"Macmillan Reference has produced a two-volume work that covers many facets of Islam and the Muslim world from antiquity to the present time...There has been a major attempt to keep the work easily accessible and understandable for the lay reader and the student. The articles are not weighed down by academic jargon and the size of the individual articles is limited not to exceed a maximum count of 5,000 words-quite a task for both writer and editor when dealing with broad theological and cultural concepts. Also included is a comprehensive index, timelines, genealogical charts, maps, and numerous illustrations. This set is recommended for all public libraries." --ARBA (2004)
As the fastest growing religion in the United States and the dominant religion in a wide expanse of territory extending across Africa, Asia, the Balkans and Southern Russia, Islam is an increasingly important force in the modern world. Islam and the Muslim World looks at Islam's role in the modern world, doing so in the context of the religion's history and development over the last 13 centuries. Containing thematic articles, biographies of key figures, definitions, illustrations, maps and more, this new encyclopedia fills a need in this key area of religious studies.