Book excerpt: Paperback. Islam has influenced and continues to influence many cultures around the globe. It is shaping history, cultures and civilizations. Sadly, most of us only receive a two-dimensional look at Islam-a view that is often distorted by the brevity of the media sound-bites or by opinionated agendas. Our intention with this book is to present Islam, its teachings and the history of those who follow it. It is not a comprehensive study-nor should it be seen as definitive. Rather, it should be used as a stimulus for further detailed study. We hope and pray that this effort becomes a source of promoting (much needed) harmony, peace, tolerance, and coexistence in the human family. This can be done through school education systems, interfaith sessions, mosque open houses, educational seminars and individual readership. This new Revised Edition has larger text, clearer graphics and many new additions to the previous text.