Islam in the World has long been considered one of the best books for gaining an understanding of modern Islam. In this updated edition, Islamic expert Malise Ruthven adds a new preface and new chapters analyzing the major issues of today, including the impact of 9/11, the meaning of "the war on terror," and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. New material also explains important differences within Islam that many Westerners are just beginning to learn about, including the rivalry between Sunnis and Shias, the relationship between Sufism and modern Islamism and the debates about democracy raging throughout the Muslim Word. This invaluable introductory guide presents a full overview of Islam in its historical, geographic, and social settings and explains how the quest for spiritual fulfillment is inevitably bound up with political aspirations.

The most fascinating available single volume on Islam.... A gifted writer driven by curiosity.... A pleasure. * Scott L. Malcomson, Voice Literary Supplement (on previous edition) *
An exceptionally insightful and thought-provoking introduction to Islam, explaining its basic religious beliefs, practices, and institutions as well as discussing its impact on...Muslim life today. * John L. Esposito, Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (on previous edition) *
What is particularly valuable is its attempt to show the relationships between the formal doctrines of Islam and the ways in which Muslims live in the world. * Albert Hourani *

Malise Ruthven is a scriptwriter with the BBC Arabic and world Service, and a consultant on Middle Eastern affairs. A former professor of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religion, he is the author of several books on Islam, including Islam: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford 1999) and Fury for God: The Islamist Attack on America (Granta Books).