Introduction to Islam

About the Book

Islam is a religion of one billion people, yet in the West it is largely misunderstood and mis-represented. Fanatics in any religion tend to occupy the headlines, and unfortunately, few Westerners look beneath these headlines. Islam teaches that a long line of Prophets brought the same message to humanity, affirming the existence of God, and encouraging spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, charity, generosity, good will, and kindness. Islam affirms the teaching of the Messiah Jesus, whom Qur'an calls "the Spirit of God."

Introduction to Islam is a book written by a practicing Muslin who is very familiar with the New Testament. The basic principles of Islam are presented and put in the context of quotations from Jesus demonstrating the essential similarity of the teachings. Differences that have arisen between the religions over the years have evolved through human errors and min-interpretations. This book relies on the source material: passages from Qur'an and quotations from Jesus in the New Testament. In a world torn apart by wars and hatred, understanding and tolerance between those of differing religions is increasingly essential.

About the Author

Haj Dawud Bell is a physician born in Massachusetts to Protestant parents. In 1973 he became a Muslim and performed his Hajj or pilgrimage in 1976. He has been practicing medicine since that time and lecturing on the similarities between Islam and Christianity, he feels that these tensions are cultural and not based in religious teaching. Introduction to Islam is written to emphasize the close similarities between the faith of Christianity and the faith of Islam.