Amana, a well-traveled and well-spoken layman, demystifies Islam.
In this passionate book, the author views Islam through non-Muslim eyes to debunk myths and cross over racial, religious and cultural stereotypes. He explains the history of Islam, through Muhammad’s revelation, the reception and compiling of the Quran and the spread of Islam while exploring current-day events involving Islam’s interactions with Western ideas, politics and practices. Each chapter begins with a particular misconception—that Islam universally endorses beating women, for instance, or that it is inherently anti-Christian—and unpacks this idea through intellectual, theological, political and personal reflection. While he is essentially a layperson academically and religiously, Amana has clearly done his homework. Numerous authoritative, well-cited sources back up the claims he makes, and he includes a hefty reading list to encourage further study. Several appendices provide an overview of the Quran, English translations of certain passages, a chronology and questions for discussion. His argument is enhanced by his lack of academic affiliation; rather than seeking to further an institutional or intellectual agenda, he is a Muslim who genuinely cares about sharing the beauty of his faith with others. His enthusiasm and thoughtfulness shine through in his lucid, gentle prose; he has no ulterior motives other than bridging a gap in understanding that has been revealed by his world travels. Additionally, a brief but thorough SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of Islam provides an interesting frame for both Muslims and non-Muslims to consider how all sides can address and rectify stereotypes and misunderstandings. An eye-opening, inspiring read for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2011
ISBN: 9781463701123
Page Count: 293
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2012
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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