Smith, Huston : University of California, Berkeley
Huston Smith is widely regarded as the most eloquent and accessible contemporary authority on the history of
religions. A leading figure in the comparative philosophy of religion, he has taught at Washington University,
MIT, and Syracuse University.
He currently teaches at the University of California, Berkeley.
Summary
Drawn from his masterful presentation of Islam in the bestselling book The World's Religions (over two million
copies sold), Huston Smith offers a revealing look into the heart of a tradition with more than one billion adherents
worldwide. Dispelling narrow and distorted notions about the nature of Islam and featuring a new introduction by
the author, this book compellingly conveys the profound appeal of Islam, while addressing such timely issues as
the true meaning of jihad, the role of women in Islamic societies, and the remarkable growth of Islam in America.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Prologue
p. 1
Islamic Background
p. 3
The Seal of the Prophets
p. 7
The Migration That Led to Victory
p. 17
The Standing Miracle
p. 23
Basic Theological Concepts
p. 33
The Five Pillars
p. 47
Social Teachings
p. 57
Sufism
p. 75
Whither Islam?
p. 91
Suggestions for Further Reading
p. 95
Notes
p. 97
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.
