Reviews (2)

They've got it right!
If you're an American, this is the Qur'an for you. Good commentary, plus clear, easy to read text. I've purchased both the English and English-Arabic versions.

Excellent for Ramadhan
This is the most helpful Qur'an I have found for Ramadhan, being an American revert to Islam. The book is broken into the 30 Juz for daily reading. I have also purchased the book with the Arabic included as well in the hopes that someday I will be able to read the Holy Qur'an in the original Arabic words. Read more

Editorial Review

The entire history of Islamic civilization is, of course, too much to cover in a single volume, but John Esposito comes close. In a book topping 700 pages and containing over 300 photographs, Esposito brings together experts in fields such as early Islamic history, art and architecture, science and medicine, Islam in Africa and Southeast Asia, and contemporary Islam. Beginners will be swimming in new discoveries, while old hands will find connections and facts they never suspected. Majid Fakhry, for instance, shows not only the influence of philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) on European intellectuals but also unveils the claims and counterclaims within Islamic philosophy over time. Dru Gladney takes us on an eye-opening journey through Islamic Central Asia and even China, where the Muslim Hui people are recognized as the country's third-largest minority nationality. And have you ever seen an exquisite mosque with towering spires made entirely of mud-brick, like there are in West Africa? Unfortunately, Esposito apparently couldn't find room here for separate sections on Sufism or Islamic literature, but there are more than enough mosques, paintings, historical maps, and tapestries throughout to keep you turning pages and learning with fascination. Read more

Reviews (12)

Good overview, but lacking details and editing
This book provides a balanced, insightful overview of Islamic culture and civilization.The book describes events leading from the foundation of Islam on the west side of the Arabian Peninsula up to events circa 1999.
A Must Have!
Read very closely: A good history
Occasionally people look at my bookshelves and think that there is some sort of unofficial Oxford Press day at Fr. Kurt's house. There is a good reason why so many of my books carry the indenture of Oxford University Press -- there is a general level of scholarly quality that such books rarely fall below. Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Middle East - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Islamic studies    8. Religion & Theology | Islam    9. Religion / Islam   

Subjects:  1. 1846-1916    2. 19th century    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - U.S.    7. History    8. Islam    9. Islam - History    10. Modern - 19th Century    11. People of Color    12. Religious    13. United States    14. Webb, Alexander Russell,    15. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    16. History of religion    17. Religion & Theology | Islam    18. Religion / Islam / History    19. The Americas   

Subjects:  1. Democracy    2. General    3. Islam - General    4. Islam and politics    5. Middle East    6. Political Ideologies - Democracy    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Religion, Politics & State    12. Islam    13. Islamic countries    14. Political science & theory    15. Political structures: democracy   

Reviews (20)

Interesting overview of a misunderstood sect of Islam
The Assassins are part of the legend of the Crusades. The legend of their intoxicants, and the pleasures that initiates were allowed to sample before being sent on missions, are almost part of our historical lore, and of course the sect has lent its name to a word in the English language. This scholarly account by historian Bernard Lewis is detailed, and relentless at least in terms of sentimentality, brushing away legends and folklore and sticking to what's known of this splinter group of Islam and their culture, activities, motives, and fate.
Lewis is a racist
I am an Ismailli and totally offended by Lewis's book.He is no doubt a total anti-Muslim racist.For greater information on the Nizari ismaillis read Farhad Daftary

Too factual, not enough philosophy
This book about the Ismailis and the Assassins could have been fascinating but it is only a compilation of facts and details about individuals and their actions. We never get into the deeper layers of their ideology, theology and religious beliefs and practices. They are connected to the Shi'ites agains the Sunni'ites but it is not clearly shown and explained what's the difference between the two sides and what's more how the Ismailis get into this picture. Altogether the vision of Islam given by this book is that of a world rent by factions, ambitions, personal power, military achievements, and the basic and irrepressible desire and need to be cruel and shed a lot of blood through torturing and making people suffer. This is a caricature. Never the filiation between the other semitic religions that judaism, christianism and the zealot branch of both in the first century before Christ and the first century after Christ were, is shown, stated or explained and explored. Islam is one descendent of the Bible, Old and New Testament. What's more this vast expanse of territory from the Mediterranean sea to India was one of the most brilliant melting pots of science, culture and philosophy, the Ismailis among them just as much as the Sh'ites or the Sunni'ites. This is not explored, nor explained. Hence this book accumulates factual details and data but never reaches any level of explanation, understanding and the desire to go and discover that enormously progressive and powerful culture and science. At the time of the Crusades, the west was definitely, at all levels, a lot less advanced than the Middle East and Islamic countries. It is these Crusades that started the movement thet will eventually lead to the freezing of these societies in some kind of ossified ancient state out of which it has become extremely difficult to move, and such a move has to be endogenous, to come from inside.
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Subjects:  1. Assassins (Ismailites)    2. History    3. History: World    4. Islam - Shi'ism    5. Islamic Government    6. Middle East - General    7. Political    8. Political Process - Leadership    9. Radicalism    10. Religion - World Religions   

Reviews (12)

Not worth the money to buy or time to read
After reading two of the author's books Mohammad and Jesus; Islam and the Jews I find that the author is simply promoting anti-Islamic propaganda veiled by doubtful academic umbrella.
Only the Brave seek the Truth...
The author has a compelling testimony, having lived the "true life" of an exemplary muslim in a Islamic country. Very educated on what he writes about and is a man who was brave enough to question what seemed unjust despite the risk of losing his life. Be aware that many Muslims will write negative reviews about this book, please understand that they are taught not to question their holy book and take great offense in being exposed to the "darker side" of Islamic history. In fact, many "western" Muslims are friendly, peaceful people just trying to defend their beloved religion and who's Islamic education barely extends past the Quran, (There are many who have not even read it in its entirety). The Hadiths and documented Islamic history is not a part of the standard religious curriculum in the US. Despite what some have said on these boards, Dr. Gabriel is a reliable source having attended the most recognized Islamic academies and received his Phd from the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, the most prestigious Islamic University in the world. He went on to become a professor there, as well. He almost lost his life by questioning Islam, not just by the government but also by his own father. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enough of an open-mind to accept the challenge. It is a great read, you will not be able to put it down!

Timely
This is a very timely and relevant book for today, written by a man with an insider's perspective.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - General    4. Christianity and other religions    5. Comparative Religion    6. Controversial literature    7. Islam    8. Islam - General    9. Islam - Mohammad    10. Jesus Christ    11. Muhammad,    12. Prophet,    13. Relations    14. Religion    15. Religion - World Religions    16. d. 632   

Reviews (1)

Interesting
A fascinating book, in which the author argues that "religion" as a historical and political category was created in Europe, an interesting book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Christianity - General    3. Civilization, Christian    4. Civilization, Islamic    5. Comparative Religion    6. Religion    7. Religion - World Religions    8. Rushdie, Salman    9. Sociology    10. Anthropology    11. History of ideas, intellectual history    12. History of religion    13. Islam    14. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    15. Philosophy of religion   

Reviews (5)

Iran
This text book is great for someone who wants to learn about Islamic doctrines. The author of the book is mostly discussing Sunni sect and at some point referes to Shi'ite Muslim in Iran.
Admirable
Denny does a great job of explaining what can be a very complex topic.I used this as a textbook for a history course, but it is still very readable for personal enjoyment.It is clear that Denny is very passionate about his work.Although the book is not a chronological history of Islam, the knowledge gained from it is useful when trying to understand that type of study.

Mature Introduction to Islam
"An Introduction to Islam" by Frederick Denny, First edition in 1985, Second edition in 1994 (paperback ISBN 0-02-328519-2), 405 pgs.Although a medium-size paperback, a book actually worthy of being called a college-level textbook. Chapter 1: Early Civilizations: Egypt & Mesopotamia; 2: The Jews (10 pages); 3: Christianity (8 pages); 4: Pre-Islamic Arabia - Beliefs (10 pgs); 5: Muhammad and the Early Muslim Community (20 pages); The Arab Conquest (20 pages); 7: The Basic Beliefs and Worship Practices of Islam (40 pages); 8: The Nature and Function of the Quran - format, recitation, nature, interpretation, the Inimitability (15 pgs); 9: The Prophets' Sunna as Preserved in the Hadith (10 pgs); 10: Muslim Creeds and Theologies - the place of reason, Mutazilited, three Muslim creeds, Kalam, the challenge of philosophy (20 pgs); 11: Law and the State in classical Islamic Formulations - Shari'a, Fiqh, schools of law, political institutions (10 pgs); 12: Sufi Way of Mysticism - tariqa, al-Junayd & sober Sufism, antinomian, intoxicated al-Hallaj, al-Ghazali (20 pgs);13: Master and Disciples of Sufi orders - Shaykhs, Faqirs, Qadiri, Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, Mawlawis, Silsila, Dhikr, Sama, Ibn Arabi (15 pgs); 14: The Islamic Life Cyle and the Family - rites, ceremonies, customs, infancy, childhood, marriage, divorce, inheritance, property, interest, food, clothing, death rituals (20 pgs); 15: Ideals and realities of Islamic community life - the mosque, marketplace, public behavior, recreation, veneration of saints (20 pgs); 16: Islam in the Modern World - Wahhabis, Islam and nationalism (13 pgs), 17: Three forms of Islamic Revival - fundamentalism, feminism, the Umma in North America (10 pgs).Besides presenting Islamic views in the Middle East, it also covers the Far East, also.One of the more informative books of its era.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religion / General   

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. Islam - Law    4. Islamic law    5. Law    6. Religion - World Religions    7. To 1500    8. Law / General   

Editorial Review

It may surprise readers to discover that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, according to Read more

Reviews (84)

Put on your rose colored glasses
This would have been a competant, if not a rosy synopsis of Islam, if the author had stuck with religion and left the analysis of current events to someone with a better grasp of reality. For example, the last sentence outlining the Iranian revolution states that "life in Iran has settled down, and we see a healthy interplay of political forces, each using the ballot box to try and achieve its goals." This statement is divorced from reality. On Israel, Emerick opines that "hundreds of thousands of Arabs who remain today are still being oppressed by an Israeli government that routinely seizes people's homes and farms and engages in mass arrests and torture." Is he referring to the occupied territories or pre- 1967 borders? Can he substantiate his claim? I'm certain, however, that he can point out the excellent living conditions that Jews have had in Iran or other Moslem countries, where Jews had the unfortunate habit of residing.
Overly Pro-Islamic Slant Distorts an Otherwise Potentially Honest Effort
'The Complete Idiot's Guides' do an exceptional job of presenting controversial, over-hyped, and little-understood or misunderstood topics to light for the layman. I was surprised to find this Idiot's Guide replete with bias coming from an overly pro-Islamic slant. First of all, allow me to state a few things:
Yahiya Emerick's Books are always great and a pleasure to read

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Subjects:  1. General    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (4)

Beautiful
Although obviously intended for high school level, the text presents a great deal of fascinating historical information on the medeival Islamic world (even including the Bulgars, the Timurids, etc.), often rare to find elsewhere; it marks the inadequacy of Islamic studies in English that there are few scholarly books on Islamic history with the same breadth of scope. Although some statements concerning earlier Islamic history run counter to orthodox Muslim belief, the author is undoubtedly one of the best writers of Muslim history. The pictures and maps are also great.

lovely and impressive
Being a scholar of comparative religion but feeling lacking in my understanding of the general progress of Islam as a cultural (vice religious) phenomenon, I searched far and wide for a work on Islam akin to those of the Cultural Atlases series. Nicolle's work answered the mail admirably. The work is exceptionally well composed, indicative of a pleasing format and supporting browsing as well as research. Though the work cannot be called profound, factual information of considerable depth is nevertheless available to the targeted searcher. The book is admittedly weak on the theological underpinnings of the religion, though it nowhere claims to be an exploration of Islam as a religion per se: for such information, may I recommend Michael Jordan's handsome "Islam: An Illustrated History" (London: Carlton, 2002). I flatly disagree with those who claim that Ruthven's work is superior to Nicolle's: indeed, I found the former to be boring; superficial in its rigid obedience of the two-to-four-pages rule for every article; and, one might say, helter-skelter in its overall organization. While spelling errors in Nicolle (e.g., proselatize for proselytize) and typographical errors do not impress me, I shouldn't be too harsh, given that modern typesetting and typography for the consumption of the demanding twenty-first-century reader present such formidable challenges. (That, and a certain je ne sais quoi that probably deals with some intractable element of depth, justify my withholding of the fifth rating star.) Well done, Dr. Nicolle.

Masterpiece of illustrated history
This book is overflowing with beautiful maps, fascinating photos and insightful descriptions. I find Nicolle's Historical Atlas of the Islamic World to be one of the best introductions to the history of the Muslim world. The layout is astounding, and puts much pricier atlases, even the Oxford Atlas of World History, to shame.
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Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Atlases - Historical    4. Civilization    5. Historical geography    6. History    7. Islam - History    8. Islamic countries    9. Maps    10. Reference    11. History / World    12. Islam    13. Reference / Atlases   

Reviews (2)

Superb explanations about 4 traditional madhabs.
This book is a must read for those who think madhab is bida'ah and Wahabbism is the best Islamic way of life. Although this book does not touch Wahabbism in particular, but you can sense it.
Islamic Law to be lived
The main difference between this book and "Reliance of the Traveller" is simply their level of complexity and their purpose. The Reliance is an advanced reference book while the Maqasid is a manual for life to be learnt and lived. I believe that this book is much more important for the average person than the Reliance.
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Subjects:  1. Early works to 1800    2. Islam    3. Islam - Rituals & Practice    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions   

Subjects:  1. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    2. Classical Literature    3. Indo-Iranian Literature    4. Inspirational & Religious    5. Islam - Sufism    6. Middle Eastern    7. Poetry    8. Spirituality - General    9. Poetry / Middle Eastern   

Reviews (16)

Classic work about people subjugated under Islam
I think Andrew Bostom's review should have convinced you to read this book, and you should also read Dr. Bostom's The Legacy of Jihad, an in-depth, well-researched, scholarly tome, my favorite book on the subject.
Testmony from Jews about Islam
I think its not wise to refer to only one source here is one of the testmonies:
Does this society sound tolerant? I didn't think so.
Among the good ways to morally judge a society is in how it treats those without power. This can include, depending on the time and place, women, racial or ethnic minorities, religious minorities, children, prisoners, etc. How do a people behave towards those who actually have no means of resisting or issuing retribution for wrongdoing? In Islam and Dhimmitude, Bat Ye'or takes a lingering look at how Muslim societies (Arab in particular) have treated their religious minorities living under Muslim rules. Such unfortunate people are described by the word 'dhimmis', which means non-Muslims living under Muslim rule. Religious minorities, in other words (though in the early days dhimmis could easily be a numerical majority of the population). The results of such a set-up were usually appalling beyond compare.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Christianity - General    3. Dhimmis    4. Ethnic relations    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: World    8. Islam - General    9. Islamic Empire    10. Islamic countries    11. World - General    12. ASIA    13. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (25)

stan my man
There is no account of 7or 8 yrold in hadith or history of islam of such a thing, but let me explain; the legal age to have sex with anyone in Canada is 14 years or older(which was not the case with the prophet), this is due to advancement of science.
Response to Stan's review above
Please read this review in its entirety.People like "Stan my man" (see review above) represent the preverse, slanderous, stereotypical intellect that comes to the table already opinionated and delivers statements which are posed as questions.Firstly, in Islam, we cannot lie and we cannot admit any testimony or record which is untruthful. The hadith Stan is referring to concerns Ayesha, the Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.w) wife and is found in the hadith in Sahih Bukhari. Everything in Islam is documented in the Quran and the hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad authenticated through a system of strict parallel chains of verifiably truthful reporters).
finally puts modern Islam into perspective
With Islam such a hot topic these days, I've been looking for a history of the religion and not so much the ranting criticism or apology of it that one sees everywhere. Esposito gives such a history and once you see the history, the modern Islamic resurgent movements make a lot more sense. Esposito begins with Muhammad and the Koran and travels through Islamic history, the Caliphates, the Empires, the Declines, and the renewals. All very fascinating. Most importantly, one learns of the diversity of belief in Islam. And we thought Christianity was divided. It finally clarified the current day Sunni/Shii feuds for me.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. History of religion    7. Religion & Theology | Islam    8. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (4)

Islam and its Contrasting Contribution to Humanity
Seyyed Hossein Nasr concisely describes the rich diversity of the Islamic faith in the world.Nasr explains in plain English how the different Islamic communities came to life, spread and evolved over time (pg. 18 - 24).Nasr's journey through Islamic history usually shines through both its brevity and clarity (pg. 115-152).
An Excellent Historical Perspective of Islam
This book turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, a historical book on Islam.The author is an Islamic scholar, and his credentials impress me a little more than Karen Armstrong, though I hold no grudge against her.I wanted to get an inside, learned perspective on the religion itself, without the preaching, and that's exactly what this book offers.I highly recommend it. Just a taste of Nasr's insight....
Seyyed Hosseein Nasr is the most profound and eloquent spokesman of Islamic thought in the United States today. This book is a mere introduction into the ocean of his thought. The other reviewer is simply trying to peddle his own book.The George Washington University, where Dr. Nasr is a professor, organized a conference in 2001 honoring his unparalled contributions to Islamic studies.Check out the site, ....., if you would like to have a sense of the depth and breadth of Nasr's thought. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization, Islamic    2. Essence, genius, nature    3. History    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islamic civilization    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (2)

NOT JUST FOR SUFI'S!
I first read this book a few years ago and still find myself going back for the wisdom found in the teaching-stories. This is MUCH BETTER than any of Idries Shah's stuff. These stories helped me find a real spiritual path after many years as a wayward seeker. Muslims as well Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc., could find much in this treasure of stories.

An amazing journey for ANYONE who is spiritual
Personally, I was drawn to this book for a number of reasons.I am a follower of Islam and was interested in sampling an alternative "emotional" and mystical approach to the cultivation and maintainence of spirituality.The book seemed to be brief yet captivating, so I checked it out from my local library.After having read the book, I can honestly say that I wish that it had lasted longer!I have read and even enjoyed many books written by Sufi mystics, but this book seemed to me to be a well into which I was further and further drawn,not only by Ozak's style and charisma, but the inherent logic that I personally percieved in his approach to Islam and for that matter any type of spirituality.His didactic, story- based teaching style reflects thousands of years of a tradition that was available to only a few.I feel fortunate that Ozak was one of the few Sufi Masters who shared his reasoning and humanity with us.This book was sublime (as it draws upon the Wise teachings of the Quran and our Prophet Mohammed), yet oriented for less than perfect humans who are struggling daily to maintain sprituality.I highly reccommend it to anyone interested in logic, philosophy, etc., as brainfood.Happy Digestion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. General    3. Healing - General    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Miscellanea    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Sufism    9. Islam    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Mysticism   

Reviews (2)

Global democracy
I went to the eye doctor years ago and told him I had problem with my right eye. He began to look at my left eye. I said to him . . . no that is not the one giving me the problem. The eye doctor became frustrated and said to me "How can I possibly know what is wrong with your right eye without looking at both . . . do you not understand that they are connected."
Good account of Iran
I have read many books on Iran. I liked this one. It is readable and very insightful. There are many new facts in it, and it interprets Iran's history from a new perspective and at times with views that are different from those commonly held. I found it to be balanced, and when it comes to democracy to provide a deep and historical view that goes beyond simple answers in media today. I recommend to anyone who wants to understand Iran. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Democracy    3. History - General History    4. Iran    5. Islam - General    6. Middle East - Iran    7. Political Ideologies - Democracy    8. Political Science    9. Politics and government    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history    12. Political ideologies    13. Political structures: democracy    14. Religion & Theology | Islam    15. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (2)

property and justice
Social Justice and Islam confounds many prevalent prejudices about both Sayyid Qutb and Islam.The book, written after Qutb's sojourn in the United States, contains a sharp critique of sexual harassment and the commodification of women. The book explores the political implications of the Muslim practice of zakat.Zakat is ordinarily viewed as a form of charity, a type of alms for the poor.Qutb argues that zakat, properly understood, provides a means for rectifying the imbalances and momentary instabilities of the market while preserving private property and commerce; enables the protection and just distribution of common goods, and provides both principles and practices that secure social welfare without breeding dependency or diminishing human dignity.The most illuminating aspect of the book is the recognition of the importance of human dignity to economic justice and political order.Qutb is of interest not only to Muslims but to anyone interested in political economy.

Extreme Intolerance & Poor Scholarship
Qutb's book is a study in cultural chauvinism, filled with denigration of foreign cultures and religions. In a clash between tradition and modern, Qutb seeks refuge in reactionary rejection of the present and fantasies of some Golden Age that probably never was. He retreats to radical interpretations of the Quran, which he claims are the "original" ones, but which contradict the Quran itself. The Quran calls Jews and Christians, "People of the book". Qutb calls the 'jahili', barbarians. The Quran has five pillars: daily statement, daily prayer, Hajj, Ramadan, charity. Qutb replaces these with his favoirte, "jihad". Mohammed himself calls battle jihad "the small jihad", and prefers the "big jihad" of overcoming ones self. Qutb ignores this totally. So essentially, Qutb replaces the Quran with his own distorted reading of it, based on culture shock and bigotry, and has the audacity to call his own extremists views the "true" Islam. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Islam - Law    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Social Science    6. Sociology of Religion   

Reviews (42)

Informative and intelligent
Yes, I did read this book and enjoyed it purely from a historical standpoint.No, I did not bring any preconceived notions of which side is right in the genocide argument.I don't really care.In reading the comments by others (do read them for a laugh), one reviewer was correct when he/she pointed out that most who write reviews on this subject matter likely haven't read it to begin with.I agree that the world is quite a different place from 90 years ago.The question that people should ask one another is:Are we going to learn from this or repeat the same mistakes?Read this book, and I would suggest "The Armenian Massacres in Ottoman Turkey:A Disputed Genocide".Both are well-written and free of the diarrheal propaganda that flows on the subject and prevents intelligent analysis/discussion.Again, view some of the other reviews and you'll get the idea.The Armenian Diaspora attempts to label anything that goes against their viewpoints as "denialist", and to prevent any analysis that might destabilize their position.I have go