As the repercussions of the Salman Rushdie affair still continue to be felt, Pillars of Islam is a concise introduction to the Islamic faith. Designed to dispel some of the misleading rumours and myths that have arisen since the affair started, the book examines the history and principles of the Islamic faith. Pillars of Islam explains why five times a day one fifth of the world's population is called to prayer - why from Baghdad to Brisbane they are called to kneel down and turn their faces to Mecca, the naval of the world. The book also examines other aspects of the Islamic faith: the life of Mohammed, Almsgiving, fasting, pilgrimage and blasphemy.