ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Islamic studies by author (non-Muslim or academic)

Islamic studies is like learning about a new country or a new language in school. It's when people who might not be Muslim, or who might not practice the religion themselves, study and try to understand Islam. Just like how we learn about different cultures and religions in school, people can also learn about Islam through classes and books.

The people who write the books or teach the classes are called authors or academics. They are like really smart teachers who have spent a lot of time studying Islam and can explain it to others. They might use big words or talk about history, but they are trying to make it easy for kids to understand.

When someone studies Islam, they might learn about the Prophet Muhammad and what he taught. They might also learn about the different prayers Muslims do, what the Quran says, and what kind of holidays they celebrate. It's like when we learn about different customs and traditions around the world, but focused specifically on one religion.

Sometimes, people who study Islamic studies might not agree with everything they learn, but their goal is to learn and understand more about the religion. It's important to be respectful and open-minded when studying other cultures and religions.