Islam in Focus

Islam in Focus: A Comprehensive Introduction to Islamic Faith and Practice

Islam in Focus stands as an essential guide to understanding Islam from an authentic Muslim perspective. Dr. Hammudah Abd al-Ati, a distinguished scholar trained at both Al-Azhar University and Princeton, presents Islamic teachings with remarkable clarity and comprehensiveness, making this work invaluable for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The book systematically explores Islamic theology, beginning with the nature of God and His attributes, then examining the Articles of Faith that form the foundation of Muslim belief. Dr. Abd al-Ati explains concepts like divine decree, prophethood, and the Day of Judgment with philosophical depth while maintaining accessibility. His treatment grounds every discussion in Qur'anic verses and prophetic traditions, ensuring authenticity and authority.

Practical worship guidance occupies substantial portions, with detailed instructions on the Five Pillars: testimony of faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. The prayer section alone provides comprehensive direction—from ablution procedures to prayer times, from Arabic texts with transliterations to the spiritual significance of each posture. This makes the book function simultaneously as theological exposition and worship manual.

What distinguishes Islam in Focus is its demonstration of Islam as complete way of life. Dr. Abd al-Ati extends discussion beyond ritual to encompass family relationships, economic principles, political philosophy, and international relations. Chapters on marriage and divorce, women's rights and responsibilities, and social ethics reveal Islam's comprehensive vision for human flourishing in all dimensions—spiritual, moral, social, and material.

The book courageously addresses controversial topics often misunderstood or misrepresented: jihad and its true meaning, Islamic views of Jesus, polygamy and its regulations, women's status in Islamic teaching. Dr. Abd al-Ati confronts these issues directly with Qur'anic evidence, historical context, and reasoned argumentation—neither apologizing for Islamic teachings nor distorting them to fit external expectations.

Written in clear, accessible language without sacrificing scholarly precision, the text serves multiple audiences: Muslims seeking deeper understanding find systematic presentation of their faith; students of comparative religion encounter Islam from insider perspective; interfaith dialogue participants gain vocabulary for productive conversation; general readers discover honest introduction uncolored by stereotypes.

Islam in Focus remains uniquely positioned at the intersection of traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary engagement with Western thought. Dr. Abd al-Ati's dual expertise enables him to present classical Islamic teachings through frameworks accessible to modern readers while maintaining theological integrity. This rare combination makes the book an enduring resource for authentic understanding of Islam in today's interconnected world.

© 2025 Qadeem Press (Ebook): 9789366086309

Fecha de lanzamiento

Ebook: 25 de noviembre de 2025