Bridging the Gap: Islam in America

By Elizabeth J. Plantz

Elizabeth J. Plantz is Africana Cataloger, Northwestern University Library, Evanston, Illinois. She worked for two years with the Kuwait University Library Task Force prior to the Gulf War and now serves as a member of the library committee for the Islamic Cultural Center, Northbrook, Illinois. Married to an Iraqi American Muslim, she is raising her young son, Kareem, in the faith.

Copyright 1998; used with permission of Library Journal, a publication of Cahners Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier. From Library Journal, vol. 123, no. 16, October 1, 1998.

(Permission obtained covering republication/translation of the text by U.S. Embassy Public Affairs/press outside of the United States.)

AN INCREASINGLY VISIBLE PRESENCE in our pluralistic society, Muslims are now estimated to exceed five million, with a diverse ethnic makeup of African Americans, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Arabs, Africans, Iranians, Turks, Southeast Asians, white Americans, and Hispanics. They may soon outnumber Jews, making them the second-largest religious group in the United States.

Unfortunately, Islam is still perceived in this country as a dangerous menace, an image often reinforced by the media's portrayal of international political events. The characteristics of the faith practiced by millions too often have become confused with the politics and actions of a few in the name of Islam. As a result, many Muslims in the United States have experienced firsthand prejudice and discrimination.

There is, therefore, an increasing need for libraries to collect up-to-date, unbiased materials aimed at non-Muslims that explain Islam and promote understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. In addition, immigrants and new converts must have information on what it means to be a Muslim in America. Since many would never think to go to a library, turning instead to their mosque, librarians should reach out to their local Muslim communities by providing materials that give them an understanding of the modern world from an Islamic perspective.

A tricky balancing act

Addressing the needs of Americans curious about Islam and those of the Muslim community may seem difficult at times. Sensitivity to the great diversity within the American Muslim experience is especially important when building a collection on Islam.

Are your Muslim patrons Sunni or Shia (Shi'ite)? Or do they belong to one of the many other smaller sects? Sunnis, considered traditionalist or orthodox, make up 85 percent of all Muslims, while 11 percent are Shia. Shi'ite Islam is the state religion of Iran, and there are large Shia communities in Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Since the Iranian revolution of 1979, Shi'ite Islam has often had negative connotations in this country. It doesn't help that many Sunni Muslims are misinformed as well. Basic Shia beliefs are the same, but their concept of religious authority and leadership has had a very different development from that of the Sunni majority, stemming from the crisis of succession in the Islamic community following the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

Two other offshoots, the Ahmadiyya or Qadiania movement and the Nation of Islam, are considered by many mainstream Muslims not to be a part of Islam, although both have been active and influential here, particularly among African Americans. To orthodox Muslims, who believe that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His final prophet, the claim by both sects that their founders were prophets (or in the case of the Nation of Islam Allah in human form) is anathema.

Start with the Qur'an

For Muslims, the Qur'an (Koran) is the foundation of Islam, the literal word of God as revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad. While the faithful are greatly encouraged to study Arabic in order to understand the Qur'an in all its dimensions, every library should have at least one bilingual Arabic-English version with tafsir (Qur'anic explanation and commentary) for non-Arabic readers.

Libraries should also have materials that explain the other foundations of Islamic belief, the sunnah (the custom or way of acting of the Prophet) and hadith (the actual reports or narratives of Muhammad, including his sayings and actions). In particular, the hadith forms a sacred literature ranking second in importance only to the Qur'an itself. There are several classic hadith compilations (al-Bukhari, Muslim, al-Tirmidhi, al-Sijistani, al-Nasai, and Ibn Majah) accepted by Sunni Muslims. These are probably more than a general library would need, although a comprehensive collection should have all of them in Arabic with English translations when possible. An ever-increasing number of these (as well as those of Shi'ite Muslims) can be found on the Internet in Arabic and in English translation.

Among basic religious texts, the sermons of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet's cousin, entitled Nahjul Balaghah, are also considered to be important. Finally, biographies of the Prophet, his early followers, and other prominent Islamic historical figures are a valuable addition to library collections, providing historical background to non-Muslims and serving as a source of inspiration and emulation for Muslims.

Libraries must also have reference and introductory books (on the obligatory acts of worship known as the five pillars of Islam, history, holidays, etc.) that reflect the diversity of the Islamic world and include images and references to Islam in the West as much as possible.

There should also be materials on Sufism, Islam's mystical or spiritual movement, since it is of special interest to many Americans, especially those with New Age concerns. Be aware that although Sufism has a long tradition and history in Islam, some so-called Sufis are Islamic in name only, viewed by many Muslims with serious skepticism for what they perceive to be deviant doctrines and practices.

As African Americans form the largest ethnic group of Muslims in this country, it is important to include materials that address their history as converts, often taking place in the context of a rejection of white Christian America.

There is growing interest in interfaith dialog for mutual understanding, but librarians should beware of materials that masquerade as dialog but are actually "debates," such as those held between Muslim scholar Ahmed Deedat and Christian evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, or attempts to proselytize, such as Fouad Elias Accad's Building Bridges: Christianity, and Islam (Navpress, 1997).

Don't forget the women

There is a great deal of discussion within the Muslim community on the position of women in Islam. A collection would be incomplete without materials that reflect Muslim women's own understandings and interpretations of their place within the religion.

The following list is only a selection of the numerous titles available. Libraries should retain or attempt to find through a distributor these two out-of-print titles: Cyril Glasse's excellent Concise Encyclopedia of Islam (Harper, 1989) and Jamal Badawi's important Gender Equity in Islam (American Trust, 1995). Titles have been checked for availability as accurately as possible, but please note there may be inconsistencies with prices and distributors.

Starred items (*) are core purchases for all general collections. Because of their Muslim perspective, crescent-marked (C) items are essential for libraries specifically serving Muslim patrons.

QUR'AN AND BASIC TEACHINGS

_* Ah, Abdullah Yusif. The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an: New Edition with Revised Translation, Commentary and Newly Compiled Comprehensive Index. 9th ed. Amana. 1998. 1824p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-915957-76-0. $21.95; pap. ISBN 0-915957-77-9. $12.50.
      This translation with parallel English and Arabic text is highly recommended because of its widespread familiarity in the English-speaking world. The new index increases its usefulness.

_* Denffer, Ahmad von. Ulum Al-Qur'an: An Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur'an. rev. ed. Islamic Fdn., dist. by Sound Vision. 1994. 189p. bibliog. ISBN 0-86037-248-0. pap. $9.95.
      A very good book on the study of the Qur'an and issues such as transmission, authority and schools of tafsir (Qur'anic commentary).

- The Holy Qur'an: With English Translation of the Arabic Text and Commentary According to the Version of the Holy Ahlul-Bait. 2d ed. Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an. 1987. 1928p. tr. by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali. index. ISBN 0-940368-84-6. $39.95; pap. ISBN 0-940368-85-4. $29.95.
      Essential for libraries serving a Shi'ite community. The Qur'an is the same as that used by the Sunni majority; the commentary is different, reflecting Shi'ite history and views.

- The Koran. 5th rev. ed. Penguin. (Classics). 1990. 455p. tr. by N.J. Dawood. index. ISBN 0-14-044558-7. pap. $9.95.
      Reprinted in 1997 with further revisions and additional notes, this very readable translation is free of the formal language common to most translations.

_* an-Nawawi's Forty Hadith: An Anthology of the Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic Texts Society (U.K.), dist. by Intl. Specialized Bk. Svcs. 1997. 131 p. tr. by Ezzeddin Ibrahim and Denys Johnson-Davies. ISBN 0-946621-65-9. pap. $19.95.
      This popular anthology is an excellent introduction to the hadith. The translation is both readable and accurate.

_* Siddiqi, Muhammad Zubayr. Hadith Literature: Its Origin, Development and Special Features. rev. ed. Islamic Texts Society (U.K.), dist. by Intl. Specialized Bk. Svcs. 1993. 174p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-946621-38-1. pap. $24.95.
      An important resource for the study and understanding of hadith, this discusses all aspects, including origin, evolution, problems of falsification, and the development of a systematic approach to the literature.

ISLAMIC LAW

_ Abou El Fadl, Khaled. The Authoritative and the Authoritarian in Islamic Discourses: A Contemporary Case Study. 2d rev. and expanded ed. Quill (formerly Dar Taiba). 1997. 118p. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-891226-00-2. pap. $9.95.
      An excellent vision of Islamic legal discourse, made accessible to American readers through the case study of the controversial refusal of basketball player Mahmoud Abdul Rauf to stand up during the playing of the national anthem.

_ Bakhtiar, Laleh. Encyclopedia of Islamic Law: A Compendium of the Major Schools. ABC Intl. Group. dist. by Kazi Pubns. 1996. 624p. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-56744-498-9. pap. $39.95.
      Compares the five major schools of Islamic law: Hanafi, Hanbali, Shafii, Maliki (Sunni), and Jafari (Shia). While not comprehensive, it is useful for Muslims and non-Muslims who do not read Arabic but want to familiarize themselves with versions of Islamic law.

_* Ibn al-Naqib, Ahmad ibn Lulu. The Reliance of the Traveller: A Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law. rev. ed. Amana. 1997. 1254p. ed. and tr. by Noah Ha Mim Keller. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-915957-72-8. $29.95.
      In one manageable volume, this classic manual of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) will give readers some initial understanding of Islamic law. Includes appendixes by a number of prominent scholars on topics of Islamic law, faith, Qur'anic exegesis, and hadith sciences.

_C Qaradawi, Yusuf Al. The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam. American Trust, dist. by Islamic Bk. Svc. 1994. 355p. ISBN 0-89259-016-5. pap. $12.
      A complete discussion of what is halal (lawful) and haram (prohibited) in contemporary life. Covers such topics as food and drink, clothing, work, sex, contraception, divorce, business transactions, recreation, and more.

BIOGRAPHY

-* Hamid, Abdul Wahid. Companions of the Prophet. rev. ed. 2 vols. Muslim Education and Literary Svcs., 10115 Pan American Dr., Miami, FL 33189; 800-544-8163. 1995. tr. from Arabic. Vol. 1, 269p. ISBN 0-948196-13-0; Vol. 2, 263p. ISBN 0-948196-12-2. ea. vol: pap. $24.95.
      Profiles 60 Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), both men and women, who serve as role models for Muslim conduct. A good introduction to early Islamic history.

-* Lings, Martin. Muhammad, His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions. 1987. 359p. index. ISBN 0-89281-170-6. pap. $16.95.
      Explaining how early Muslims viewed the Prophet, Lings's excellent biography provides a wealth of detail on his life, the time and place of revelation, and the founding of Islam.

REFERENCE

-* Al-Faruqi, Isma'il R. and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi. The Cultural Atlas of Islam. KAZI Pubns. 1996. 512p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-614-21622-2. $89.
      First published in 1986, this now classic and comprehensive book clearly presents the entire World of Islam. The photographs, drawings, and other illustrations are all excellent.

- Islam in North America: A Sourcebook. Garland (Religious Information Systems), 1992. 414p. ed. by Michael Koszegi and J. Gordon Melton. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8153-0918-X. $20.
      Background articles and bibliographies cover Islam in North America, Islamic sectarian movements in America, African American Islam, Sufism, and Islam and Christianity. A dated but still useful directory of Islamic organizations and centers in North America is also included. (Such information is difficult to find, even on the Internet.)

-* The Muslim Almanac: A Reference Work on the History, Faith, Culture, and Peoples of Islam. Gale. 1996. ed. by Azim Nanji. 581p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8103-8924-X. $99.
      A well-organized basic reference on Islam from its inception to present-day movements. Written by recognized scholars, over 40 percent of whom are Muslim, it covers in depth the diversity of Islam around the world, including the United States. Poor quality black-and-white photographs, but highly recommended for any library. (LJ 2/15/96)

_C Uddin, Zaheer. A Handbook of Halaal and Haraam Products. Ctr. for American Muslim Research and Information, dist. by Islamic Bk. Ctr., 103-43 Lefferts Blvd., Richmond Hills, NY 11419; 718-848-8942. bibliog. index. Vol. 1: 4th ed. 1996. ISBN 1-884394-01-9. pap. $8.95; Vol. 2: 1997. ISBN 1-884394-02-7. pap. $8.95.
      Reviews lawful (halal) household products and prohibited (haram) food products and additives of every sort from a wide variety of manufacturers. New editions are planned every two years.

GENERAL WORKS

-* The Cambridge Illustrated History of the Islamic World. Cambridge Univ. 1996. 328p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0521-43510-2. $39.95.
      Excellent book with beautiful illustrations, photos, and maps. Places particular emphasis on how the West and the Islamic world have viewed each other over time.

- Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. 3d ed. Oxford Univ. 1998. 286p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-19-511233-4. $30; pap. ISBN 0-19-511234-2. $19.95.
      Well-done survey text used by many universities around the country in their introductory courses on Islam. The new edition includes much more contemporary material than the earlier editions. (LJ 5/1/98)

-C Hamid, Abdul Wahid. Islam, the Natural Way. Muslim Education and Literary Svcs., 10115 Pan American Dr., Miami, FL 33189; 800-544-8163. 1989; 1996. reprint. 195p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-948196-09-2. pap. $13.50.
      Presents an Islamic world view that requires readers to think progressively about their condition, livelihood, leisure, family relationships, neighborhood, community and environment, people with differing world views, matters of global concern, and the hereafter. Very good for Muslims; interesting for non-Muslims.

-* Haneef, Suzanne. What Everyone Should Know About Islam and Muslims. 14th ed. Lib. of Islam, dist. by Kazi Pubns. 1996. 232p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-935782-00-1. pap. $14.50.
      A comprehensive survey of the basic teachings of Islam. Haneef, an American Muslim, introduces the general reader to Muslim beliefs and practices, values, morals, and customs. Highly recommended.

_C Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. A Young Muslim's Guide to the Modern World. 2d ed. Lib. of Islam, dist. by Kazi Pubns. 1994. 270p. index. ISBN 1-56744-476-8. pap. $16.95.
      This outstanding book helps all Muslims (not just teenagers) gain an understanding of Western religious and intellectual traditions from an Islamic viewpoint in order to be able to respond to the challenges of the modern world.

ISLAM IN AMERICA

-* Barboza, Steven. American Jihad: Islam After Malcolm X. Doubleday. 1993. 370p. photogs. ISBN 0-38547011-8. $25; pap. ISBN 0-385-47694-9. $14.
      This excellent collection of "portrait/interviews" of American Muslims from a variety of backgrounds reflects the depth and breadth of Islamic diversity in the United States. (LJ 5/15/94)

-* An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices. Council on American-Islamic Relations, 1050 17th St. NW, Suite 490, Washington, DC 20036; 202 659-2247. 1997. 10p. $3 + $2 s&h.
      A brief pamphlet for employers and employees on the rights and needs of Muslims in the workplace. Focuses on such topics as time and scheduling considerations for prayer, fasting during Ramadan, clothing and personal appearance, and social conduct.

- Lang, Jeffrey. Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America. Amana. 1997. 230p. bibliog. ISBN 0-915957-67-1. $11.75.
      The author of the classic Struggling To Surrender (Amana, 1995) shares the American convert's experience of discovering Islam. Particularly interesting are his discussions on the challenges and opportunities that exist for the future of the American Muslim community.

- Moore, Kathleen M. Al-Mughtaribun: American Law and Transformation of Muslim Life in the United States. State Univ. of New York. (Series in Middle Eastern Studies). 1995. 211p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7914-2579-7. $49.50; pap. ISBN 0-7914-2580-0. $16.95.
      Discussing the impact of civil law on the daily lives of Muslims, this essay collection covers issues related to immigration and citizenship, Muslims in prison, hate crimes, and suburban building restrictions and their impact on building mosques.

- Muslims on the Americanization Path? Scholars Pr. 1998. 504p. ed. by Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad and John L. Esposito. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7885-0441-X $44.95.
      Essays examine issues of identity, the challenge of the hijab (the veil), the African American experience, and Americanization and the preservation of cultural identity.

AFRICAN AMERICANS AND ISLAM

_* Gardell, Mattias. In the Name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. Duke Univ. (C. Eric Lincoln Series on the Black Experience). 1996. 482p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8223-1852-0. $49.95; pap. ISBN 0-8223-1845-8. $19.95.
      In addition to a historical overview on the Nation of Islam, this well-researched work details the activities of the group and Farrakhan, covering their position on gangs, hip-hop, drugs, prisons, African American politics, public health, and black unity.

-* McCloud, Aminah Beverly. African American Islam. Routledge. 1995. 213p. bibliog. ISBN 0-415-90785-3. $59.95; pap. ISBN 0-415-90786-1. $16.95.
      McCloud's basic text introduces general readers to the varied expressions of African American Islam, examining five early (1900-60) and 13 contemporary communities that identify themselves in some way with Islam.

- Turner, Richard Brunt. Islam in the African American Experience. Indiana Univ. 1997. 300p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-253-33238-9. $39.95; pap. ISBN 0-253-21104-2. $18.95.
      Part of a new wave of scholarship on Islam in America, Turner's book discusses the importance of Islam in naming or signification, the process by which names, signs, and stereotypes are given to non-European peoples, and the way in which Islam has enabled African Americans to signify themselves and combat racism. (LJ 6/1/97)

INTERFAITH DIALOG

-* The Abraham Connection: A Jew, Christian and Muslim in Dialogue. Cross Cultural Pubns. (Church and the World). 1994. 243p. ed. by Benjamin Hubbard and George Grose. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-940121-18-2. pap. $19.95.
      Based on a series of five meetings by three leading representatives, this title reveals how the three monotheistic faiths view Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. It explores linkages and core beliefs, the nature and role of revelations, and the meaning of prophethood.

_ Kateregga, Badru D. and David W. Shenk. A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue. Herald Pr. 1997. 219p. bibliog. ISBN 0-8361-9052-1. pap. $14.99.
      This new edition of a title originally published in 1980 presents a genuine dialog (not debate) between Kateregga, a Muslim, and Shenk, a Christian. The format provides each man with the opportunity to present clearly the essential points of his religion, with each point followed by a response from the other.

WOMEN AND ISLAM

* Anway Carol L. Daughters of Another Path: Experiences of American Women Choosing Islam. Yawna Pub. 1995. 215p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-9647169-0-9. pap. $13.95.
      In this fascinating book, a Christian educator whose daughter converted to Islam recounts her personal experience as well as the stories of other women converts. Writing about Islam in a way that Christians can easily relate to and understand, Anway is inspirational in her emphasis on the need for mutual understanding between faiths.

_ Stowasser, Barbara Freyer. Women in the Qur'an, Traditions, and Interpretation. Oxford Univ. 1994. 206p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-19-508480-2. $35; pap. 1996. ISBN 0-19-511148-6. $15.95.
      Stowasser's scholarly study traces the nature and interpretation of female characters (Eve, the Queen of Sheba, the Virgin Mary) and the Prophet's wives in the Qur'an and Muslim religious literature.

_ Wadud-Muhsin, Amina. Qur'an and Woman. Oxford Univ. Apr. 1999. 144p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-19-512836-2. pap. $10.95.
      First published in Malaysia in 1992, this controversial book by a feminist scholar argues that the Qur'an does not restrict women; rather, the body of law and tradition generated by men has become more important than the sacred text. For readers with some knowledge of Islam and the Qur'an.

SH'ITE ISLAM

-* Halm, Heinz. Shi'ism. Edinburgh Univ. (U.K.), dist. by Columbia Univ. (Islamic Surveys). 1992. 218p. tr. from German by Janet C. Watson. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7486-0268-2. $65.
      Although a translation, this is arguably still the best general study of Shi'ism in English. Short bibliographies throughout the work often include primary sources in translation.

_ Shi'ism: Doctrine, Thought, and Spirituality. State Univ. of New York. 1988 401p. ed. by Seyyed Hossein Nasr and others. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-88706-689-5 $74.50; pap. ISBN 0-88706-690-9. $24.50
      These essays by Shi'ite and non-Shiite scholars examine the sect's origins, relationship to other divisions within Islam, doctrines and beliefs, spirituality and piety, intellectual and artistic life, and Shi'ite thought in the 20th century. Highly recommended for academic collections.

SUFISM

_ Lings, Martin. A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century: Shaikh Ahmad al-Alawi, His Spiritual Heritage and Legacy. 3d ed. Islamic Texts Society (U.K.), dist. by Intl. Specialized Bk. Svcs. (Golden Palm). 1993. 242p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-946621-50-0. pap. $24.95.
      An excellent book for readers seeking a deeper understanding of Sufism. Provides an interesting look at life in a North African Sufi order, led by Shaikh Alawi from 1909 until his death in 1934.

_ *Stoddart, William. Sufism: The Mystical Doctrines and Methods of Islam. rev. ed. Paragon House. (Patterns of World Spirituality). 1986. 91p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-913757-47-0. pap. $7.95.
      A short, easy-to-understand introduction to the fundamental doctrines and practices of Sufism. Good for general readers with little or no background.

PERIODICALS

_* Aramco World. bi-m. Free. Aramco World, Box 469008, Escondido, CA 92046-9008. ISSN 1044-1891.
      Although a publication of the Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Company) Services Company, this beautiful magazine is nonpolitical; full of wonderful color pictures, it often has articles on Islam. One issue each year features reading suggestions that include materials on Islam. And it's free!

_C CAIR News: Newsletter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations q. $110 (individual, $30). Council on American-Islamic Relations, 1050 17th St. NW, Suite 490, Washington, DC 20036; 202-659-2247.
      Seeking to empower the American Muslim community through political and social activism, this nonprofit organization's newsletter reports on discrimination, hate crimes, antidefamation, and items of local and national news having to do with Muslims. Its web site is also a must for up-to-date "action alerts" on issues in need of action by the Muslim community.

-* Islamic Horizons. bi-m. $24. Islamic Society of North America, PO Box 38, Plainfield, IN 46168; 317-839-8157. ISSN 8756-2367.
      The official publication of the Islamic Society of North America covers the organization's activities as well as news and issues of current interest to Muslims around the country. Often includes abstracts of papers given at its conferences.

_C The Minaret. m. $25/yr. Islamic Center of Southern California, 434 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020; 213-384-4570. ISSN 0892-0559.
      Reporting news and issues from an Islamic perspective, recent issues have highlighted welfare reform, the death penalty, nuclear testing in Pakistan, the Islamic personality, topics from the Qur'an, and book reviews.

VIDEO

-* Hijab: An Act of Faith. color. 38 min. Sound Vision. 1993. $19.
      Several Muslim women discuss their choice to wear hijab (the veil) and challenge the notion that it is a form of repression. Excellent.

- Islam, a Closer Look. color. 30 min. Sound Vision. 1995. $10.95.
      Touches on many Islamic concepts from fundamental tenets to family values. Interviews with well-known scholars and personalities.

-* The Message. color. 3 hrs. Trancas Intl. Films, dist. by Anchor Bay Entertainment, 500 Kitts Blvd., Troy MI 48084.1977. $29.98.
      Classic feature film, starring Anthony Quinn, on the Prophet Muhammad and the founding of Islam. Two-volume set includes the documentary The Making of an Epic.

AUDIO

_C Islam, Yusuf. The Life of the Last Prophet. 2 cassettes or 2 CDs. 1 1/4 hrs. Mountain of Light Prods., dirt. by Sound Vision. 1995. 2 cassettes. $12.95; 2 CDs. $24.95.
      This spoken-word biography of the Prophet Muhammad is the first official release by Yusuf Islam since his departure from the music business as Cat Stevens in 1978.

CD-ROM

_C Alim 4.5. ISL, dist. by Astrolabe Pictures. 1996. Windows 3.1/95. $99.
      The best CD-ROM for access to authoritative Islamic resources in English. Books and articles are fully searchable for any word and topic. Includes audio recitation of the Qur'an in Arabic, Ali and Pickthall translations of the Qur'an, Maududi's introductions to the surahs (chapters of the Qur'an), biographies of the Companions, a dictionary of Islamic terms, and clip art. Version 6.0, scheduled for release October 1, 1998, will feature a more user-friendly, web-type interface, along with new databases, new multimedia such as a complete recitation of the Qur'an in English, a virtual tour of the Hajj, and links to Islamic web sites.

WEB SITES

- Al-Islam (www.al-islam.org)
      Developed by the Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library project, which aims to digitize quality Islamic sources, this excellent site offers a Shi'ite perspective on Islam. A Shi'ite Encyclopedia link covers the main lines of Shi'ite thought and can be browsed by topic or searched with its own search engine.

-* Islamic Studies, Islam, Arabic, and Religion (www.arches.uga.edu/~godlas/ home.html)
      A very good introduction to the study of Islam, using both Muslim and non-Muslim sources. Features in-depth descriptions of broad topics with hypertext links to definitions and related texts. The section on Sufism is particularly good.

-* Islamic Texts and Resources Meta Page (wings.buffalo.edu/studentlife/sa/muslim/isl/isl.html)
      A "springboard" for exploring texts/resources.

_ Islamicity (www.islamicity:org)
      A comprehensive site with lots of links to all things Islamic, including an online store (books, videos, audiotapes, multimedia), access to the Qur'an, hadith, and articles on a wide variety of religious topics.

_ Muslim Women's Homepage (www.albany.edu/%7eha4934/sisters.html)
      Comprehensive site for Islamic women. Covers general topics, marriage, wearing hijab, Islamic organizations for women, famous Muslim women past and present, and assorted other links.

SPECIALTY PUBLISHERS: A SELECTION

To meet the demand from American Muslims for high-quality products in English with full-color pictures and graphics, a growing number of Muslim companies in the United States now develop and supply books, videos, CD-ROMs, and other multimedia products. In their catalogs, anything marked "for dawah" is intended for a non-Muslim audience and is meant to provide a picture of Islam understandable to the average American.

Amana Publications, 10710 Tucker St., Suite B, Beltsville, MD 20705; 301-595-5777 .
      This publisher of the Holy Qur'an offers a good selection of titles on Islam and the West.

American Trust Publications, 2622 E. Main St., Plainfield, IN 46168; 317-839-9278.
      Operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Society of North America through its Islamic Book Service, ATP publishes many good books for Muslims in the West; however, it has a reputation for being slow to respond to orders and often has titles listed that are out of stock. It may be best to order its materials from other suppliers.

Astrolabe lures, 585 Grove St., Suite 300, Herndon, VA 20170-4727; 800-392-7876 (www.astrolabepictures.com).
      This producer of Islamic animated videos for children also distributes materials for adult Muslims: videos, audiotapes, multimedia software, and books. The catalog features a helpful rating system and materials descriptions.

IQRA Intl. Educational Fdn., 7450 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077; 800-521-4272 (www.iqra.org).
      Founded in 1983 to help teach American Muslim children about their faith, this not-for-profit organization specializes in a complete line of Islamic educational materials, some of which are appropriate for adult converts. It also distributes a limited selection of videos, software, and books from other publishers.

Kazi Publications 3023 W Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60618; 773-267-7001 (www.kazi.org).
      One of the oldest and largest Muslim publishers in North America, it carries a complete line of books, videos, audiotapes, CDs, and CD-ROMs. An excellent source for materials on Sufism and Islamic spirituality.

Sound Vision, 1327 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60607; 800-432-4262 (www.soundvision.com).
      Well known as the creators of the wonderful video series Adam's World (a Muslim Sesame Street). Its catalog of audio, video, and multimedia products features a helpful rating system.