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 IslamIslamic Practices and InstitutionsThe History of IslamSchools of Islamic ThoughtIslam in the Contemporary WorldIslam and Other ReligionsThe Spiritual and Religions Significance of IslamAuthor Biography: Seyyed Hossein Nasr was born in Tehran, Iran. He received his advanced education at M.I.T. and Harvard University, and returned to teach at Tehran University from 1958 to 1979, where be also served as dean of the Faculty of Letters and vice chancellor. He founded the Iranian Academy of Philosophy and served as its first president, and was also president of Aryamehr University for several years. Since 1984, he has been university professor of Islamic studies at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and president of the Foundation for Traditional Studies.