Now in its second edition, Islam: The Basics provides an introduction to the Islamic faith, examining the doctrines of the religion, the practises of Muslims and the history and significance of Islam in modern contexts. Key topics covered include: the Qur'an and its teachings the life of the Prophet Muhammad gender, women and Islam Sufism and Shi’ism Islam and the western world non-Muslim approaches to Islam. With updated further reading, illustrative maps and an expanded chronology of turning points in the Islamic world, this book is essential reading for students of religious studies and all those new to the subject of Islam.