Fons Vitae/(Al Kauthar) is pleased to announce the publication of a newly expanded version of America’s most popular short introduction to Islam written by eminent scholars T.J. Winter, and John Alden Williams.

Tim Winters is Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Divinity,  Cambridge University and Director of Studies in Theology at Wolfson College. His research work focuses on Muslim-Christian relations, Islamic ethics and the study of the orthodox Muslim response to extremism.He is also noted for his translations of Al-Ghazali.

John Alden Williams is a retired Kenan Professor of Humanities in Religion at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He has taught also at the Institute of Islamic Studies of McGill University in Montreal, the American University in Cairo and the University of Texas at Austin. Professor Williams has written eight books on Middle Eastern History and Islam, and many articles.

This 98 page book is enhanced by 190 stunning color photographs provided by ARAMCO World and some of the world’s greatest photographers for $7.95.

“A much welcome contribution-an accurate and scholarly presentation of the Islamic faith. Having carefully reviewed the contents, I find there is nothing to add. We intend to make this reliable resource available on the website of the Ministry of Islamic Endowment”-Dr. Ali Jum’a, faculty of Jurisprudence at Al Azhar University

“This book seeks to replace inaccurate images of Islam with recognition of the multi-faceted character of this global religion and its widely diverse adherents. It cannot be reduced to stereotypes. Islam is not inherently violent, nor are Muslims intrinsically prone to violence.”-Bruce B. Lawrence, Professor of Islamic Studies, Duke University

The Afterword of this book which sums up the contents was contributed by Dr. Ali Jum’a, faculty of Jurisprudence at Al Azhar University which was established in 969 C.E. in Cairo and remains, to this day, the center of Islamic learning for the entire Muslim world.

Islam is a universal truth that accepts all prophets and addresses all people. In spite of this, Islam has been widely misunderstood as a result of misconceptions and a scarcity of facts about the reality of this religion. Compounding this problem further is the fact that one often encounters biases and prejudices in the material available about this religious tradition. Due to this, there is a need to clarify what Islam truly is and what Muslims around the world actually believe. Islam accepts all previous revelations and prophets that have come down to us throughout the ages. Being a Muslim is, in a sense, being a Jew and a Christian because Islam encompasses these faiths.

The first section of this book, “Understanding Islam and the Muslims”, is a general introduction to the basic beliefs and doctrine of Islam. It discusses the Qu’ran, the Sunna and the Five Pillars. The book concerns itself with issues that are indispensable to a true understanding of the faith. The second section, entitled “The Muslim Family”, is concerned with a most fundamental issue, because the nucleus of society is the family. The relationship between a man and a woman can therefore be seen as intrinsic to a healthy and balanced society. Lastly, the section “Islam and World Peace” is especially pertinent in these turbulent times. The word Islam itself is derived from the Arabic word for peace, salaam, which is the very essence of this merciful religion. Islam is a religion from God, the Creator of the Heavens, the earth and humankind. In reality, we are wholly dependent upon God, and it is in our very nature to worship and trust Him alone.