From the arid sands of Arabia emerged in the seventh century, Islam. A religion so progressive in its philosophy society as it was known till then. It brought God and man together in a deeply personal bond that had nothing to do with intermediaries. Soon, this new religion powered its way into the deepest interiors of Africa, Asia and Europe. So vigorous was its impact that today, one-fifth of the world's population claims adherence to it. But there's another face to Islam: the face which has seen the exquisite mosques of Damascus, the delicate art of calligraphy, the sumptuous palaces of Spain and the beautiful gardens of Persia and Kashmir. This remarkably lucid fascinating narrative trace the story of Islam from its birth to its expansion and development, details its customs and traditions and the amazing arts it gave rise to. Illustrated with over the world, this book would be valuable to both enthusiasts and scholars.