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Leading authorities discuss the past, present and future of Islam.
Islam, the least understood of the world's great religions, is
balanced on a precipice between the past and the future, between
fanatical fundamentalists and progressives advocating peace. Noted
Islamic authority Michael Wolfe moderates 35 expert speakers,
writers and leaders, including Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and Karen
Armstrong, the best-selling author of A History of God and Islam.
They discuss the future of Islam, tear down false stereotypes,
review the historical realities that have shaped the religion, and
examine paradoxes and schisms within the faith.
At a time when every Muslim is forced to defend his faith and
Americans are curious about Islam's basic tenets, this book answers
many questions at the same time that it ponders both the danger and
promise of the future.
Michael Wolfe is a columnist for Beliefnet and the author of books
of poetry, fiction, history, and travel, including "The Hadj: An
American's Pilgrimage to Mecca" and "One Thousand Roads to Mecca."
A Muslim, Wolfe lives in California.
Beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com) is the leading multifaith internet
site and media company for religion, spirituality, and inspiration.
In 2002, Beliefnet won the Webby Award for Best Spirituality Site
and was a finalist for the National Magazine Award for General
Excellence Online. "Taking Back Islam" is Beliefnet's third book in
partnership with Rodale.
Winner of the Wilbur Award for Best Religion Book
In the months after September 11th, American Muslims heard the
familiar sounds of Islam being defined by others. On television,
from the Capitol, from the pulpit, in the classroom, and worst of
all, on videotapes from Osama bin Laden's cave, commentators,
politicians, scholars, and wealthy terrorists were telling Muslims
the "real meaning" of Islam.
Western Muslims knew something had to be done or Islam might be
tarnished, even corrupted. In the past year, they have often
gathered informally to discuss the past, the present, and how
things ought to be. In that spirit, "Taking Back Islam" is a bold
collection of voices in the vanguard of the faith. The essays in
this book are the work of men and women who remain devout and
utterly convinced of Islam's power to help create a just, ordered,
and beautiful world--and who are also unafraid to be critical of
those who would distort Islam for violent or political ends. Many
of these writers are American Muslims who benefit from a commitment
to democratic pluralism as well as a commitment to Islam.
"I believe in Allah and America," writes Arsalan Tariq Iftikar.
"The Qur'an has a radical message of tolerance," says Kabir
Helminski. "American Muslims have a special obligation," according
to Ingrid Mattson. "Many Muslims suspect that Islam's 'traditional
lands' have less to teach us than they claim," writes Michael
Wolfe.
The unique nature and strength of these voices, fueled by a strong
desire to tap the best traditions within Islam, offer hope for
rescuing a faith that has been injured from within by extremists
and demonized from without by Western culture and media. Winner of
the Wilbur Award for Best Religion Book "This intelligent,
thoughtful collection of writings from dozens of contributors is
the thinking person's guide to Islam in a post-9/11 America. It is
only fitting that a major world religion be represented by multiple
voices. Wolfe gathers excerpts from postings to the Beliefnet Web
site, as well as brief essays from established authorities such as
Karen Armstrong, practitioners like Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), and
new voices such as Asma Hasan and Aasma Khan . . . The book works
well for both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. It is both an
exploration of contemporary Islam (Has it been hijacked by
extremists? Is it violent? Can Islamic states be democratic?) and a
call for Muslims to reclaim their faith by mobilizing the moderate,
seemingly silent, majority . . . An eye-opening survey of the minds
and passions of progressive Muslims in the United States that]
offers hope for greater interfaith understanding."--"Publishers
Weekly"
"This intelligent, thoughtful collection of writings from dozens
of contributors is the thinking person's guide to Islam in a
post-9/11 America. It is only fitting that a major world religion
be represented by multiple voices. Wolfe gathers excerpts from
postings to the Beliefnet Web site, as well as brief essays from
established authorities such as Karen Armstrong, practitioners like
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), and new voices such as Asma Hasan and
Aasma Khan. Some writers describe specific organizations they have
founded to foster interfaith communication and human rights. With
only a few exceptions, they do not write as apologists, but
willingly grapple with the complexities and paradoxes of Islam. The
book works well for both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. It is both
an exploration of contemporary Islam (Has it been hijacked by
extremists? Is it violent? Can Islamic states be democratic?) and a
call for Muslims to reclaim their faith by mobilizing the moderate,
seemingly silent, majority. There are also short personal essays
about various aspects of Muslim life (art, humor, conversion,
pilgrimage, and more) that stand as small windows into daily
practice. These American Muslims and Islamic scholars are devoted
to the faith, but passionate about finding ways for Islam to divest
itself of its associations with violent terrorism and sexism . . .
An eye-opening survey of the minds and passions of progressive
Muslims in the United States that] offers hope for greater
interfaith understanding."--"Publishers Weekly"
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