Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 448 pages
- Published by: Alpha
- Edition: 2nd Edition November 2, 2004
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1592572723
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1592572724
-
Book Dimensions:
9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
- Weighs: 1.5 pounds
Product Review
It may surprise readers to discover that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, according to
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam. "However, even more eye-opening is the fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America," writes author Yahiya Emerick (
How to Tell Others About Islam). Paradoxically, Islam is also one of the most misunderstood and maligned religions in North America. Fortunately, Emerick has written a viable antidote to the widespread confusion and ignorance. Using the
Idiot's Guide's formula of questions and answers, sidebars, and small, easy-to-digest essays, Emerick makes Islam accessible to anyone who is inclined to learn more about this influential religion. Readers have much to glean from this comprehensive and balanced guidebook--primarily that Islam is a prayerful, peace-loving religion that has been misused in the name of terror, just as Hitler and other extremists have misused Christianity throughout history. Emerick devotes an entire section to "Looking at Women in Islam," in which readers can sort through even more misconceptions. The
Idiot's Guide title belies the integrity of the book, which is an important contribution for our times.
--Gail Hudson
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product 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), looks at 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.
• great 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
Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam (The Complete Idiot's Guide) (Paperback)
As a recovering Protestant turned inquiring skeptic of all religions, I've been looking for books that offer a fair and balanced view of various religions. I'm not so much interested in the warm and fuzzy details, just the cut and dry whys and whats behind various beliefs and practices. Let me just state up front that I am not especially against Islam -- or any other religion. I have issues with them all. Also, my last two long term committed relationships were with Muslim raised women. I bought the book, in part, to help fill in a few blanks. Unfortunately, the author is blatantly biased in favor of Islam and glosses over certain details and, at times, outright lies or omits contradictory information. The author points out that the Muslim World was invaded during the Crusades. Fair enough. But then nothing is mentioned about the Muslim invasions of Christian areas. In a race to come off as pro-American and patriotic post 9-11, the author addresses the US policy and actions against Iraq in a blatantly ignorant fashion that few Arabs or Muslims would agree with. As an expert on the US policy on Iraq, I can say without doubt that there is little support for the sanctions which kill innocent civilians and, in fact, HELP Saddam Hussein. But to read this book you'd think that all Muslims and Arabs were gung ho for the US policy. The whole section on Iraq is complete nonsense, devoid of any important background information. (For a good explanation for both the US policies in the Middle East and the atrocities committed by Arab states I strongly recommend Said Aburish's book, Brutal Friendship. His book on Saddam Hussein is also very good.) What is particularly annoying to me is the author's emphasis on supposed equality between men and women in Islam. Listen, if you want to believe something, believe in your own terms. It's as if the author is trying to superimpose western ideals over a system that is blatantly sexist. For example, the author explains that the reason that women pray in the back of mosques is so that the men won't be distracted. This is the same reason given for the variations of the head covering. And then the author has the audacity to say that this is "equal" treatment! Obviously, many western women face unwanted sexual advances. However, regardless of whether you're in the US or in a Muslim country the same truth prevails: It is the responsibility of the MEN to behave themselves. Saying that a woman must cover herself or that she must hide in the back of a mosque is not "equality." It's the punishment of women for the failure of men to control themselves. This author, without a doubt, has no clue as to what gender equality really means. On the positive side, I gave this book two stars instead of one because there is some basic info provided that will help non-Muslims better understand certain things. Basic vocabulary and brief histories of various Islamic people and events are all provided. Overall, this book reads like a religious tract that you might find left on your doorstep by people you'd wish would just leave you alone. I want to emphasize that I would say the same thing about a book that discussed ANY relgion in this manner. It makes me wonder if the Complete Idiot's Guide(R) series approaches Christianity, Judaism and other religions in the same way. For example, do they defend the Catholic practice of excluding women from leadership positions and then say they support "equality"? Do they accept without question the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands? And so on. If that's the case, I plan to avoid the entire series! If you want to learn about religion without feeling like the author is trying to convert you, without feeling like you're being manipulated, then I recommend that you look elsewhere.
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