This concise and authoritative guide provides a complete survey of Islamic history and thought from its formative period to the present day. It examines the unique elements that have combined to form Islam, in particular the Qu'ran and the influence of Muhammad, and traces the ways in which these sources have interacted historically to create Muslim theology and law, as well as the alternative visions of Islam found in Shi'ism and Sufism.

The improved and expanded third edition now contains brand new sections on twenty-first century developments, from the Taliban to Jihad and Al-Qaeda, and includes updated references throughout.