The world's leading Islamicist offers a concise introduction to this rich and diverse tradition of 1.2 billion adherents. In this informative and clear introduction to the world of Islam, Seyyed Hossein Nasr explores the following topics in depth: *What Is Islam? *The Doctrines and Beliefs of Islam *Islamic Practices and Institutions *The History of Islam *Schools of Islamic Thought *Islam in the Contemporary World *Islam and Other Religions *The Spiritual and Religious Significance of Islam