of this minority religion
with references to Shi'a doctrines and sources
The Shi'is of Iraq by Yitzhak Nakash (Princeton University Press, 1994) £13.95
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A comprehensive history of Iraq's minority group and its turbulent relations with the ruling Sunni majority.
The Shi'ite Movement in Iraq by Faleh Jabar (Saqi Books, 2003) £11.19
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A lucid account into the nature and origins of Shi'a Islam that looks at the social movements it gave rise to and their specific sources of power and legitimacy. This book attempts to fill the gap in our understanding of Shi'a ideology and social and cultural identity in Iraq.
The Islamic Year Surahs, Stories and Celebrations by Noorah Al - Gailani and Chris Smith (Hawthorn Press, 2002) £15.99
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An illustrated children's book detailing the different Muslim festivals
throughout the Islamic year
A History of Iraq by Charles Tripp (Cambridge university Press, 2002) £10.49
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This authoritative traces Iraq's political history from its nineteenth-century roots in the Ottoman empire, to the development of the state, its transformation from monarchy to republic and the rise of the Ba'th party and the ascendancy and current rule of Saddam Hussein.
Narrative of the Martyrdom of Al-Husayn by Abu Mikhnaf
A detailed break down of events surrounding the martyrdom of Al Husayn and his supporters at Karbala
More General books on Islam
Basic Dictionary of Islam by Ruqaiyyah Maqsood (Goodword Books, 1998) £10.95
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Aims to provide the A to Z of Islamic terms and concepts found in
the Quran, Sunnah, Islamic history and modern times.
Frequently asked Questions on Islam vol.1 by Ayatollah Sayyid Fadhel Milani, ed, Amar Hegedus, (Islam in English Press 2001) £5.95
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Provides an overall guide to Islam by looking at contemporary issues told from the perspective of an Islamic jurist
Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong (Phoenix Press, 2001) £6.99
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Traces how Islam grew from Judaism and Christianity and demonstrates that for much of its history, the religion has been a force for enlightenment that promoted liberties for women and allowed the arts and sciences to flourish.
The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years by Bernard Lewis (Scribner, 1995) £7.05
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In a sweeping and vivid survey, renowned historian Bernard Lewis charts the history of the Middle East over the last 2,000 years, from the birth of Christianity through the modern era, focusing on the successive transformations that have shaped it.
Understanding Islam: An Introduction to the Muslim World (2nd revised edition) by Thomas W Lippman (Penguin, 1995.) £3.59
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This is an excellent introduction into the Islamic world. As a journalist, Thomas Lippman is able to easily explain Islamic Culture, practices, and history to an audience unfamiliar to this subject.
The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World ed. Francis Robinson (Cambridge University Press, 1996) £14.69
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This book sets out to address the misunderstanding in the West regarding Islam revealing the complex and sometimes contrary nature of Muslim culture. Relevant issues such as the role of religious and political fundamentalism, commerce; literacy and learning; Islamic art; the effects of immigration and the roots of current crises in the Middle East, Bosnia, and the Gulf are discussed.
The Spread of Islam Swisher, ed.by Clarice Swisher (Greenhaven Press, 1999) £17.82
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This title discusses the spread of Islam presenting a collection of essays that chart the pivotal events in Islamic history that changed the course of human history.
One Thousand Roads to Mecca, by Michael.Wolfe (Grove Press, 2000) £13.99
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This collection of significant works by travel writers from East and
West details the ceremonies performed at Mecca and the reasons behind
them.
Islam by Caesar E Farah (Barron's, 2002) £9.99
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Examines Islam as a world religious, cultural and political force; the Qur'an is explained in detail and the core of Islamic beliefs and obligations are presented.
The World of Islam, ed. by Don Belt. (National Geographic Books, 2001) £10.47
In words and pictures, The World of Islam showcases the best of almost
a century of National Geographic magazine's unique coverage of the
history, culture, and religion of Islam.
Understanding Islam by James A Beverley (Paternoster, 2002) £5.99
A thorough introduction to the culture, history, politics and practices
of the world's second largest religion.
The War on Islam by Enver Masud (The Wisdom Fund, 2002) US edition, available in UK.
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Years of biased reporting and half-truths have left Americans poorly informed of the enemies they have created. While Americans are usually welcomed around the world, America is often "hated." This book attempts to understand why.
What Went Wrong: The conflict between Islam and the West in the Middle East by Bernard Lewis (Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 2002) £12.99
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Looks at why the Islamic world has been losing the conflict with the West for 300 years, and the frustration and humiliation this has produced.
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