Islam Today

Abstract

As we approach the end of this alarming century there is a quiet sense of urgencythat the West come to understand the Muslim world. Although these ancient rivalshave clashed for over a thousand years - politically, intellectually, culturally, andsocially - it is not so much in the field of battle wherein has lain the danger butin the world of ideas. A vitriolic polemic, begun with the advent of the ProphetMuhammad, plays itself out today in images of book burning fanatics, darklyveiled women and unstable nations willing to go to war on the mere whisper of theword jihad. This has been a history of disinformation and stereotypes that hasserved a single purpose: war - ooly this time the stakes are far higher. Propagandathat was once concerned with moral licentiousness and sexual fantasy has largelybeen replaced with one of violence and modem weapons, and the capitalist natureof wealth accumulation. The world is overshadowed by a battle for its resourcesthat threatens to develop into an all-out war. In light of this and the sizeable numberof Muslims living in the West, it is imperative that the climate of fear be diffusedand a forum for dialogue and understanding initiated. While the media tirelessly labors to define East-West relations in its own terms, professor AkbarAhmed has written a book that endeavors to promote a deep understanding, bowledgeand respect for Islam - its history, peoples, and achievements. In so doing,he opens new, more interactive, and peaceful parameters for a debate that arguesthat the differences between the two civilizations are far outweighed by their deeperand more permanent value systems.The book is a logically structured analysis, concisely written and easy to read.The author examines the basic features of Islam, the Qur’an and the Prophet towhom it was revealed; the history of the golden age of Islam when its empires werethe superpowers of their day providing stability and order and generating greatarchitecture, art and science; issues of modernity, democracy, and identity, includingthe core unit of Muslim society, the family; the reality of Muslims living innon-Muslim countries and the problems and issues they face; and finally, thepower and strength of Western media as well as the technological developmentsthat challenge traditional Islamic values and beliefs. Being a thorough and completeshrdy of the Islamic faith and its people, the book does not attempt to hidesome of the harsher realities, such as corrupt leaders and dishonest individualswho, by violating Islamic laws and customs, can no longer be considered as behavingaccording to the principles of Islam, and should therefore not be confused inthe West as representatives or followers of the faith ...