This engaging introduction to Islam examines its lived reality, its worldwide presence, and the variety of beliefs and practices encompassed by the religion. The global perspective uniquely captures the diversity of Islam expressed throughout different countries in the present day. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and global introduction to Islam, covering its history as well as current issues, experiences, and challengesIncorporates key new research on Muslims from a variety of countries across Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, and Malaysia Central AsiaDirectly addresses controversial issues, including political violence and ‘terrorism’, anti-western sentiments, and IslamophobiaExplores different responses from various Islamic communities to globalizing trendsHighlights key patterns within Islamic history that shed light upon the origins and evolution of current movements and thought