Islam : an introduction

In an increasingly globalized world, diverse nations, cultures, and religions coexist more closely than ever, with Muslims in the West forming a significant minority advocating for equal political rights. Globally, Islam has expanded its presence through student organizations, scholarships, and the construction of large mosques, highlighting our multireligious reality. Christine Schirrmacher provides a concise introduction to the fundamental teachings of Islam, its sources, cultural aspects, and political objectives. Born in 1962, Schirrmacher holds an MA and a doctorate in Islamic Studies from the University of Bonn. She has studied Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Urdu and currently serves as a Professor of Islamic Studies at the Protestant University in Leuven, Belgium, while also teaching at the State University of Bonn, Germany. As the director of the International Institute of Islamic Studies of the World Evangelical Alliance and its German counterpart, she plays a key role in fostering dialogue on Islam. Schirrmacher lectures on Islam and security issues to governments and security agencies and has authored several works on Islam, Islamism, sharia, and family matters within the faith. Her engagement in dialogue initiatives, such as the 2008 conference at Yale University, underscores her commitment to fostering understanding between Muslims and Christians.