Books on Religion
The Revealer asked about books on religion. The list, and conversation, is really interesting. Post more there and/or here.
Category: Books
On “Why I am a Muslim”
A friend of mine wanted to know what I thought of Asma Gull Hasan’s Why I Am a Muslim. I was honest and said I hadn’t read it. While I enjoyed her first book – American Muslims – as an individual and personal voice of being Muslim and American, it did have some factual inaccuracies that I thought weakened it. However, I believe her misperceptions and misunderstandings are common enough in the Muslim community that she can’t be faulted for them. In addition, her first book was her personal experience, not a description of the Muslim American community. I did…
PATRIOT Act refused. A truly patriotic act.
According to the American Street, there’s a library out in Washington that’s standing up to the Patriot Act. Drop them a line and say “thanks,” and if you’re capable, drop them a couple of bucks as well.
On Edward Said
I found this piece on his love of music a lovely read. It really helps put a human face on the man behind one of the most important intellectual ideas of the 20th century.
Quote on American Islam
Abdul Rauf, Feisal. What’s Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West.
A Good Essay
Unfortunately, the monography Islamic History as Global History by Richard Eaton seems to be out of print. However, if you can get a used copy, I highly recommend it a good, short (46 pages) introduction to Islamic civilizations as part of global historical processes. While not a true introduction to Islam, it is not meant for a specialized reading audience either. Two passages that leapt out at me are below. Thanks to miamvi for the introduction.
Next on the Reading List: Good Muslim, Bad Muslim
A review of the book by an Indian academic can be found here. The book can be purchased here.
Reading List: Women
Islam, Gender and Social Change Women and Gender is Islam Islam and Gender The Tao of Islam Windows of Faith “Believing Women” in Islam Qur’an and Women My Soul is a Woman Women in the Medieval Islamic World Women of Sufism The Scimitar and the Veil Daughters of Abraham Western Representations of the Muslim Woman Video: Adventure Divas: Iran: Behind Closed Cha-dors (PBS link)