Introduction: Approaching the subject -- History of the community -- On the eve of Islam: the Hellenistic-Iranian world -- Arabia, Muhammad and history of Islam to about 700 -- Expansion and flowering: history of Islam from about 700 to 1700 ce -- Aspects of Islam -- Qurʾan -- Muhammad and the Sunna -- Pillars, rituals and celebrations -- Divisions in the umma: sects, political theory -- Those who know: scholars and learning -- Islamic law -- Theology & philosophy -- Sufism, spirituality -- Three major figures -- Art, literature, etc. -- Modern developments -- Modern challenges -- Turkey -- Egypt -- Iran -- Indonesia -- Globalization -- Further reading.