Book excerpt: Nowadays the religion of Islam, which is still relatively unknown in the West, is forcefully brought to the public's attention by the acts and threats of the Islamic terrorists. As a result, the question is repeatedly asked: What kind of religion is this? The aim of this book is to argue that today traditional Christianity has nothing to fear from traditional Islam. In spite of appearances, the two ancient religions are really allies; they have common enemies and they are united in their opposition to all kinds of modern errors and immoralities, including materialism and secularism. Consequently, a true notion of Islam and indeed of every complete and uncorrupted religion, is what the present book taken in its entirety is all about. In surveying Islam, Stoddart provides a wealth of relevant background information and an illuminating treatise on traditional art highlighting the often neglected role of art and beauty in spirituality. The text is accompanied by a map and seven colour illustrations.