Islam is a perfect faith and way of life. It is a complete system in itself, for the life in this world and the next world. For knowing Islam, it is essential to study its philosophy, ideology and principles and for that, one has to approach original sources, viz. Holy Quran and Tradition. However, it is not possible for every one to refer to these sources, which are originally in Arabic. Of course, there are commentaries and explanatory books in Persian, Urdu as well as in English and other western languages. Still, it remains difficult to take benefit of these voluminous secondary sources. Hence, a dire need for a comprehensive and exhaustive work on Islam was felt. This exclusive multi-volume is aimed at filling that room. The International Encyclopaedia of Islam consists of nine volumes and successfully covers all important aspects of Islam, as a religion and faith. These volumes, namely are: 1. Islamic Philosophy, 2. Faith in Islam, 3. Principles of Islam, 4. Islamic Manners, 5. Islam and Social Justice, 6. Judicial System in Islam, 7. Human Rights in Islam, 8. Islam and Education, 9. Science and Islam. These volumes virtually cover the whole Islam in a nutshell, which makes them reader-friendly. This multi-volume is essential for all scholars, researchers, students and general readers, the world over.

The first edition of the Encyclopaedia won worldwide acclaim. As a western scholar of the Islamic faith, Cyril Glassé straddle both cultures and has a respect for and an understanding of both the currrent Islamic world and its complex past. This unique single-volume work covers the contemporary Islamic scene, which includes a substantial entry on the Taliban. This new edition also contains an extensively revised chronology which spans the history of Islam, from its origins through developments in the Muslim world today.

THe New Encyclopedia of Islam is written by a scholar for the general reader and researcher, without assuming any prior knowledge of the subject. Detailed cross-references lead the reader into deeper knowledge of Islam, whatever his strarting point. Many quotations, and hitherto untranslated prayers, support the religious and philosphical entries.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Women will provide clear, current, comprehensive information on the major topics of scholarly interest within the study of Islam and women.

"In 2012, the year 1433 of the Muslim calendar, the Islamic population throughout the world was estimated at approximately a billion and a half, representing about one-fifth of humanity. In geographical terms, Islam occupies the center of the world, stretching like a big belt across the globe from east to west."--P. vii.