Islam - Devotion to Allah (Hardcover)

"Islam - Devotion to Allah" seeks to simplify and provide an insight to the most talked about religion today that is practiced by over one-fifth of the world's population. An introduction to the many diverse facets of the religion, the book traces its historical evolution, the essence of Islam with its Five Pillars and Rites of Passage, and Sufism - its mystic dimension. All its art and culture are pious constructs, being part of the sacred texture of the religion itself, and mosques feature prominently in Islam's landscape.Though this monotheistic religion had its roots in the Middle East, Indonesia has the maximum number of Muslims, with South Asia coming a close second. While less than twenty per cent of Muslims are Arabs, Islam is growing rapidly in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In spite of its multi ethnic, racial and linguistic groups, the spiritual centre remains Mecca, which all Muslims turn towards five times a day in prayer.Presented in simple, straightforward language, this is a book for those who wish to know about the rich heritage of Islam. Generously endowed with images procured from the world over, the diverse and the dynamic jostle with the commonality of Islam's basic teachings and principles, satisfying the curiosity of millions, and setting at rest derogatory connotations by those who have misinterpreted it for personal and political reasons.