The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the focus of love and devotion for one fifth of humanity. Even outsiders cannot deny his political genius and great statesmanship as the founder of a new world order and the stimulus for a succession of brilliant and progressive civilisations. But a study of his life in these terms overlooks arguably his most essential qualities - his mercy and benevolence. Internationally renowned Islamic scholar, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has produced a work unrivalled in its comprehensive treatment of the subject matter, illustrating the merciful character of the Prophet in all its aspects, towards humans and more generally towards all beings. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has reproduced a solid corpus of references from the Qur'an, along with reliable Hadith, specially selected for authenticity and relevance. All sources are meticulously referenced in Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's characteristic style. This book shows how in spite of immense hardships and painful ordeals, the mercy and compassion of the Prophet remained to the fore, even towards those who opposed and persecuted him. For Muslims, this book will be a means to celebrate the magnanimous personality of the Prophet and an incentive to instil the great qualities of the Prophet in their own lives, while non-Muslims and academics will discover how these qualities as described in the Islamic literature have caused the Prophet to occupy his preeminent position in the religious consciousness of Muslims.

A study of the life and background of 'Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, putative founder of the Qadiriyya order, investigating the sources for his life and attributed works. The book seeks to elucidate the ideas of al-Jilani, and to formulate a picture of the most prominent trends of pious and mystical thought in Baghdad during the twelfth century, providing a cultural and geographical angle to the study of Islamic mysticism and piety.

Did the universe begin to exist? If so, did it have a cause? Or could it have come into existence uncaused, from nothing? These questions are taken up by the medieval-though recently-revived-kalam cosmological argument, which has arguably been the most discussed philosophical argument for God's existence in recent decades. The kalam's line of reasoning maintains that the series of past events cannot be infinite but rather is finite. Since the universe could not have come into being uncaused, there must be a transcendent cause of the universe's beginning, a conclusion supportive of theism. This anthology on the philosophical arguments for the finitude of the past asks: Is an infinite series of past events metaphysically possible? Should actual infinites be restricted to theoretical mathematics, or can an actual infinite exist in the concrete world? These essays by kalam proponents and detractors engage in lively debate about the nature of infinity and its conundrums; about frequently-used kalam argument paradoxes of Tristram Shandy, the Grim Reaper, and Hilbert's Hotel; and about the infinity of the future.

Islam is a hidden ingredient in the melting pot of America. Though there are between 2 and 8 million Muslims in the USA, Islam has traditionally had little political clout compared to other minority faiths. Nonetheless it is believed to be the country's fastest-growing religion, with a vibrant culture of theological debate, particularly regarding the role of women preachers. In Islam in America, Jonathan Curiel traces the story of America's Muslims from the seventeenth-century slave trade to the eighteenth-century immigration wave to the Nation of Islam. Drawing on interviews in communities from industrial Michigan to rural California, Curiel portrays the diversity of practices, cultures and observances that make up Muslim America. He profiles the leading personalities and institutions representing the community, and explores their relationship to the wider politics of America, particularly after 9/11. Islam in America offers an indispensable guide to the social life of modern Islam and the diversity of contemporary America.

Sufism in America sheds light on spiritual, mystical Islam in America. The Sufi path focuses on developing a personal relationship with God, doing what is beautiful in the sight of God, and struggling against the lower self to reach loving submission. Up to this point, very little has been written about the Sufi orders in America and those who participate in them. This study focuses on the Alami Tariqa in Waterport, New York, which was started in the 1970s by a shaykh from the Balkans. The Alami Tariqa strives to uphold sharia while adapting to the Western setting. Its membership is diverse, consisting mostly of American-born participants from Christian and Jewish backgrounds, in addition to a few Muslim immigrants from South Asia. This study explores how this order has acculturated to the American setting, why individuals choose to join the tariqa, and what it means to pursue spiritual goals in a modern, Western society. Conclusions are drawn from interviews, a survey, and observations of teachings, plus the author's experience working with this community for over ten years. The book interweaves personal stories and insider views with academic insight to provide a compelling and detailed picture of Sufism as a living and dynamic tradition in America.