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Customer Reviews (4)

Good Information on Muslim American Beliefs
While I don't agree with everything in this book, I can't deny it has some really good information in it and tells the story from another's point of view.I don't agree that all Muslim values coorespond with what have been traditional American values but people have a right to their religion and to live here in harmony and peace.This book gives many Americans something to think about about and appreciate.It is mainly the story of people who feel abused in the past or are being abused in the present.Life should be better for them and more fair.Right now, it isn't.

this book is very informative and intresting!!
The book is really good when it came to discussing the Muslims and their views. There are a lot of interviews with Muslims on where they stand with parts of there religion. It is really intresting and enlightening. Except for when it comes to the Nation of Islam group, a little less then half the book then focuses on this African-American-Muslim religion. But doesn't give facts as the book did when it came to your ordinary Muslims. It then becomes more of a biografy of Malcome x and a few other gentle men. Excluding that part, because it really did not answer any of my questions, it just went on to explain this Nation of Islam group, the book was informative and an easy reading with intering facts and first hand stories!!!

Richard Wormser, Excellent Job!
Richard Wormser's American Islam does an excellent job in explaining just what this important world religion is all about.He does it in an easy to understand manner without boring the reader with unimportant details.Wormser explains the early history of Islam in the Arabian peninsula and the USA, how Americans Muslims have adjusted in Post-9-11 America, and presents Islam from a Muslim teenager's perspective, bringing Islam into a today's context-something that his contemporaries have failed to pull off.

In the second part of American Islam, Wormser discusses issues and problems concerning African-American Muslims, who make up the largest number of converts in America, and in an unprecedented heroic step, in Chapter 5 he narrates an issue that no Imam in America will tackle-discrimination against African-American Muslim males in love & marriage by other Muslims.

For that alone, Wormser and American Islam deserves a Pulitzer.Five stars Richard Wormser on a job well done!

A little too much
This books starts out with lots of excellent information on Islam and various problems that Muslims in this country go through.An excellent easy reading for a new Mulsim convert such as myself.

However the second half of the book gets into topics such as racism, black history, ideals of Malcom X and Louis Farrakhan and the idea of white people being the devil.The author does't present these topics as something members of the Nation of Islam would have to put up with since these ideas are all not of the Quran. Rather the author provides way too much history and various ideals of Malcom X and Louis Farrakhan and in my opinion went way too far on this topic and it made the book an overall negative for me. ... Read more

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This is a painstakingly researched and passionately written account of the ideas and movements that constitute the Indian Muslim's experiences over the last two centuries. Divided into five sections, the book analyses the complex processes of identity formation, the politicization of Islam, and the demand for a seperate Muslim nation. Section topics include identity formation, Khilafat, Congress, Muslim relations and politics. ... Read more

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In all the current alienating discourse on Islam as a source of extremism and fanatic violence this new publication takes a timely and refreshing look at the traditions of Islamic mysticism, philosophy and intellectual debate in a series of diverse and stimulating approaches. It tackles the major figures of Islamic thought as well as shedding light on hitherto unconsidered aspects of Islam utilizing new source material. The contributors are impressive list of scholars and experts.
... Read more

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Dynamic Islam analyzes the lives and works of four of the most influential liberal diaspora Muslim intellectuals of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries--Fatima Mernissi, Leila Ahmed, Fazlur Rahman, and Mohammed Arkoun. These prolific scholars are among the first generation of Muslims writing in Western languages who have intentionally directed their works toward audiences in the West, as well as the Muslim world. Jon Armajani examines the way these cutting-edge scholars have interpreted the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic history as they have constructed their visions for Islam in the modern world. ... Read more

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Disputed between India and Pakistan, Kashmir contains a large majority of Muslims subject to the laws of a predominantly Hindu and increasingly "Hinduized" India. How did religion and politics become so enmeshed in defining the protest of Kashmir's Muslims against Hindu rule? This book reaches beyond standard accounts that look to the 1947 partition of India for an explanation. Examining the 100-year period before that landmark event, during which Kashmir was ruled by Hindu Dogra kings under the aegis of the British, Mridu Rai highlights the collusion that shaped a decisively Hindu sovereignty over a subject Muslim populace. Focusing on authority, sovereignty, legitimacy, and community rights, she explains how Kashmir's modern Muslim identity emerged.

Rai shows how the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was formed as the East India Company marched into India beginning in the late eighteenth century. After the 1857 rebellion, outright annexation was abandoned as the British Crown took over and princes were incorporated into the imperial framework as junior partners. But, Rai argues, scholarship on other regions of India has led to misconceptions about colonialism, not least that a "hollowing of the crown" occurred throughout as Brahman came to dominate over King. In Kashmir the Dogra kings maintained firm control. They rode roughshod over the interests of the vast majority of their Kashmiri Muslim subjects, planting the seeds of a political movement that remains in thrall to a religiosity thrust upon it for the past 150 years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Challenging Natures of Kashmir
"Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects" covers the macro historical, social, religious, and political highlights in Kashmir fromabout 1840 to 1950. It is a fascinating view into a world far distant but fearfully close as two modern nuclear armed adversaries seek domination over the mystical lands of Kashmir. This is a book of essential preliminary understandings to the current situation in the region and of the volumes I have encountered is the best.I hope the author contemplates another book dealing with the post 1947 era. For those seeking recent political happenings, I suggest "Kashmir" by Sumantra Bose. ... Read more

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Reflecting recent global developments, the second edition of this illuminating introduction to Islamic history expands its coverage of the Qur’an, Sufism, and Muslim views on human rights, including the rights of women.

• An expanded new edition of this concise, illuminating introduction to Islam, written by one of the field’s leading scholars
• Spans Islamic history from the life of Muhammad and the birth of Islamic ideals, through Islam’s phenomenal geographical expansion and cultural development, to the creation of modern states and its role in today’s global society
• Features expanded coverage of the Qur’an, Sufism, and Muslim views on human rights, including the rights of women
• Includes fascinating vignettes of Islamic life, representing mainstream Muslim viewpoints on issues of global concern
• Explores the complex interrelationships of cultural, political, and ideological developments woven throughout Islamic history, drawing on specific examples including current developments in Pakistan

Customer Reviews (1)

Found inaccurate
Lately I started reading "Islam: A Brief History"

Akbar S. Ahmed - American University, Washington: in the foreword writes:
She is presently the Kenan Professor of Humanities and Professor of Religion at the College of William and Mary. Professor Sonn's Ph.D. is from the University of Chicago, where she sat at the feet of the late great Islamic scholar Fazlur Rahman. She has written well-received books on Islam but is no ivory tower scholar. Until recently she was the active president of the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies.

looks pretty good huh?

Under this impression, I started reading this but it looks like even the most learned western scholors don't have grasp on the subject. I stopped reading after initial few pages: following is the reason why:



Page-2
The Quran consists of 114 chapters, called suras (in Arabic,
surah; plural: suwar). The verses of the chapters are called ayat
(singular: ayah). The chapters range in length from 7 to 287 verses.
The first sura is very short, but the remaining suras are arranged
from longest to shortest (i.e., in descending order of length),
rather than in chronological order.
WRONG: Chapter 6 Al-Anaam has 165 - Chapter 7 Al-Araf has 206 verses - Chapter 8 Al-Anfal has 75 verses - Chapter 9 Al-Tawba has 129 verses and list goes on and on

but I kept reading hoping this may be a small mistake and she will do better: but


Page-3
when people doubted Muhammad's role as
prophet, the Quran instructs him: "Say, `O People, indeed I am a
clear warner to you. Those who believe and do good works, for
them is forgiveness and generous blessing' " (55:49-50).
WRONG: (55:49-50) is:
Which is it, of the favours of your Lord, that ye deny? (49) Wherein are two fountains flowing. (50)

Page-3
The Quran also offers advice to Muhammad. When people accused
him of being a mere poet or even a fortune-teller, the Quran says,
"Do they say that you have forged [the Quran]? Say, `If I have
forged it, my crimes are my own; but I am innocent of what you
do' " (11:36).
WRONG: (11:36) is:
And it was inspired in Noah, (saying): No-one of thy folk will believe save him who hath believed already. Be not distressed because of what they do. (36)

Page-9
I am not a literature expert but following lines look out of context to me - judge for yourself:
Quran reminds believers that its guidance continues to be valid.
The Quran actually describes itself as "confirming the truth of the
Torah that is before me" (3:50) and calls upon believers to "bring
the Torah now, and recite it" (3:93).
Actual context:
All food was lawful unto the Children of Israel, save that which Israel forbade himself, (in days) before the Torah was revealed. Say: Produce the Torah and read it (unto us) if ye are truthful. (3:93)

Then I stopped reading further.
... Read more

Product Description
Popular representations of Pakistan's North-West Frontier have long featured simplistic images of tribal blood feuds, fanatical religion, and the seclusion of women. The rise to power of the radical Taliban regime in neighboring Afghanistan enhanced the region's reputation as a place of anti-Western militancy. Immersed in the lives of the Frontier's villagers for more than ten years, Magnus Marsden's evocative study of the Chitral region challenges all these stereotypes. His exploration contributes much to understanding religion and politics within and beyond the Muslim societies of southern Asia. ... Read more

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Over ten million Muslims live in Western Europe. Since the early 1990s and especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, vexing policy questions have emerged about the religious rights of native-born and immigrant Muslims. Britain has struggled over whether to give state funding to private Islamic schools. France has been convulsed over Muslim teenagers wearing the hijab [note to typesetter: need dot under h in previous word] in public schools. Germany has debated whether to grant 'public-corporation' status to Muslims. And each state is searching for policies to ensure the successful incorporation of practicing Muslims into liberal democratic society.This book analyzes state accommodation of Muslims' religious practices in Britain, France, and Germany, first examining three major theories:resource mobilization, political-opportunity structure, and ideology. We then propose an additional explanation, arguing that the each nation's approach to Muslims follows from its historically based church-state institutions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Anatony of a social conflict
The exodus of Muslims to Europe, France and Sweden in particulat has altered the ethnic/national face of culture in these two countries. The recent street protestations and Muslim mass marches are one of the manifestations of an Islamic anger toward European social principles and values. Islamists are empowered to alter - even - curricula in virtue of the increasing numbers of faculty and student body in European universities. The situation is critical. The economical consequences are to be immediately evaluated. Islamic dogma governs the daily aspect of a Musliman. Would the followers of Mohammad finally induce in the European way of life a nomadic Islamic culture? Very possible. The political system in France, Britain and Sweden allow legal alien residents to influence legislation. You will read more about this dilemma in this book. ... Read more

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This book is a detailed and comprehensive look at the thoughts and experience of the average Muslim and is designed to help develop a workable evangelistic strategy. (20050401) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Realistic and Sympathetic Portrait
Bill Musk writes as a Christian attempting to portray a sympathetic and realistic portrait of Islamic cultures for non-Muslims.Musk's intent is to lay a basis for understanding and accurate communication.This book appears to satisfactorily fulfill the author's goal.

He presents insights into the Arab and Muslim worldview, exploring primary values and moral commitments.This book will assist readers who really want to know about the Arab ethnicities and Muslims as real people.

The author draws on portions of the Quran for insights into the Muslim psyche and values.The historical context is rarely dealt with in popular writings and western ravings about Islam.

Often the Islam referred to in the papers and popular discussions cannot be found in reality, but is a portrayal based on ignorance and presumption.Musk provides a reference in the real world.

Musk presents analyses and reflections from Muslim authors from several cultures, in which they portray common aspects of the life of Muslim people from within their experience.An important aspect of Islam as a movement across the world is the variety and cultural differences among those who follow Islam.

The author includes many segments from popular novels or more academic writings by such authors within the Muslim community.This will give readers an unusual insight into the thought of competent cultural insiders in various communities of the Muslim world.

Musk also includes perspectives of non-Muslims who have lived and worked for a long time among Muslims in their home cultures.This book is well worth the modest cost.It will remain a good reference to go back to again when new questions come up.

This book is a resource with honest insight into the world of Islam peopled by real human beings trying to make their way in life, just like the rest of us.The book will be especially valuable for people of faith such as Christians who want to engage their Muslim neighbours in a meaningful way, rather than being victimized to the various stereotypes, positive or negative.

Indepth...
I have many books on Islam since it is my passion to be as informed as I can be about this religion. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this book sitting in a store. It covers in depth what you will find behind the scenes of the Islamic world. I haven't found any other books so far that cover this subject so well. I can testify to its accuracy about many things. (I am married to a Muslim man & I have visited his home country several times.)

If you are interested in learning how the everyday Muslim thinks & why he/she acts a certain way then this book is a great resource. If you are wanting just to know the basics about Islam then I would recommend that you get a different book.

Fascinating and informative, but a little less than instructional
This book shows an amazing wealth of knowledge about folk Islam at the local level.He shares many stories of individuals and shows how practice do or do not match up with Orthodox Islamic belief. In each chapter he contrasts the folk Islamic view with a Biblical world-view.However, this is not a how-to book. If someone is looking for a five step plan for sharing the gospel with a Muslim they should look elsewhere.If someone is looking to better understand how folk Muslims see the world this is the perfect book for them.

Hallur Mortensen
This is a brilliant book that looks at many deeper issues in Islam, that are usually hidden or unknown for Westerners. This book is interesting, well written and in my case very valuable. To anyone interested to learn more about folk Islam and "Islamic" culture and some aspects of the lives of these people this is a great book to start with. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Islam Muslim Encyclopedia 2004
Initially I had my doubts as to how objective this encyclopedia might be: would it be merely an `apologetic' tome by Islamic writers, or might it provide some `objective' analysis through the toleration of some `Orrientalist' questioning? Sometimes I was a little puzzled by its layout.To find something about the Kaaba, this topic is not listed anywhere in the "K" chapter, but instead under `Pilgrimage' - as is the `Hajj.'Pertaining to the Qibla, it notes: `The Meccan sanctuary became the qibla again in 624 c.e. when an important change in Muhammad's attitude towards the Jews occurred' - what `change' might that be goes unanswered (for that answer, you need to see Robert Spencer's `The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Koran').Nonetheless, the sections pertaining to the Quran and Polygamy are fairly objective with some introspect provided (although nothing is stated as to how/when/who finally compiled the Quran).About half of the articles are written by Arab/Muslim-sounding names (from many different domestic and foreign universities), and other writers surprisingly provided references to: Richard Bell, Kenneth Cragg, Patricia Crone, Arthur Jeffrey, Bernard Lewis, J. Wansbrough, W. Montgomery Watt, and other western-oriented `Orrientalists' who have questioned Islamic mythology.Very informative, very well written, scholarly - not just `lite' fluffy analysis.The topics of "Israel" and "Palestine" are avoided; there are more references to the 'PLO' than to 'Israel'."Jihad" is discussed in both of its `religious struggle in understanding Allah' and well as its `warfare offensive' perspectives (although not as open as JIHAD WATCH might prefer).I am very happy to have this 2 vols, 823-page set in my library. ... Read more

Product Description

Christians are often surprised when they hear Muslims say, “We believe in Jesus too, and we hold Him in great esteem.” But what do they really mean? Are the Muslim Jesus and the Christian Jesus the same person?

Immersed in the Islamic worldview as the son of a devout muezzin—mosque leader—Emir Caner helps readers untangle two very different belief systems. He and John Ankerberg take on the tough questions:

• What role does Jesus have in Islam?
• What does the Qu’ran say about Him? What does it not say?
• Why are Muslims repulsed by the idea that Jesus is the Son of God, fully God and fully man?
• What do Muslims have in mind when they acknowledge Jesus as virgin–born?
• How can Christians discuss these belief differences without insulting Muslim friends and acquaintances?

A concise, authoritative guide for informed Muslim–Christian interaction.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Resource
This is an excellent resource dealing with Islam, especially as to what Muslims believe about Jesus.The authors give a first-hand look at the truths of Islam from the eyes of one possessing the facts of both religions. The comparison with Christianity is excellent. The presentation is good and well-documented throughout. ... Read more

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These Journeys to Islam are stories told by new Muslims. They reflect the strivings and triumphs of the soul, as each person struggled to find a meaningful spiritual existence. All of the stories are written by new Muslims who have come from a Western background, especially America. For each story told here, there are many, many stories left untold, but which are nevertheless happening every day in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Good Very good
Very good book! I enjoyed it very much. The authors interview many new converts to Islam. It is interesting to see how these people from diverse background converge into one beautiful faith-ISLAM!

It's an eye-opener
The author has done a pretty good job by interviewing so many new converted Muslims and kudos to the authors too. It's a very book for both Muslims as well as non-Muslims the reason being for the former as they are deviating from the path of Islam and being fantacized and glamorized by the Western culture whereas the new Muslims find solace in the teachings of Islam and accept it whole-heartedly. And for the latter they can see and learn the things that are not true in their religions that lead them in search of truth and they come to Islam ultimately. ... Read more

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Fascinating history of an oppressed Jewish community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.Patai does a phenomenal job in depicting the events of the forced conversion to Islam of a small Jewish community in Mashaad, Iran.Anyone interested in anthropology or history should read this book.What makes this community of marranos unique, unlike any other forced converts, is that the community returned to its original faith after several generations.The strength of this community is apparent in their struggle to maintain their heritage and religion in secret, under the shadow of the sword. ... Read more

Product Description
How do young single American Muslims balance their faith with western culture? This topic and more is tackled by author Zarinah El-Amin Naeem in Jihad of the Soul (208pp. $19.95), a gut wrenching look at how young Muslim singles navigate love and faith. Let s face it, no matter how many T.V. episodes of The Bachelor or Sex and the City air, singlehood for the average person is a difficult life period. Most singles want to be in a loving, romantic, long-term relationship. They want to be married. Unfortunately, in the American Muslim community, there are Muslim single men available, and Muslim single women available, but there is a huge disconnect and a serious lack of marriage! Why? El-Amin Naeem says, Well, my research shows there are a number of factors including the practice of strict gender separation and marital endogamy that affect and delay the transition from singlehood to marriage for many American Muslims. The Muslim community has serious issues it needs to face, but unfortunately seems to be in denial! The book is an anthropological exploration into the attitudes, experiences and emotions of single Muslim young adults between the ages of 18-40. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Jihad of the Soul
Zarinah El-Amin Naeem has given us "Jihad of the Soul: Single Muslims Struggling with Identity, Religion and Desire", a study of what it means to be young and single in today's society; specifically, young and single in American society. She takes scores of interviews of people between the ages of 18 and 40 and presents their experiences and opinions in a coherent fashion.

Divided into 3 parts, Jihad tackles important questions, such as:

* What does it mean to be Muslim?
* Is marriage still necessary?
* Are my expectations to high?
* How much say so should my family have in my decision?
* Where do I find a mate?

This book contains a wealth of information. Whether you are a person seeking answers to chase away confusion or simply desire to know "what's really going on", this book needs to be read! Overall, it reminds us that there is no single mindset about Muslims.

How I wish this book was around when I was single!

Jihad of the Soul(Nafs)...the greater Jihad
first I would like to say alhamdulillah May Allah reward you on your efforts in examining the life of single Muslims, I can indentify with that being a single Muslim myself lol...it does good in the way that in dives into the lives of Muslims and their struggles and their decisions....in the beginning of the book you mentioned the purpose for the book, one for your field of study and then for the singles Muslims,I think thats what it was I dont have the book in front of me....I think it does an excellent job for your field of study, but for the Muslim side of it I think it does a good job showing some of the real issues of single Muslims....but it is too open,like the part about homosexual Muslims...we shouldnt be too rigid in our Islam like sum ppl r makin it hard and ridiculous shoutin haram at everything, but at the same time, we cant be too open about things either....from reading it, it seems that not all of them, not all of them, but a good majority of the Muslims interviewed seems like they didn't have strong Iman, and they were not only struggling with being single, but struggling with their Deen itself....and I know that struggling with Islam is real, it happens,but I think if you would have interviewed more Muslims who were more firm in their Deen it would have made it more inspiring...but then again,if they are not struggling how can it be called Jihad of the Soul? idk...jus my 2 cents...

Great Book, especially for new muslims
This book was very well done.I am a new muslim and this book helped me alot.It was well researched. I would recommend this book to others.

Excellent and need work!
This is a pivotal publication, which brings an honest in depth look at relationships within the American Muslim Community.This is the first work of it's kind and a necessary work for this generation.I was moved by the shear honesty displayed in covering the varying and layered topics regarding single-hood for Muslims in America.I believe this book can be used as stepping stone towards opening an internal conversation within the Muslim community and for greater understanding for the world community.I applaud the author for exploring this long neglected topic in such a transparent way.We need more works like this!

A historic book that redefines the Jihad in America
There is simply no other book out there like this. The study and research and the candid accounts of the American Muslim population as they struggle through their internal desires is magnificent. Little to no book will take such an angle and give you such an intimate passage into the depths of the American Muslim population's struggle inside the heart. Jihad of the Soul is a Must Read for anyone who is passionate and curious about the single lives of Muslim populations in America, marriage, courting, and other hot button topics. It is profoundly relevant to other religious populations and faiths as the same denominator of struggling to reconcile heart and behavior in a hyper sexualized and secularized society. ... Read more

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This book examines a series of processes (Islamization, Arabization, Africanization) and case studies from the Muslim societies of Africa over the last thousand years. In contrast to traditions suggesting that Islam did not take root in Africa, David Robinson depicts the complex struggles of Muslims throughout the continent: in Morocco and the Hausaland region of Nigeria; the "pagan" societies of Ashanti (Ghana) and Buganda (Uganda); and the ostensibly Christian state of Ethiopia. "Further reading" sections suggest how undergraduate readers can pursue research, and illustrations and maps supplement the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disappointing and Incomplete
Professor Robinson is one among this nation's better scholars of the history of Islam in West Africa. However, therein lies the weakness of this particular title. This study of Islam in Africa essentially is a work that greatly privileges his region of specialization. Robinson concerns himself with Islam in North and West Africa, while he leaves out entirely any mention of the eastern Sudanic region, as well as Central and South Africa. He devotes scant attention to East Africa, and, where he chooses to include material from there, oddly enough, he directs his readers' attention primarily to Uganda, a part of Africa where Islam arrived only in the past two centuries and where it is still on its periphery. The far more venerable story of Islam among the Swahili of the East coast, perhaps the oldest Islamic tradition on the continent, barely gets mentioned.

Robinson deserves praise for covering some important themes, but even here he falls short because he fails to explore these systematically or in any depth. Readers who look for a narrative that furnishes them with an analysis of the ways Islam was introduced to Africa and its subsequent progress, will also be disappointed. The result of these inadequacies is a work that is spotty in its overall coverage and in the quality of the treatment the author provides his readers. Simply put, there are better works to be found elsewhere.

Recommended
Islam did struggle in Africa to anchor its roots.
Its influence made a huge impact on African subculture.
Arts, ethics, architecture, and political ideologies of today are in part remnant of such influence.
However, the African tribal psychology did not totally succumb to Islam dogma.
Confrontation did happen in the past.
And today, such confrontation extends to other segments of our social life.
The book refers to this confrontation, and to the ethnic identity of African societies that is still struggling against rigid Islamic view of modernization and contemporary social values.
I enjoyed the book.
It is not a reflection of my personal opinions, nevertheless it depicts an accurate picture of our social condition, national identity and resistance at a cultural level.
... Read more

Product Description
Many Islamic authorities claim that homosexuality is categorically forbidden, but the reality is much less clear-cut. There are no verses in the Qur'an that unambiguously condemn homosexuals, and there are some that suggest they can be tolerated in Muslim communities. In addition, reports from Hadith that condemn homosexual and transgender persons are of dubious authenticity.

This pioneering work is the first to tackle this complex and controversial issue from a religious perspective. Scott Kugle critically engages with scripture, law, and tradition to examine the foundations for prevailing attitudes towards homosexuality in Islam. Arguing that Muslims can reconcile themselves with the inevitable diversity in society without compromising their principles, Kugle makes a forceful case for a renewed Islam that accepts all followers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Eye-opening, life-saving, most enjoyable read.
For the purpose of this review, I thought it's important to give some of my background. I'm a 24-year-old medical student and I'm a practising Muslim, having learned Islamic studies ever since I was little up till I was 19, so I have extensive knowledge about it. I have always been inquisitive and questioning by nature, and I brought these into the realm of my Islamic studies to further understand Islam, much to the discomfort of other students ("common Muslims" are discouraged from having "obviously questioning" discussions as they are deemed to have inadequate scholarly knowledge). After years of study (including comparing other faiths), even though I was brought up as a Muslim, I believed in Islam on my own accord. I realised my same-sex attraction ever since I was about 9, but I thought I was attracted to females as well, so I concluded I was a bisexual some years later. I have been taught that homosexuality has no place in Islam, but it didn't bother me as much as I thought I could always settle with a girl. Late 2009, after further reflection and exploration, I concluded that I was actually gay, not having any sexual attraction toward females. This epiphany brought intense internal conflict - a battle between my religion and my sexuality. I desperately searched for answers.

Scott Kugle is the first Muslim to publish widely on the issue of homosexuality and transgender identity in Islam. Like some gay Muslim advocates, I expected a very emotionally-driven writing to defend queers when I bought this book. Instead, I was delightfully surprised by his neutral-sounding, critical and objective writing, reflecting years of careful research and synthesis of valid ideas. This book is divided into systematic sections, bringing readers into natural progression across his arguments. His introductory chapter is a wonderful summary of his whole book, telling readers what to expect in this book. He begins soon with discussion into the nature of human sexuality (including inherent nature of homosexuality) as a basis for his argument throughout the rest of the book.

The next chapter is all about the Qur'an's stand on the issue of homosexuality. It's about liberating the Qur'an from shackles of previous traditional/classical (mis)interpretation of this issue, which I had come to accept as an absolute "fact" from my years of study. The arguments are laid out logically and coherently, free from "twisting of the fact" as accused by the majority of Islamic authorities. This chapter changed my view of the scholars' interpretation of the Qur'an as almost infallible. A very eye-opening section of the book.

The following chapter talks about the hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings). In desperation to make syaria laws and rulings, jurists have used weak and (highly possibly) false/fabricated hadiths to justify condemnation of homosexuality and punishments for homosexual acts. Throughout my Islamic studies, I have surprisingly discovered many weak or fabricated hadiths that the "common Muslims" have accepted to be truth, so this chapter of the book serves to reinforce my discovery. Another eye-opening chapter if you aren't familiar with the studies of hadiths.

Next comes the chapter on assessing fiqh (Islamic legal reasoning). It focuses on the legal standing of homosexuality and male-male anal intercourse, some female-female relations. This chapter and the next chapter is tightly linked, as the idea to legalise homosexual relationships (in the eyes of God) via marriage (nikah) is explored, which requires critical reassessment of the current (patriarchal) idea of nikah between man and woman. This chapter provides solutions to the "problem" of homosexual relationships, and I commend the author for providing solutions too instead of simply presenting his arguments for homosexuality. The last chapter before the conclusion presents points for transgender individuals, which is also a great read.

Overall, this book is simply a superb buy, and in retrospect, I would have gladly paid even more for the quality of writing that I receive from this book. Who do I recommend it too? Well, of course for LGBTIQ Muslims this book is a must-read. I'd also recommend all Islamic teachers, imams, scholars, and authorities to give this book a read and please do so with an open and neutral mind, as I have forced myself to do (due to my classical/traditional Islamic understanding). For LGBTIQ Muslims, I would also recommend borrowing/buying this book for your Muslim friends and family members who might have trouble understanding our position. I also think that non-Muslims can benefit from this book, to help them understand that Islam is accommodating to queers. Basically, "Homosexuality in Islam" deserves a place in everyone's bookshelf.

It has helped me to reconcile with my religion and sexuality. Scott Kugle has probably saved my life from one of constant internal conflict and depression with his writing. What are you waiting for? Now go buy this book!

Planting Thoughtful Seeds in Rich Quranic Soil
I am very proud and extremely happy to finally see this book online.After reading a number of excerpts from this book, as a gay Muslim, Siraj provides the GLT Muslim community thoroughly researched theological points of view, providing a diversity of understandings grounded in Quran, ahadeeth, fiqh, shari'ah and cultural traditions starting in antiquity to the present. I can't wait until I receive my copy of Siraj's book so I can read it cover to cover.This will be one that I keep in my library for life.Thanks, Siraj and looking forward to your next book. ... Read more

Product Description
Some argue that Muslims have no tradition of separation of church and state and therefore can't participate in secular, pluralist society. At the other extreme, some Muslims argue that it is the duty of all believers to resist western forms of government and to impose Islamic law. Andrew F. March demonstrates that there are very strong and authentically Islamic arguments for accepting the demands of citizenship in a liberal democracy, many of them found even in medieval works of Islamic jurisprudence. In fact, he shows, it is precisely the fact that Rawlsian political liberalism makes no claims to metaphysical truth that makes it appealing to Muslims. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the second edition of Muslims in America-SevenCenturies of History (1312-2000) by Amir Muhammad. The author who hasbecome well known through his traveling musuem of 'Muslims inAmerica'has dug out new information about the presence of Muslims inearly America and their continued contributions to the enrichment ofAmerican Society. It is a small book packed with much information forfurther reserach and reflection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GREAT BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSLIMS IN EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR THOSE WHO WANT A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSLIMS IN EARLY AMERICA. THIS BOOK FOCUSES MAINLY ON MUSLIMS WHO WERE BROUGHT HERE AS SLAVES AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM. SOME BECAME MEMBERS OF THE CALVERY ORBOUGHT THIER FREEDOM AND RETURNED TO AFRICA. THERE WAS THE PRINCE OF SLAVES,CALLED SO BECAUSE HE WAS A PRINCE WHEN HE WAS CAPTURED, THERE WAS BROTHERYARRO WHO LIVED IN GEORGETOWN IN WASHINGTON, D.C. THERE IS ALSO INFORMATIONAND PICTURES ON BURIAL SITES AND SLAVE LIVNG QUARTERS AND WELL AS PICTURESOF THE MUSLIM SLAVES THEMSELVES. THEN THERE IS THE STORY OF THE FIRSTNATIVE BORN MUSLIM CONVERT WHO WAS A CAUCASIAN. THERE IS MUCH MORE OFFEREDIN THIS MODEST WORK. ... Read more