03/01/2018
Aware of the negative stereotypes associated with Islam, Çakmak (emeritus, international law & politics, Eskisehir Osmangazi Univ., Turkey) aims to present the basic tenets of the faith, acknowledging that practices in the past and today might vary. The work doesn't deliver on the subtitle "worldwide," as no articles are devoted to Islam in the United States, Europe, or Asia (except Pakistan). Scholarly contributors, traditional and progressive, provide substantial entries; ethics, doctrines, and individuals dominate. The article on feminism and the general "Islam" entry, among others, are excellent. A chronology (570–2016 CE), captioned color photos, alphabetical and topics lists, a glossary, and "see also" and further reading after entries add utility. However, there are many missteps. "Women's Rights" fails to address the legal value of women's testimony, their financial responsibility, talaq divorce, zina laws, or child custody. "Homosexuality," absent from the index, is briefly mentioned under "Depravity." The writer on polygamy (i.e., polygyny) claims that the practice is an "ideal solution" to "men's alleged insatiable sexual desire." "Immaculate Conception" misrepresents both the Islamic and Roman Catholic concepts. There are omissions (e.g., nikah urfi [temporary marriage], inheritance, clergy, honor), and the writing is too often unidiomatic, dense, and unclear. VERDICT Postsecondary college students seeking information on specific topics will find useful material in this uneven compendium, which does not supplant Richard Martin's Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World.—Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly of St. George's Sch., Newport, RI
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