Understanding Islam

Note on Language and Respect

This book uses the abbreviation "pbuh" after the names of prophets as a sign of respect. It stands for "peace be upon him." In Muslim writing and speech, it is common to use this phrase after mentioning prophets such as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Abraham (pbuh), Moses (pbuh), and Jesus (pbuh).

This book also uses phrases such as "Muslims believe," "in Islamic tradition," and "mainstream Muslim scholarship generally holds" because Islam is a global faith with internal diversity. No short book can represent every school, culture, or interpretation. The aim here is to present the broad, mainstream understanding as fairly and clearly as possible.