Rewriting articles is not our purpose here. In the course of compiling and reviewing the Outline, a small number of factual errors and omissions have been discovered in Hughes original work. However, it is a reliable guide and indispensable resource for understanding the theology, traditions, and practices which underlie Wahhabism, Salafism, Islamic jihad, and Islamic law (shariah). Consequently it may not be as relevant to modern Muslims who have embraced western principles. The work before us is an exposition of the traditional beliefs of Sunni Islam (with reference to relevant points of Shia doctrine and tradition), drawn primarily from the Quran and the Hadith (traditions). Others, like the Salafists and Wahhabis, have returned unalterably to the beliefs of their ancestors. Some Muslims have adopted western ideals of democracy, human rights, individual freedoms, and historical-critical scholarship. Islam is probably more diverse now than it was in the nineteenth century. 1 Since the publication of this dictionary, there have been a number of important events and trends in the Islamic world.

The inside utilizes local building materials and designs, and the floor was covered with Persian carpets. Its architecture resembles a mosque, having domes and minarets instead of a steeple. The church he built, All Saints Memorial (still standing), was designed to accommodate the local culture. During that time he not only studied Arabic and spoke the local dialects, but he dressed in native Afghan clothes. He spent 20 years in Peshawar (now in Pakistan). Hughes life as a missionary is evidence enough of his sincere intentions. Consequently, nothing would be gained by misrepresenting the facts to his readers. His primary aim was to insure that those who lived in Muslim lands understood the Islamic faith. Hughes compiled his dictionary as an aid to British government officials, missionaries, travelers, and students. As he says in the introduction, the work is not intended to be a controversial attack on the religious system of Muhammad, but rather an exposition of its principles and teachings. But when presenting and weighing the facts, his scholarship was impeccable. Anyone who reads the volume can plainly see this. Hughes, of course, was not neutral in his assessment of Islam. The uninitiated reader is left confused and may not be sure whom to trust. But, in the post 9/11 world it is difficult to find works that are not politically biased, being either a polemic against Islam or an apology in defense of it. Those interested in studying Islam can certainly find many modern sources to assist them. This Outline of Islam enables users of the dictionary to research the Muslim faith systematically and topically under numerous categories.

However, they are organized alphabetically, which is not conducive to a methodical study of Islam.

Many of the articles are encyclopedic in length. Calling this volume a dictionary is somewhat understated. This longevity is a testimony to the scholarship and comprehensive scope of Rev. Over 125 years have elapsed since Thomas Patrick Hughes published A Dictionary of Islam in Remarkably, the work is still available in print from both Muslim and non-muslim distributors, and it can also be found on the Internet. 1 A Dictionary of Islam by Thomas Patrick Hughes Outline of Islam An Analytical Index of Key Concepts & Major Articles 2012 William DiPuccio, Ph.D.

Khabal the divine deception