The author wishes to emphasize here that not a word of this chapter, or of the rest of this book, was intended to excuse or apologize for Muslims, their states, or their leaders; they hardly differ from their contemporaries all over the world, whether good or bad. The sole purpose of this writing is to transmit an understanding of Islam - its faith, jurisprudence, and way of life - as taught by the Koran and preached and practiced by the Koran and preached and practiced by Muhammad, the Apostle of God .