This book examines why Islam has such major divisions between movements such as the Shi'ites, the Sunnis, and the Wahhabis, and the central importance of the Shar'ia (Islamic law) in Islamic life. Why is the greatest 'Jihad' (holy war) now against the enemies of Islam, rather than the struggle against evil? Can women find fulfilment in Islamic societies? How must Islam adapt as it confronts the modern world? Islam features widely in the news, often in its most militant versions, but few people in the non-Muslim world really understand the nature of Islam. This title looks at the changes that have taken place in the Muslim world in recent years.

Islam, Muslims, and Islamism -- The Quran and the Prophet -- Divine unicity -- The Shari'a and its consequences -- Woman and family -- The two jihads -- Appendix: The five pillars of Islam.