Muslims Next Door: Uncovering Myths and Creating Friendships

by Shirin Taber

This insider’s view of how North American Muslims think and live goes beyond false stereotypes and provides practical suggestions on how to establish friendships that can point to Christ. Since September 11, 2001, Americans are more curious about the followers of Islam. We can no longer afford to be ignorant of such an influential and historical world religion. Muslims Next Door dispels commonly held myths and helps readers to better understand how Muslims think. Author Shirin Taber comes from a multicultural background and has lived in Iran, France, and Turkey, and now in the United States. Stories of her experiences as well as from interviews with Muslims help readers understand the human side of Islam. Each chapter contains questions for reflection to use in group settings. The book also includes a glossary of Islamic terms.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Islam

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jami Bay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting easy read. The author focuses on looking at what we have in common with some differences sprinkled in. She shares the different types of Muslims and what their religious views are. More importantly, we are given tips of what to do and not to do while forging Muslim friendships.

[kallol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kallol

A superficial book intended for a dumb American audience.. nothing of consequence to add but I need to add more words to publish it, Appropriate metaphor for this book

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good little book from an Iranian-American Christian woman who has lived in places as diverse as Iran, France, and the U.S. As the daughter of an Muslim father and Catholic mother, she has a unique perspective which allows her to ability to connect with both Christian and Muslim worlds.

In this book, Taber exposes common myths that Americans often believe about Muslims. For example, "Christians and Muslims have nothing in common spiritually," "All Muslims are Arabs," "All Muslims hate the West," "Women are oppressed by Islam," and "All Muslims are radical fundamentalists." It also contains very helpful and practical advice on how to host or entertain Muslims in your home, and the importance of cultivating friendships with Muslims. This is must read.

[Peter Stonecipher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short introduction to Muslim culture and the interaction of Muslims with the West. Written by an Iranian-American Christian woman, offered a lot of good insight into helpfully interacting with our Muslim neighbors.

[Kitt O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

I've had the pleasure of meeting Shirin Taber recently and learned that we both had childhood exposure to Islam. She is the daughter of a Christian American mother and a Muslim Persian father. I lived in Saudi Arabia as a child. Shirin is a wonderful intelligent compassionate woman who dedicates her life as a Christian to ministering to Muslim women. Intrigued by the work she does, I decided to read her book. I do not regret doing so. She writes well. I enjoyed her clear prose and the stories she shared of friendships with Muslims. Her purpose in building bridges between cultures is ultimately to introduce them to Christ. Though I love Christ, I am not evangelical and have no desire to convert anyone to Christianity. Perhaps my faith could be stronger. Perhaps I simply have an even more inclusive outlook, for I see us all, all humanity, as the true church, as what Christians call the body of Christ. God loves us all. Perhaps Shirin would agree.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this book. What I got out of it was that, as a Christian, you cannot be afraid of reaching out to people. Not even if they are Muslim. Everyone needs Jesus and if the authors' neighbor had not reached out after her Mother died she may never have known Him. The book focuses on some common cultural/social ground Christians and Muslims have (i.e conservative, concerned parents) and how that is a foundation on which to build friendships where Jesus can be introduced. I didn't agree with everything the author claimed but I do feel her heart. I recommend it to anyone who may work with or live near a Muslim and would want to connect with them.

[Cws]

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[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like her format, talking about personal stories. I'm finding it very interesting and enlightening.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for people who have little or no knowledge of Muslims in North America's mindset.

[Tez Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical help for sharing your faith with your Americanized Muslim friends. One of the best books out there on how to reach Muslims with the message of Jesus.