Culture shapes every aspect of the relationship between God and the believer in Islam - as well as among believers, and with those beyond the fold.

The volume will appeal to all those interested in how reason, faith and circumstance shape difficult moral choices in an increasingly globalised world.

What is the extraordinary text that is the Quran - and how does it relate to the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad This book offers a journey into the full range of experience - past and present, secular and sacred - of the diverse peoples and cultures of the Muslim world.

Recent political and social events as well as advances in science and technology have posed challenges to the traditional Muslim discourse on ethics. This book examines these challenges and analyses the implications of emerging initiatives in political pluralism and civic culture as well as moves in biomedicine and environmental conservation.

Why is the term shari'a - the mention of which conjures up images of a politicised religion in many parts of the world - understood in the ways that it is today For Muslims and non-Muslims alike, much is read into this term, often with scant regard for its historical, cultural or theological underpinnings. This book offers an accessible account of the ideals and realities of the shari'a.