Oil & Water: Two Faiths: One God

by Amir Hussain

Listen to any news broadcast today and the message comes through loud and Islam is a religion of violence and behind every Muslim there lurks a potential terrorist. Islam is a threat to values of the Christian West. They are like oil and water. Clearly, they don't mix. Oil & Two Faiths One God confronts these popular perceptions head-on. With keen insight and gentle understanding, it explores the differences between Christianity and Islam, as well as the many things these two enduring faith traditions hold in common - including, first and foremost, their belief in and desire to be faithful to the one, true God; their shared roots and scripture (from the Jewish faith); and the spiritual values of peace and social justice. Written for Christians by Muslim world-religions scholar Amir Hussain, the book is divided into two parts. Part 1, provides an overview of the Islamic faith and of the lives of Muslims in North America today. Chapters focus on the place and identity of Muslims in society, as well as on the importance and role of Muhammad, the Qur'an, and basic beliefs and practices (The Five Pillars of Islam). Having provided a foundation for understanding, the book moves on, in Part 2, to explore key points for dialogue today, including issues of violence and jihad, the roles of women and men, and the mystical tradition within Islam. The final two chapters look at interfaith dialogue and the practical aspects of being good "neighbours." In all of this, the book invites the reader to a place of reconciliation, to a place where the truth and value of each of these great faith traditions can be recognized and honoured by the other. In the end, the metaphor of oil and water is an interesting one for the reality of conflict and the hope for reconciliation between Islam and Christianity today.

Genres: Religion, Islam, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2006

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, but not quite what I expected. The author addressed violence in Islam & Christianity, but made an excuse of every example he gave of violence in historical Islam (he did not do this for present day violence or terrorism) while admonishing Christians for their violence. Most of the book was informative and insightful, but the author is clearly defending Islam, rather than informing about, to the readers. I don't think the audience reading the book is as unappreciative or hateful towards Islam as Hussain assumes.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book -people of any faith background that is interested (or not that interested) in knowing about Islam and wanting to break down stereotypes, this is the book! It gives some background on the religion, some history, but also a lot of important modern issues and topics that are very significant. Our religion is a big part of what shapes us, and therefore, what shapes our world. This book is a good start to getting appreciative knowledge of Islam and to begin building bridges with Muslims (particularly as Christians but someone of any faith can get a lot out of this book). It is a wonderful book with very important information and helpful tools to improving interfaith dialogue and relationships, and ultimately to making our world a better place.

[forky wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, a nice overview of Islam in the West.

[Kyle]

As others have said, the audience for this book is mainly North American Christians; Hussain makes this quite clear. The book serves it's purpose, which is mainly to act as a primer on Islam, and confront the most popular conceptions/misconceptions in (Western) society. Having only a very brief introduction to Islam during my time in High School, I found this was a good place to pick up my learning, and gain a fresh perspective on Islam.

It is relatively short, reads nicely, and covered the topics I expected (mostly violence in Islam and treatment of women, though other topics are certainly addressed as well). It should be noted that Hussain, himself, is a Muslim, and presents his own defense or ideas on these topics, but (as far as I have read) makes the distinction between text and opinion quite clear. Something to take into consideration, but not an inherently good or bad critique, for certain.

I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in Islam and it's current conflict with the Western World(America in particular), and wants to learn more about the controversy surrounding beliefs and practices. For those looking for more detailed historical information or a deeper textual analysis of the Qur'an, you will not find such here, and should look elsewhere; Hussain includes such information, but it is very minimal, as it should be (considering the book's purpose and audience).

This book will not answer all of your questions; but it makes for a good place to begin finding answers.

[Andrei-Catalin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book to have if you want to understand the essentials of Islam. It is a bit one-sided, asking at times for Christians to try ''a better religion'' yet the information you will find in there is something you might not expect.

[Ahinhal]

This is a good read for all those who owe a modicum of knowledge regarding the oil and water. and the idea Does the argument of God hold any water

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read.

[Mercurybard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that functions as a primer for North American Christians wanting to learn more about Islam.