Islam in the World has long been considered one of the best books for gaining an understanding of modern Islam. In it, Islamic-specialist Malise Ruthven presents a full overview of the religion in its historical, geographical, and social settings. Earlier editions gave readers their first clear picture of the issues that had surfaced within Islam in the last half-century, as colonial conquest and globalization opened up Muslim countries to international scrutiny and influence. This updated edition adds a new preface and an extended afterword analyzing the major issues of today, including the impact of 9/11, the meaning of "the war on terror," and the war in Iraq. Islam in the World explains important differences within Islam that many Westerners are just beginning to learn about, including the rivalry between Sunnis and Shias, the relationship between Sufism and modern Islamism, and the debates about democracy raging throughout the Muslim World. This invaluable overview will give readers a clear understanding of the different factors at play within modern Muslim societies, at a time when such an understanding could not be more important. Book jacket.