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FORWARD The
purpose of this work is simply to acquaint the average reader with the
basic teachings of Islam. It will be obvious that there is no intention to
present the depth or breadth of Islam in this book. What is intended,
however, is to provide the common but literate person with a proper
insight into the subject and help him to appreciate the principles which
Islam stands for. Once he develops the initial interest, he can pursue the
course of deeper knowledge on his own. The
Muslims of the Western Hemisphere, especially those young among them who
reside in remote areas, do face complex problems. All the surrounding
circumstances are unfavorable as far as Islam is concerned. Radio comments
and television shows, news items and magazine articles, motion pictures
and even school textbooks, all seem to misrepresent Islam and not always
innocently. Besides, certain overenthusiastic groups try
to
exploit the condition of these Muslims in the hope that they may become
converts to this denomination or that sect. On the other hand, there are
many temptations in life to divert the attention of people and turn their
interest away from the right course of religion. This is harmful enough;
but it is more so in the case of the young Muslims and is still much more
in the case of Islam, the religion that is poorly understood in this part
of the world. It is true that some Muslim parents try
to
provide their children with religious guidance and instruction; but of
what good are these limited efforts and how effective can they be in mis
high-pressure environment?
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