Islam 101
 Arshad Khan
 (Reviewed by The Editor - Rebecca Brown)
 2003 Writers Club Press
  ISBN: 0595262996
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Principles and Practice, a primer on Islam for non-Muslims.

Arshad Khan's Islam 101 reviews the fundamental principles, beliefs & practical aspects of the faith. It covers diverse topics such as: morals, good & bad deeds, personal characteristics, rights & obligations, women's rights, Islamic law, sectarian differences, relations with other religions & day-to-day issues.

As with Orthodox Jews who will not speak the name of the Almighty & write a version as G-d, so Muslims always add, after saying the name of their Prophet, the mantra “Peace & blessings be upon him.” When they write their Prophet's name they add a superscript “^p”.

Starting out, Arshad Khan tells the history of the founder of the Islamic Way of Thought, Muhammad^p, his pre-prophethood life & times; how the Koran was revealed, the ensuing ridicule & flight to Medina. Setting up an Islamic state & society & battles for legitimacy & hegemony. On to the personality & character of the Prophet & how Muhammad^p is viewed by the followers of Islam. 10 pages.
Chapter 2 delivers the Basic Elements of Islam: Islam, Allah & Muslims; its Background & teachings; It being more than a religion--it is a Way of Life; Symbols & Festivals. 14 pages.
Chapter 3 offers The Six Beliefs: in one God; in Angels; in God's Revealed Books; in Prophets & Messengers; in The Day of Judgement; In Pre-Ordainment. 12 pages
Chapter 4 describes The Five Pillars: Acts of Worship & the Declaration of Faith; Prayer; Alms; Fasting; Pilgrimage. 20 pages
Chapter 5 explains the Islamic Concept of God; monotheism; qualities, attributes & expectations; concept of direct relationship. 8 pages
Chapter 6 focuses on Koran, Sunnah, Sharia & Government in which the Koran is explained & how to understand it; the Teaching of the Prophet: Sunnah; Islamic Law: Sharia. 13 pages
Chapter 7 deals with Islamic Morals System, what it is based upon, how to behave spiritually, personally, socially, within your family, intellectually & economically, as well as emphasizing sincerity, equality, responsibility, honesty, truthfulness, justice, courtesy, forgiveness, speech, preaching, avoiding waste, etc. 14 pages
Chapter 8 talks about Bad Deeds, Day-to-day living & common issues. 11 pages
Chapter 9 deals with Rights & Obligations. 12 pages
Chapter 10 is all about Women. 11 pages
Chapter 11: Sectarian & External Differences deals with jurisprudence & comparisons with & attitudes toward other religions. 10 pages

Islam 101 is exactly what it says: a primer to start learning about the Islamic faith & how it is supposed to be practiced, with a useful if brief Terminology Section.

Arshad Khan is author, consultant & professor. His other book has also been reviewed: Understanding Muslim-West Alienation.
(05/18/03)

Rebecca