The second edition of this student-friendly textbook explores the origins, major features and lasting influence of the Islamic tradition. * Traces the development of Muslim beliefs and practices against the background of social and cultural contexts extending from North Africa to South and Southeast Asia * Fully revised for the second edition, with completely new opening and closing chapters considering key issues facing Islam in the 21st century * Focuses greater attention on everyday practices, the role of women in Muslim societies, and offers additional material on Islam in America * Includes detailed chronologies, tables summarizing key information, useful maps and diagrams, and many more illustrations