The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

The author is a convert from Christianity to Islam (Sunni). Yahiya provides an overview of Islam from many perspectives (origins, history, future, sects, beliefs, and lifestyles). He provides a positive description of Islam and contrasts it to Christianity and sometimes other religions. While interesting, the author is biased and is basically a salesman for his religion. He tries to smooth over the many shortcomings of the actions and beliefs of Muslims. It is sad that there are many people who still believe such illogical ideas.

I got this book right after 9/11 to help me understand a faith I knew very little about-back when I didn't even know what an Imam was. One of my friends had just converted and I had so many questions. This is a great addition to a basic religion collection-it's clear, consice, and provides explinations of both day-to-day Islam and some of the more publicised aspects of it (the burkah, Hajj, and jihad, for example).

It's possible to be too simple. And this is a case of it. Not recommended.