Reviews (45)

Scolarly Coverage of a Touchy Subject
THere is a lot of apolagetic
the only 3 star review
i appreciate what spencer has done in his series.i am glad he finally mentions a way out for muslims:exegesis. muslims need to discuss and admit that the koran is a manmade document and contextualize it, just as christianity has done. if it is taken literally, as it is by all mainstream muslims,then mohammed will continue to be a violent role model. i wish spencer would help the average muslim by writing a non-insulting book explaining how the koran was cobbled together and help them reform. by labeling islam "the world's most intolerant religion he is playing into CAIR's hands.

Don't be confused by selective interpretations
I am a Muslim. I have read some parts of the book and could not go on. The simple reason is that the author is out to get Islam.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Controversial literature    4. General    5. History    6. Islam    7. Islam - Mohammad    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religious    10. Political Science / General   

Reviews (346)

POWERFUL. Great insight, well documented, very disturbing

The Comparisons are Glaring
This book obliterates simplistic, politically correct views about Islam.The word-for-word comparisons between the teachings of Muhammed and the teachings of Christianity, Buddhism, and other religions, are stunning.Take, for example, the famous story of Jesus' intervention when a crowd was about to stone an adulterous woman.His words, to let the person "who is without sin cast the first stone", sent the mob retreating in shame.He then told the woman to, "Go and sin no more."As the autor quotes from the Quran, Muhammed was confronted with a similar situation.A pregnant adulterous woman had come to him requesting that he pray with her for forgiveness.He sent her away until the baby was born.When she came back months later, he sent her away until the child was weened.When she came back as directed, he took the child and gave it to one of his men as a gift.Muhammed then ordered the mother buried up to her shoulders and stoned to death.It really is time for media pundits, college professors, and self-serving politicos to stop making shallow moral equivalence statements about Islam, the Quran, and the Crusades.This book needs to be read and studied by those who now are in a position to give away our birthright.It took the ancient Greeks, the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Magna Carta, the U.S. Constitution, and hundreds of years of Western Civilization to produce the most beneficent and free society in history.Here, Muslims and others can practice their beliefs without fear.We must insist that spokesmen and apologists for Islam demand that this "religion of peace" grant its neighbors the same rights the Western democracies have gladly given to them.Read the book.Its an eye-opener.

Good information ruined by biased commentary
This is an interesting book in that it does have valuable information regarding Islam and misconceptions regarding Islam.
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Subjects:  1. Controversial literature    2. Crusades    3. Islam    4. Islam - General    5. Islam - History    6. Islamic History    7. Jihad    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Political Science / General   

Reviews (113)

Informative but casts too wide a net.
Bruce Bawer's book is informative and covers quite a lot of ground in its description of the insidious nature of radical Islam in Europe and how the political elite are more enamoured with political power over a propagandised electorate instead of applying themselves to the defence of freedom. But that is what European style government is all about despite the contemporary terrorism of radical Islam, and is--like democracy--the antithesis of freedom.
While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West
Hardly a more timely subject can be found.Perhaps long overdue, if you want to educate and inform yourself about what is really going on behind the press headlines, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Thoughtful, but exaggerates Europe's fate
Having lived in Europe for a few years, I can safely say that the extreme liberal PC policies of "Sure! Anyone can live here!" mentality towards immigration have lead to a dangerously large anti-European Muslim population. This will be a large issue for the continent in the current century, but is Europe going to become part of a monstrous Islamic Calliphate? Highly doubtful
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Europe    4. Islam - General    5. Islamic Government    6. Islamic Studies    7. Islamic fundamentalism    8. Muslims    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    11. Public Opinion And Foreign Policy    12. Public Policy - Social Policy    13. Public opinion    14. Religion    15. Religion, Politics & State    16. Sociology    17. Political Science / Social Policy   

Reviews (19)

Well-written book on an understudied yet important subject
In "The Shia Revival" Vali writes about this minority sect of Islam, which only predominates in 3 or 4 countries in the Middle East, yet has adherents in many other countries.This book is not a history, yet he writes about the history, traditions, culture, and unique aspects of the Shia throughout the book. The book is very well-written, being not too academic yet not dumbed down either.This sect of Islam is very poorly known and even less-well understood in even the Islamic world itself.Yet, as Nasr writes, the coming of age of core Shia countries like Iran and Iraq, and countries with large Shia minorities like Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Syria mean that this is a substantial sect of Islam that can no longer be ignored.After the reading this book you will have a much more informed view of the Islamic world and its internal conflicts, as well as a better understanding of Islam itself.

Excellent Book on Shia / Sunni Strife
This well written book is an excellent treatise on the historical conflict between the Shia and Sunni Muslims and how it applies to the current situation in Iraq and to some extent Lebanon.The book has probably one of the best explanations of the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims.It also describes how the Shia have been suppressed by the Sunni for centuries and how the Author believes there is a Shia revival occuring in the Middle East that has intensified since the toppling of Saddam Hussein from power.
Essential reading
Years ago in a world religions course I took at a conservative, inter-denominational seminary I learned all about the conflicts in Islam that are explained here by author Vali Nasr. If we understood this when we were rushing toward the invasion of Iraq, then we would have realized that the sectarian conflict that we now have in Iraq was quite predictable.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islam and politics    7. Middle East    8. Political Freedom & Security - General    9. Political aspects    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Relations    12. Religion    13. ShÃ¥i°ah    14. Sunnites    15. Miscellaneous Items    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    17. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (50)

Most depressing book I have read in a long time
Phillips nails it. And it's coming here to a city near you.

Bilious rant spoils otherwise thoughtful and penetrating analysis
The first thing that strikes one about Melanie Phillips' impassioned broadside against radical Islam run amok is its cover (UK edition). A snapshot from the anti-Danish cartoons protest in London shows 20-month old Farisa Jihad sporting `I Love Al-Qaeda' headgear while the angry features of one keffiyeh-clad demonstrator grace the upper part of the picture. It is a poignant image of innocence soon to evaporate, the first steps of an apprenticeship in hate watched over and encouraged by the representatives of a fanatical ideology who, Phillips argues, too easily find quarter in our midst and do so at our peril.
The birth process of Islamic Fundamentalism in London
This book expertly describes how and why the Muslim community within London gives birth to a group of radical men whom go on to committ terror throughout the world. The author questions why England has not confronted these sects more head on without the worry of insulting Muslems. An interesting and worthy point is one that indicates that living in England does not give anyone the right to denounce the goverment to the point ofproclaiming death to the goverment officials. Maybe its time to send these people back to the 'war torn' areas from which they came from and allow them to express their 'freedoms' and collect ' state financial aid' there. This point is raised and the reader has the option of agreeing or not. The best thing about this book is that it was written and demands that action be taken place to quell an uprising taking place. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government policy    2. Great Britain    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islamic Studies    6. Muslims    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Political Science    9. Political Terrorism    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Religion, Politics & State    13. Terrorism    14. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (69)

Error In Quran?
S18 v86 when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "O Zul-qarnain! (thou hast authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."
Excellent, and no mistakes
This is a well-attempted translation of the Holy Qur'an.Though some people have issues with 18:86, this is due to their ignorance.the setting of the sun can be used to denote a physical location, ie when i was travelling, the sun set when i reached Anaheim.Also, the arabic word used is 'Wajada' which means "appeared", so it appeared to Zul-Qarnain that it set in a murky marsh.It 'appears' that the sun sets under the hills, but me saying that doesn't take away from my scientific integrity.
Mistake in the Koran - Read it Here!!!!!!
One of the questions which puzzled the ancient Arabs was, "Where did the sun go when night time came?" The Qur'an gave them Allah's answer.
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Subjects:  1. Islam - General    2. Islam - Koran & Sacred Writings    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions   

Reviews (62)

A usefull touch of enlightenment
A brilliant sketch providing some much needed detail into a history we in the west especially have far to little understanding of . Mr. Aslan has filled in much of the void that is our understanding of Islam .His skills as a writer are spellbinding as he gives us a wondrous often pointed tour of the rich history of Islam. This is a book bathed in Mankind's quest To connect with and strive to connect with a higher understanding to the meaning of life. and often how we are mired in the muck of misunderstanding from which such Grave consequences can spring forth. This is a rich history by a scholarwho has the ability to articulate this tapestry of history .this book is remarkable and highly recommended.

great book, highly recommended
a great book, worth every dollar spent!!! from me 10 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Excellente!
I just finished reading this book. No other book has been able to summarize the history of Islam so cleary andsuccinctly. In less than 300 pages, Aslan has been able to explain to me, a Muslim, some of the complexities and political jostling of the Muslim community once the prophet Muhammad passed away.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Essence, genius, nature    3. History    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islam - History    7. Islamic History    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (36)

A wonderful translation with interesting notes and preface
It's pricey, it's a hardback, but for a western (or any intellectually curious) mind, this is THE translation to get.I especially like the introductions to the surahs, and the footnoes, which tie in the themes of particular chapters or parables.This is a beautiful gift for anyone who reads the Quran in English.

Good presentation
Muhammad Asad's classic translation of the Qur'an is presented here in a beautiful form similar to that of the 'coffee table Bible' concept. This book is large and heavy! Inside the endpapers are magnificently ornamented and the pages themselves are of high quality glossy stock. At various points within the volume, the editors have inserted large calligraphaic pages of the original Arabic text in full color. In short: this is the best presentation of the Qur'an available.
A non-Muslim review
I recently received this copy of the Qur'an as a gift.And while not a Muslim, I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to study Islam.With verses in English, Arabic, and transliterated; along with notes and references galore, this copy of the Qur'an gives a solid background on Islam and Islamic culture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Islam - Koran & Sacred Writings    2. Koran    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Islam    6. Religion / Koran    7. Sacred texts   

Reviews (31)

A gold mine - but you have to dig a lot
This collection of magazine, newspaper and think-tank articles, as well as speeches, lectures, essays, website and panel discussions is a gold mine of nuggets of knowledge about the intolerance found in the Islamic religion.The collection was published in 2005 but some of the articles first appeared in the 1970s.
Review the Reviewers
I am often struck by the range of critiques, and their positions. Two examples come to mind with regard to Mr. Spencer's volume: Ms. Lappen's review from April of last year, and the most recent and succinct comments by R. Kysia. Along the continuum between, many perspectival bells are sounded, from true-believers to "mark my word" anti-anything-different redneck experts. Fascinating isn't it, how we've learned so little while claiming we've come so far.
Poor quality opinion sold as scholarship
Robert Spencer is an orientalist without formal credentials in Islamic studies, and poorly read at that.His product is largely representative of older Western orientalist "scholarship".He often lacks command of the subject and offers as authoritative fact his limited, master's degree level of understanding of the subject.Frequently, he is either badly misinformed or deliberately deceptive in his selective use and interpretation of facts.I would like to believe that his misrepresentations are out of simple ignorance for the subject, but he seems to spin facts for political and ideological gain.In other works, he even expresses outright admiration for the brutality that was the crusades. His political agenda taints the scholarly value of his work. If you wish to better understand Islamic history, seek a more balanced author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dhimmis    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Islamic Law    5. Islamic countries    6. Legal status, laws, etc    7. Legal status, laws, etc.    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious minorities   

Reviews (48)

Error In Quran?
S18 v86 when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "O Zul-qarnain! (thou hast authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."
Review - or diatribe?
People - you are both wrong in what you are doing. Pro and Anti-muslim arguments really don't belong here. Information regarding the translation and accuracy maybe, but the Quran is not on trial here. Focus on the product - not it's teaching.
Too many hatemongering reviews on here.
TO AMAZON.COM moderators!
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Subjects:  1. Islam - Koran & Sacred Writings    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Islam    5. Religion & Beliefs    6. Sacred texts   

Reviews (77)

Islam and terrorism
Islam and terrorism provides a basic (very basic) introduction to Islam and Islamic history focusing specifically on people, events and ideology leading up to modern terrorist movements.
What is the point?

Sad, Sadly True!!!
Well, if it's up to me I'd give that book a rating of 5 stars myself, I read it all through in one single day!!!
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - General    3. Comparative Religion    4. Controversial literature    5. Islam    6. Islam - General    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious aspects    11. Terrorism    12. Violence   

Reviews (46)

Error In Quran?
S18 v86 when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "O Zul-qarnain! (thou hast authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."
Divine Words in Human Language
Very comprehensive and clear manual to operate in this world. Excellent source to understand the purpose of life. These are the true words of God revealing the code and way of life to make life easier and purposeful. Commentary is very helpful to understand the literal translation. Language is simple and beautiful. Summing up, this is the most useful book I've ever read and it is imperative to read this book for anyone who is trying to find the purpose of this life.

the English standard
For most English-speaking Muslims, Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation is _the_ standard. His language is ornate in the Elizabethan style, but not pretentious to the point of being incomprehensible. Ali lends the Qur'an a dignity and refinement that has seldom been reached by any subsequent English translation since.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Islam - General    3. Islam - Koran & Sacred Writings    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Islam    7. Sacred texts   

Reviews (24)

Just read it
Given the sales rank of this important volume concerning Islamic jurisprudence, evidently more English-speaking readers are investigating the serious matter of Islamic values than I previously believed. And considering the appalling rise in the numbers who believe America attacked itself on 9/11--or that its war on terror only produces more of the same--that is very good.
An invaluable resource for MUSLIMS, of the Shafi'i school.
My title says all you need.1000 pages of rulings, NOT PROOFS, based on the compound work of many well know Shafi'i scholars, along with ALOT of extras. The author makes it clear there is still another book yet untranslated with the proofs. The original arabic text is next to the english, plus explanations from contemporary scholars(not just the translator), though admittedly the explanations are limited. I am not going to be the one to pick apart the holes in all the uneducated, hate-filled, pro-western reviews, though I could.I just hope it doesn't turn people off who are simply looking for the correct way to pray. If that is the case I recomend Al-Maqasid first.Read the older pre-911 reviews, including a review from Sh. Nuh.
Sharia Revealed
If you've ever wondered what's the big deal with the imposition of Sharia law, read this book! A clear-cut text which points out once and for all Islam's incompatiblity with the finest Western principals and values.The Koran, the Ahadith and this book (which is derived from the Koran and Ahadith) are the three key source books for clearly viewing the tortured logic of Islamic jurisprudence and the slippery world of Islamic situational ethics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Early works to 1800    2. General    3. Islam - General    4. Islam - Law    5. Islamic law    6. Law    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Shafiites    10. Islamic studies   

Editorial Review

An inspired blend of memoir and literary criticism, Read more

Reviews (287)

A book of books.
Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran", takes its readers deep into the life of a woman living under the ever increasing repression of the Iranian regime.She is an academic whose love of books drives her to use them as lenses through which to view the horrifying events that surround her. Each of the book's four sections takes the works of a different author and uses them to illuminate aspects of the oppressive Islamic regime under which she lives. The book presents a startlingly vivid picture of day to day life in Iran as suffered by a woman who, though very intelligent, is unsure of whether her allegiances lie with her government or with the west. Though Nafisi explains the political events surrounding the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, she does so not from the view of the history that's been written, but from the view of a citizen living in the times, providing an essential shift in perspective.
A Stunning Reality
Although many people might question whether everything in this novel is true or not, it states on the front that it is a memoir, therefore that is how I thought of it while reading.As far as I am concerned, everything but the names and some situations ("to protect individuals") is the truth, and since I have not been to Tehran, I would not know any different.I found this book captivating in most every way from the detailed descriptions of the "girls" in the book club to the references to other novels such as The Great Gatsby.Although I have not read all of the books Nafisi referenced in her memoir, I still understood her story and appreciated her sharing the private (or public) moments with her readers.I was shocked when I read about some of the laws that women (and men) must obide by in Iran, and this book sparked my interest regarding the stunning ways of the country enough from the very beg