How does one begin to comprehend a religion that supports peace, promises rewards on earth and in the afterlife, and yet has extreme followers that use Islam in so-called terrorist attacks?

Islam, for moderate believers, is a religion of peace, moderation and has all the answers to their worldly questions. For fanatical Muslims, so to speak, Islam gives them permission to defend the religion, their way of life by encouraging suicide bombings and threats against Western countries. And for non-Muslims, their perception of the religion vary from the accepting to mortification, and sheer confusion.

Hence a brief and whirlwind lesson in Islam is required, to foster some understanding on Muslims.