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Warning: Much of the information one encounters on Islam (particularly on the internet) may be biased, distorted, exaggerated, inaccurate, or incomplete. The primary sources of Islam are the Quran (Muslim holy book) and the Sunnah (example) of Prophet Muhammad. These primary sources have been, and are interpreted, by Muslim scholars (the ulema.) When one is first learning about Islam, one should try to find the most knowledgeable, practicing Muslim one can to answer one’s questions, as well as to locate an accessible mosque (Muslim house of worship).
The Quran
The Quran is the holy book of the Muslims. “Quran” is an Arabic word that means “that which is to be read” which shows the importance of active, continuous learning in Islam. According to Muslim belief, the first revealed word of the Quran was “Iqra” meaning “read” or “recite” in Arabic. Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed by God to Muhammad through Archangel Gabriel and that the Quran is the exact, unaltered word of God and has not been changed in the last 1400 years. It is preserved in the original. It is in Arabic. Some popular English translations are by 1) Muhammad Abdel Haleem 22) M. Pickthall, 3) A. Yusuf Ali, and 4) Dr. Mustafa Khattab. English translations are usually the preferred starting points for non-Arabic English speaking readers.
But stay clear of questionable translations (ask a knowledgeable Muslim if you are unsure). Be aware that even the best translations cannot be a substitute for the original Arabic and may contain errors. Therefore if you read a translation and do not understand something, try and ask an Islamic scholar or knowledgeable Muslim about it.
Prophet Muhammad
“The Message” is a video (directed by Moustapha Akkad)about the life of the Prophet and is an excellent starting point for many people. There is also a documentary, entitled “Muhammad: Legacy of a prophet” by PBS.
“Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings is a general book about the Prophet.
Note: Unfortunately, accurate Islamic books/material is sometimes difficult to find in one’s local bookstores or library. We will try to maintain links for buying Islamic books and videos at EasilyUnderstandIslam.com
You can also try a national Muslim organization, your local mosque or a (practicing) Muslim friend to get these resources.
Disclaimer: Links and references to books and websites in this book are presented solely as a convenience to the reader. Such presentations definitely do NOT constitute endorsement or complete agreement with the entire content or opinions of such books, organizations, individuals, multimedia items and websites. It should also be noted that websites change over time becoming less, or more, useful in time.
(Excerpt from book "Easily Understand Islam")
Click to read sample chapters from the book below
Table of Contents
Why is there Evil and Suffering?
Why I Believe in God — A Muslim Speaks
The Quran, Modern Science, and More
Islam & Racism
Islam: A Solution for America’s Social Problems?
Some Muslim Virtues (Sayings of the Prophet)
Section IV: Islam & Christianity
Common Ground: Judaism, Christianity & Islam