The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath have focused the world's attention on Islamic fundamentalism. This accessible volume aims to rebutt the misconceptions about Islam articulated by many European intellectuals down the centuries. For non-Muslims these still obstruct a clear understanding of both the nature of Islam and the history of Christian/Muslim interactions. The author demonstrates the politically motivated and theologically dubious nature of the assertions of so-called Islamic fundamentalist movements; and contrasts them with socially progressive Muslim thinkers who have sought to address the inescapable questions of the modern world. He provides the history and understanding of certain basic concepts needed to counteract the upsurge of ill-informed prejudice against Muslims worldwide, and to deal with any tendency to romanticize fundamentalist brutalities.