Table of Contents

Introduction Part I: An Approach to the Faith 1 Islam and Europe 2 Continuity and Contrast 3 Truth and Mercy Part II: The Making of the Faith 4 The World of the Book 5 The Messenger of God 6 The City of the Prophet 7 The Successors 8 The Way of the World Part III: The Fruits of the Faith 9 The Rule of Law 10 The Human Paradox 11 Art, Environment and Mysticism 12 Other Dimensions Index

About the Author

Charles Le Gai Eaton was born in Switzerland and educated at Charterhouse and King's College, Cambridge. He worked for many years as a teacher and journalist in Jamaica and Egypt (where he embraced Islam in 1951) before joining the British Diplomatic Service. For more than twenty years, he was consultant to the Islamic Cultural Centre in London. He is also the author of King of the Castle, Reflections and Remembering God, all published by the Islamic Texts Society. He died in 2010.

Reviews

'The most remarkable accomplishment of this book is not that it leaves the reader with a basic understanding of Muhammad, the Qur'an and the daily practices of Muslims everywhere, although it certainly does these things. Nor does it lie merely in the clear, open, loving approach the author brings to his subject, though this is striking. Rather his main contribution lies in building bridges of understanding-in showing the Christian's and Jew's essential oneness with the Muslim.' -- Joseph K. Blackman
'One of the most important works on Islam to appear in the English language. It should really be read by all Westerners interested in an understanding of Islamic tradition and also by those Muslims who have become cut off from the authentic message of their own religion.' -- S. H. Nasr
'Considered essential by [those] seeking to understand Islam.'
'This book deserves to be read over and over again.'
'This is a beautifully written book. It offers a taste of theology, of history, of aesthetics and of eschatology blended in such way as to provide a whole and balanced image, a vision of life that is both comprehensive and thoroughly Islamic.'