Ahmad Rashid Salim was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has studied Islamic sciences both in the context of traditional Islamic learning and in academia. He leads spiritual services in Oakland, California, lectures, teaches, and is a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Clearly and with warmth, Salim invites all of us--young people, theologians, and anyone curious to meet their new neighbors--into a wonderfully readable introduction of the fastest-growing major religion. This primer details the teachings and practice of Islam, provides context for its relationship within the Abrahamic faiths, and encourages interfaith collaboration to address the pain and suffering of today. --Rev Lauren Van Ham, Interfaith Minister, Faculty & Academic Consultant, The Chaplaincy Institute At a time when studies of Islam are beset by jargon and confusion, Ahmad Rashid Salim comforts and enlightens even the most perplexed mind with clear language and well-organized chapters highlighting comparative subjects. He offers an inside yet unbiased perspective while combating misconceptions and taking on challenging issues like the Shi'a-Sunni split. I'm glad to add this guide to the resources I recommend to anyone new to the study of Islam. --Sayed Hassan Akhlaq, Ph.D. Professor of Religion and Philosophy (Northern Virginia Community College and Coppin State University) and Imam Islam Explained is a well-written comprehensive primer beneficial for readers of various backgrounds. I am familiar with the author's scholarship and recommend the work. --Dr. A.G. Ravan Farhadi, Professor Emeritus and Former Ambassador to the UN