For many non-Muslims, the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 in the US deepened an association of Islam with violence, despotism and suppression. They asked: Why are Muslims so violent? How can Islam justify the terrorism of al-Qaeda or the Palestinian suicide bombers? Why do Muslims ignore human and women's rights? Have Muslims declared jihad (righteous struggle) against 'Western infidels'?  

But Muslims see Islam as about peace and justice. So what is 'real Islam'? Sardar and Davies explain the concepts and the rich history of the Muslim world. But they also call for urgent reforms within Islam, and for the West to end its bigotry.