World events have awakened outsiders to Islam's unique way of living life and viewing reality. This introduction to Islamic culture explains these differences in terms of ways Muslims use the visual arts to facilitate understanding. Islamic symbols are employed to explain its history, beliefs, practices, holy season and sacred sites. Included are the 99 names of God; the ban on depicting the human face; angels and demons; Allah and Satan; prayer, fasting and pilgrimages. Clear analysis of the most important Islamic symbols accompany illuminations of the Qur'an, details of prayer rugs, domestic objects and architecture of mosques and pilgrimage sites, to show the diversity and profundity of Islam.