Alone among the worlds religions, Islam is not just surviving but flourishing. Yet many people know little about Islam and regard its continuing attraction as something of a mystery. In this book, Du Pasquier, an award-winning Swiss journalist, provides a thorough introduction to Muslim belief, history and culture. He deals not only with topical issues, such as fundamentalism and the status of Muslim women, but provides an overview of the Quran, the Prophet, Islamic history, and the nature of Muslim art and literature. Unbiased yet passionate, the book offers an unveiling which must be heeded if the present mutual incomprehension between East and West is to be overcome.