Islam--Does anyone know of a good book

[legally blonde]

that gives a "beginner's guide" to understanding the Koran and Islam?
My boyfriend and his family are Egyptian-Muslim. I am Christian, but I would like to learn more about Islam.

[grannylib]

1. I have been reading "Islam: A Short History" by I think Karen Evans?

[kweerwolf]

2. I think the author is Karen Armstrong

If we are talking about the same book, it is an excellent primer on Islam. Armstrong is a former nun who also wrote "A History of God" about the evolution of the idea of God through the three major monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. She also wrote "The Battle for God" about the rise of fundamentalism in all of those religions.

[grannylib]

3. YES, that's it, Karen Armstrong.

[legally blonde]

4. I have "A History of God"

I thought it was a bit dense, though. I started reading it a while ago, but then school started up again and it's hard for me to read heavy religious theory while trying to understand my law school classes too. My poor brain got overloaded. So, I haven't picked it up in a while. But, the 1/2 that I read was very good and I'll finish reading it after my finals in May.

[legally blonde]

5. What do you think of

"Islam: A Short History"? Does it give a good description of the Islamic faith?

[candy]

6. Islam Today:: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World-----

by Akbar S Ahmed-----I bought it in 1999(it is paperback) and 2 other members of my family bought it. We knew nothing about Islam and it is wonderful.

Mr Ahmed is a professor---Cambridge University, and also visiting prof at Harvard and Princeton.

Enjoy!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Karen Armstrong's books

are a great beginning.

[legally blonde]

8. Thanks for your advice

everyone! I appreciate it! :hi:

[kwassa]

9. Armstrong's book is really only a history of the faith

It is not really about the teachings of Islam, but a history of how it was developed and spread. I think it would be better to get another book about the teachings.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. You might see what this site recommends :^)

http://islamlib.com/en/aboutus.php

Would Jesus love a liberal? You bet!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/liberalchristians.htm