An Intelligent Person's Guide to Understanding Islam and Muslims


Book Description

An Intelligent Person's Guide to Understanding Islām and Muslims is a multidisciplinary study of Islam as it is lived and experienced by Muslims, presenting an alternative way of seeing Islam that dispels the myths popularized by such works as The Crisis of Islam, The Closing of the Muslim Mind and other attempts that leap from theory to practice without taking real-world Muslims into account.




Demystifying Islam


Book Description

Brimming with references and up-to-date statistics, this edition allows the reader to quickly and intelligently become familiar with the precepts upon which Islam stands, and to decide whether what is presented by the media is representative or biased. (World Religions)




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, 2nd Edition


Book Description

An up-close and up-to-date look at an often misunderstood faith This completely revised and updated guide explores the tenets of the Qu’ran (a.k.a. Koran), examines the history of the religion and its relationship to Christianity and Judaism, and features an expanded section on the true story behind “jihad.” It explores Islamic views on war and terrorism, including the Muslim perspective on the tragic events of September 11, and the subsequent U.S. presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq. • Excellent sales for the first edition • Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, with more than six million devoted followers • Features an expanded section on women in Islam, including their status within the Taliban, and the Islamic practice of polygamy




Understanding Islam


Book Description

"Islam confronts what is immutable in God with what is permanent in man".




Islam, Arabs, and the Intelligent World of the Jinn


Book Description

According to the Qur’an, God created two parallel species, man and the jinn, the former from clay and the latter from fire. Beliefs regarding the jinn are deeply integrated into Muslim culture and religion, and have a constant presence in legends, myths, poetry, and literature. In Islam, Arabs, and the Intelligent World of the Jinn, Amira El-Zein explores the integral role these mythological figures play, revealing that the concept of jinn is fundamental to understanding Muslim culture and tradition.




Spiritual Gems of Islam


Book Description

Refine your heart and mind with the wisdom of Islamic spirituality "To live a meaningful life--one that brings us joy, contentment and fulfillment--we have to do the inner spiritual work of becoming a more complete human being." --from the Introduction Over the centuries, Islamic sages have gleaned timeless spiritual insights and practices from sacred texts, meditation and knowledge of the heart--gems that have been passed down from generation to generation. This book invites you--no matter what your practice may be--to access the treasure chest of Islamic spirituality, particularly Sufism, and use its wealth to strengthen your own journey. The riches include guidance drawn from the Qur'an, sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets such as the thirteenth-century Rumi on cultivating awareness, intentionality and compassion for self and others. This book also features entertaining wisdom teaching stories, especially those of Mulla Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil, to expand the mind and heart. It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, you will find these gems worthy additions to your own treasure chest within.




Islam and the Future of Tolerance


Book Description

“A civil but honest dialogue...As illuminating as it is fascinating.” —Ayaan Hirsi Ali Is Islam a religion of peace or war? Is it amenable to reform? Why do so many Muslims seem to be drawn to extremism? And what do words like jihadism and fundamentalism really mean? In a world riven by misunderstanding and violence, Sam Harris—a famous atheist—and Maajid Nawaz—a former radical—demonstrate how two people with very different religious views can find common ground and invite you to join in an urgently needed conversation. “How refreshing to read an honest yet affectionate exchange between the Islamist-turned-liberal-Muslim Maajid Nawaz and the neuroscientist who advocates mindful atheism, Sam Harris...Their back-and-forth clarifies multiple confusions that plague the public conversation about Islam.” —Irshad Manji, New York Times Book Review “It is sadly uncommon, in any era, to find dialogue based on facts and reason—but even more rarely are Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals able to maintain critical distance on broad questions about Islam. Which makes Islam and the Future of Tolerance something of a unicorn...Most conversations about religion are marked by the inability of either side to listen, but here, at last, is a proper debate.” —New Statesman




A Thinking Person’s Guide to Our Times


Book Description

The present book aims to take on this challenge by looking at the major problems from these various aspects, as just mentioned. Obviously, one short book can hardly address all these problems and suggest solutions without certain simplifications and potentially controversial assertions. Nevertheless, it can hope to present a systematic analysis and suggested prognosis based on a coherent philosophy. As indicated above, nothing is more needed in our times, and second to spiritual weakening, the greatest problem of all facing the Islamic World (and indeed the whole world) is lack of understanding of the true natures and essences of things. This book examines ‘our times’ from an Islamic philosophical worldview, looking at the problems facing the Islamic World in the near past, present and future respectively in three mutually complementary parts. At the end of each part, it suggests holistic and easily applied remedies to the problems it examines. In other words (and for those who enjoy sonorous German and Greek philosophical terms) it examines the Zeitgeist from the Weltanschauung of Islam and suggests panaceas. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad has written a number of books and guides for thinking people, and this small but potent work before you sums up many of his most keen and cogent insights and conclusions; for that reason, this may be his most impactful and motivational work to date.




Islam and Evolution


Book Description

This book attempts to equip the reader with a holistic and accessible account of Islam and evolution. It guides the reader through the different variables that have played a part in the ongoing dialogue between Muslim creationists and evolutionists. This work views the discussion through the lens of al-Ghazālī (1058-1111), a widely-known and well-respected Islamic intellectual from the medieval period. By understanding al-Ghazālī as an Ash’arite theologian, a particular strand of Sunni theology, his metaphysical and hermeneutic ideas are taken to explore if and how much Neo-Darwinian evolution can be accepted. It is shown that his ideas can be used to reach an alignment between Islam and Neo-Darwinian evolution. This book offers a detailed examination that seeks to offer clarity if not agreement in the midst of an intense intellectual conflict and polarity amongst Muslims. As such, it will be of great interest to scholars of Science and Religion, Theology, Philosophy of Religion, Islamic Studies, and Religious Studies more generally. *Winner of the International Society for Science & Religion (ISSR) book prize 2022 (academic category)*




What Would a Muslim Say


Book Description

With Dialogue Comes UNDERSTANDING There are many books that teach Islam, preach it, criticize it, or academically explain it. The focus of this book is different. This book is a compilation of actual conversation transcripts, showcasing everyday people asking real questions and getting real answers about Islam. Why This Book is SPECIAL What Would a Muslim Say is a series of books documenting my experiences as an interfaith volunteer. Ever since 2009, I have facilitated dialogue with many different people, answering questions about Islam and addressing misconceptions. This is the first book in the series. My hope is that this can be a small step towards better understanding and harmony. The conversations in these books are real. Some are curious, some are concerned, some are hostile, some are academic, and some are soul-searching. The purpose of this book is to share these kinds of conversations with people who might otherwise not have the opportunity to speak to a Muslim about Islam. Why These Books Matter NOW These are timely books. There are many questions, fears, and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. These books can answer questions, build bridges, and promote understanding. You can find more samples of the author's work --plus free presentations, lecture notes, and resource guides-- at www.WhatWouldAMuslimSay.net