No God But God
The Origins and Evolution of Islam
by Reza Aslan
2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8.4 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- Origins of Islam
- Life of Muhammad
- Revelation and prophecy
- Community and leadership (Ummah, Caliphate)
- Sunni–Shia split
- Religious law and practice (Sharia)
- Tradition vs. reform
- Faith and identity
- Pluralism and interfaith understanding
- Modernization and fundamentalism
About this book
A clear, accessible history of Islam for young readers that traces the life of Muhammad, the birth of the Muslim community in 7th-century Arabia, the Sunni–Shia split, the development of Islamic law and practice, and the religion’s evolution into the modern era. Aslan explains key rituals, beliefs, and debates within Islam while placing them in their historical and cultural contexts.
Setting: Primarily 7th-century Arabia (Mecca and Medina) and the early Islamic Caliphates, with broader coverage of the global Muslim world up to the present day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is No God But God right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for No God But God. The reading level is AR 8.4, which is typical for 8th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Origins of Islam, Life of Muhammad, Revelation and prophecy.
How long does it take to read No God But God?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, No God But God takes around 4.6h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does No God But God have an AR quiz?
Yes — No God But God has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is No God But God?
No God But God has an AR reading level of 8.4, which places it at a 8th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.