A systematic overview of Islam, written in an accessible manner and suitable for a broad audience, is provided by the introduction by Peter Heine, a professor of Islamic studies in Berlin. This introduction makes it clear that jihad and martyrdom concepts, which were at the forefront of interest immediately after September 11, are only partial aspects of an ancient and complex religion and culture. Heine explains the beliefs and ritual practices of a religion that is over 1400 years old and stretches from Senegal in the west to the Indonesian-Malay archipelago in the east. Among other topics, it addresses the Islamic obligations such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as well as Islamic law.