What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam

The tragic events of September 11 mark a new phase in the history of "Muslim-West" relations. Since then a spate of books has been appearing on the subject all over the world. Innumerable articles have been written and countless seminars and conferences have been held. In these more or less the same set of questions about the relations between the Muslims and the West were raised and a variety of answers were given.
A majority of these books are hostile to Muslims and only a few of them show a degree of sympathy and understanding. At times, however, the sympathisers, who do not necessarily have an in-depth knowledge of Islam and Muslims are a cause of greater concern than those that are hostile. In the midst of all this hostility that seems to surround Islam and Muslims, we also come across some powerful voices giving vent to their concern about the obtaining situation. Naturally, many are of Muslims themselves but there are of some others as well. These 'others' really understand the faith, history and culture of Muslims and have the courage to say what they believe do much good when they relate all what they know with the present situation and introduce insight and perception to the discourse on Muslims and the West.