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 (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 (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

Malcolm X's searing memoir belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist, the continued relevance of his militant analysis of white racism, and his emphasis on self-respect and self-help for African Americans. And there's the vividness with which he depicts black popular culture--try as he might to criticize those lindy hops at Boston's Roseland dance hall from the perspective of his Muslim faith, he can't help but make them sound pretty wonderful. These are but a few examples. Read more

Reviews (265)

eye opener
Mike Young obviously did not read the book.I read it 3 times and it changed my life forever.The book clearly states that it is the autobiography of Malcolm X AS TOLD to Alex Haley and if you had read the book yourself you would realize that Malcolm was simply telling the story to Alex Haley.He was too busy to sit down and write the book himself and predicted his own murder in the last pages.Maybe you, Mike Young, should take on the challenge of being a thinking human being and read it on your own with an objective mind and then come back and tell us your real thoughts.

People Can Change!
Simply, one of the most amazing stories of change ever told in the English language - and still one of the most mis-understood men in the 20th century.

A tribute to Black Manhood
Some books can change your perception, but only a few can wipe out age-old assumptions, and force you to rethink everything you thought you knew. The question of RACE is at the heart of the American society, and in this book, not only African-Americans, but Americans of all colors, black, white, red and yellow, will find themselves reassessing what racism entails, for Malcolm X life, is a poignant testimony of the black man's struggle against both individual and institutional racism.
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Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Black Muslims    7. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    8. Islam - General    9. People of Color    10. Political    11. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    12. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color    13. Biography: political    14. Black studies    15. USA   

Editorial Review

Geraldine Brooks spent two years as a Middle East news correspondent, covering the death of Khomeini and the like. She also learned a lot about what it's like for Islamic women today.Brooks' book is exceedingly well-done--she knows her Islamic lore and traces the origins of today's practices back to Mohammed's time. Personable and very readable, Brooks takes us through the women's back door entrance of the Middle East for an unusual and provocative view. ... Read more

Reviews (129)

Disappointing rehash
I guess it is a good market now for anything about Islam. This is all old news, looks like reworked columns. Not insightful, not fresh, just tired old stuff mainly about middle to upper class women. Save your money.

Slightly dated but still very informative book
Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks details, as the subtitle says, the HIdden World of Islamic Women.Brooks is an Australian reporter who spent the late 80s and early 90s doing a lot of Middle East reporting, and spent a lot of time with Muslim women in various Middle Eastern countries at a time when fundamentalism was on the rise and had already triumphed in a few countries.She spoke with women who embraced a return to traditional women's roles (often symbolized by taking on the veil or chador or otherwise covering oneself and turning away from Western fashion and styles) and those who resisted it in countries like Egypt and Lebanon, which had had a more liberated tradition, and those trying to negotiate for greater liberalism for the first time in areas like Saudi Arabia and the gulf states. A Peek Under The Veil
What a wonderful read!I love all of Brooks' book, but I think this is the best by far!She takes the reader into a forbidden world.What a journey! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Islam - General    4. Middle East    5. Muslim women    6. Muslims    7. Social Science    8. Social conditions    9. Sociology    10. Women    11. Women in the Koran    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Islamic studies    14. Social Science / Women's Studies    15. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. 1990-    2. History    3. Islam    4. Islam - History    5. Lebanon    6. National liberation movements    7. Political    8. Political Doctrines    9. Political parties    10. Politics and government    11. Religion    12. Religion - World Religions    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    14. Political Science / General    15. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / Terrorism    16. Revolutions & coups   

Reviews (122)

All you need to know about this book...
This is one of the books Ann Coulter lists on her website under the link "Reading for Right-Wingers".
One of the best intro books on the subject!
One of the best! You cannot go wrong reading this as an intro to Islam. Truly an insiders look. A must read for everyone who loves freedom!

Jesus Loves You, Muhammad Doesn't. End of Argument!
When I first learned about their book "unveiling Islam", it surprised me, not because it was promoted as a methodological and balanced attempt to compare the Islam and Christianity from a textual perspective, but because it was done by authors who described themselves as Ex-Muslims.I expected evidence based insider comparison on the superiority of the Christian faith to its Muslim counterpart.It took me twenty pages to learn the book was nothing but another sensational attempt to score a timely hit in church propaganda.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity and other religio    3. Christianity and other religions    4. Comparative Religion    5. Controversial literature    6. Islam    7. Islam - General    8. Islamic Studies    9. Relations    10. Religion    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Religion / General    13. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (15)

The twisted mind of the jihadist
Mary Habek avoids polemics and sticks to pedagogy in this precise account of the nature and history of radical Islam's ideology.The title is somewhat sensational, but the text is not inflammatory.This is expository writing at its best.Habek knows just how much detail to include to explain her subject without fatiguing her readers.
Lucid Writing on a Murky Subject
Reading the Koran sheds little light on what drives Islamists. The key to understanding them lies in the Koranic interpretations of certain influential scholars.