My friend Raja A.M. Fahim, who recently returned from America, mentioned to me that some non- Muslim friends had requested him to give them an introductory book on Islam. He asked me if I could find such a book in English, which explains in simple words Islam’s guiding principles. Then there is also the need to dispel prejudices towards Islam on issues like Jihad, which is being misinterpreted to give the religion a militant and fanatic tinge, although the very word ‘Islam’ means PEACE. Also other issues like status of women in Islam and tolerance towards other religions and creeds needed clarification, to remove all the misconceptions born out of lack of knowledge about the religion of Islam. Now I admit I was never a voracious reader of books and thus was not able to offer any such reference. But then it occurred to me that I have been a practicing Muslim from very childhood and at this ripe age of seventy-six, I do possess an adequate knowledge of my religion, and am aware of the bias and apprehensions some non-Muslim foreigners have developed about Islam. Also, having lived in three continents, I had an opportunity to know people of different ethnic and religious background i.e. Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and even the pagans of Africa, and learnt about their prejudices. I therefore decided to write a brief and basic introduction to Islam so as to remove misgivings of non-Muslims about it. This booklet I hope, will serve the purpose.My aim is to give an overview of Islamic way of life and commandments of Allah and practices of the Holy Prophet (PBUH- Peace be upon him). Accordingly the booklet explains in simple words what the Muslims follow, and are required to practice as per their faith and Code of Conduct. Islam is a religion of PEACE, not confrontation. It does not encourage fanaticism or extremism and is tolerant of people of different creeds, ethnic backgrounds or religions. I must emphasize that this booklet is not meant for people looking for theological discussions or an in-depth study of Islam, nor for the Muslims who are supposed to have knowledge of the injunctions and practices of Islam, Holy Qur’an and Sunnah (practices of the Holy Prophet).

It is in fact meant for non-Muslims who want to know about the general principles of the religion of Islam in simple words, and to help dispel the prevalent prejudices that they nourish on key issues.

For someone seeking to enter this faith, it is essential to obtain detailed guidance about the religious injunctions and practices. More importantly, he has to study the Holy Book (Qur’an) and get his guidance about the righteous path laid down by Allah, as also learn from ‘Sunnah’. The Sunnah means the interpretation of the Holy Qur’an and its commandments by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his personal example in following the same during his life time.