bookssheread's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
2.25
This book started as a solid 4, but as it went on it just deteriorated.
The first issue I had with it was the vocabulary, it was excessively difficult if we judge it from the perspective of a standard English speaking individual. The use of harder vocabulary seemed unnecessary at multiple points.
The second issue was that it had a heavy focus on delving into the history of things. The geographical history particularly was far too extensive.
Then I also found it annoying how there was a constant comparison of Islam against the West, it gave a religious book an unnecessary political undertone and eventhough this book seemed to want to encourage mutual understanding, I felt that there was a clear intention of demonising the West and secularism at several points.
Lastly I felt that as it seemed that this book aimed to clear out misconceptions people hold against Islam, the book really avoided alot of important topics that Muslims are criticised for. Such as Muslim terrorist organisations, women's rights and the reality of minorities in Islamic countries. The author would state how things are supposed to be according to Islam, accepted that these things aren't done in most Muslim countries and as if to defend these countries would go on to try to prove how the West is worse than said countries.
To some extent perhaps this book was just not the one for me. But it definitely has some gaping flaws that get excessively annoying as we continue to read it.
The first issue I had with it was the vocabulary, it was excessively difficult if we judge it from the perspective of a standard English speaking individual. The use of harder vocabulary seemed unnecessary at multiple points.
The second issue was that it had a heavy focus on delving into the history of things. The geographical history particularly was far too extensive.
Then I also found it annoying how there was a constant comparison of Islam against the West, it gave a religious book an unnecessary political undertone and eventhough this book seemed to want to encourage mutual understanding, I felt that there was a clear intention of demonising the West and secularism at several points.
Lastly I felt that as it seemed that this book aimed to clear out misconceptions people hold against Islam, the book really avoided alot of important topics that Muslims are criticised for. Such as Muslim terrorist organisations, women's rights and the reality of minorities in Islamic countries. The author would state how things are supposed to be according to Islam, accepted that these things aren't done in most Muslim countries and as if to defend these countries would go on to try to prove how the West is worse than said countries.
To some extent perhaps this book was just not the one for me. But it definitely has some gaping flaws that get excessively annoying as we continue to read it.
tonxtoni's review against another edition
3.0
Watch out for landmines of wrong facts. If you're godless, you're in for a judgment. All in all could be much better, it had a promising start. 2,5/5
teelight's review
4.0
This is a very clear insightful look at Islam. There are sections that feel a bit like they repeat themselves, but for the most part it reads very well. I don't think I would recommend this one as a good introduction to Islam simply because it delves into so many things that it might be a bit much for a first blush into the religion. But if you are already familiar and you want to learn more this is a very good book.
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