Nowhere else in the world have both Islam and Christianity been more instrumental in shaping the history of a people and their way of life than in Africa. African Muslims and Christians have a lot in common, including kinship ties, shared languages and citizenship. Yet, despite the centuries of deep historical links and harmonious existence between the two religions, new challenges threaten this harmony. Conflicts involving Christians and Muslims in places like Sudan, Nigeria and Ivory Coast are common. These conflicts are fueled primarily by ignorance, stereotyping and prejudice, which in turn breed fear, suspicion and even hatred, in some cases leading to violence. My Neighbour’s Faith sheds light on the beliefs and teaching of Islam by addressing matters of contemporary importance to Christians and the wider non-Muslim audience. It presents the human face of Islam—the face of a close relative, a neighbour, a teacher and even a head of state—in a balanced and critical way that gives a credible view of Islam.

Islam and Christianity have coexisted in Africa for many years. African Muslims and Christians share kinship ties, languages and citizenship and have often lived together in peace. Yet today new forces threaten this harmony. Clashes between Christians and Muslims have become common in places like Sudan, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Why? John Azumah sets out to answer this question and many others in this introduction to Islam. He writes as someone who knows Islam as the faith of many of his friends and relatives. This is no demonising polemic, but rather an introduction to Muslim history and theology, rooted in the work of Muslim scholars. As a Christian theologian, Azumah identifies some of the major differences between Christianity and Islam, and shows how these can lead to conflict. When addressing contentious issues such as the introduction of Shari'ah law in parts of Nigeria, Azumah presents the view from both sides and lays the grounds for reasoned debate, rather than inflammatory rhetoric. My Neighbour's Faith: Islam Explained for Christians is required reading for all who seek to understand and reach out to their Muslim neighbours.