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Silent No More: Confronting America's False Images of Islam
SILENT NO MORE; Confronting America’s False Images of Islam In his recently released book Silent No Confronting America’s False Images of Islam, Paul Findley, a 22-year veteran of Congress, chronicles his long, far-flung trail of discovery through the World Of the false stereotypes that linger in the minds of the American people, the corrective actions that the leaders of America’s seven million Muslims are undertaking, and the community’s remarkable progress in mainstream politics. It is an indispensable source for Muslims and for anyone who speaks, writes, or worries about human rights, interfaith harmony and global cooperation. With precise citations, Findley, a Christian, debunks in his narration, the stereotypes of Islam. The author of four other books, two of them on the Arab-Israeli conflict, Findley draws on his decade-long experience as the senior Republican on the House of Representatives subcommittee on the Middle East, his personal knowledge of the region and its leaders, as well as his nationwide acquaintance with U.S. Muslims. He “Most Americans have never read a verse from the Qur’an, nor met a person they knew to be Muslim. Their distorted images of Islam come from snippets of television news and headlines that falsely link Islam with terrorism and the degradation of women. They have no awareness of Islamic principles and beliefs—monotheism, peace, charity, compassion, interfaith tolerance, women’s rights—common principles that should bind Muslims, Christians, and Jews together.” The book is published by Amana Publications and is available from the publisher or the main bookstores such as Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles and Borders. Quotes from Silent No The partisan “After being quietly on the sidelines for years, [Muslims] are gaining prominence in government and demonstrating skill in politics. They are getting elected to public office, helping other candidates win, providing leadership in political party and government policy activities, and establishing a presence in the judicial branch of government.” [See page 221] Bloc voting In November 7, 2000 presidential voting, “Muslims were the main new political element in Florida, whose twenty-five electoral votes finally settled the outcome of one of the most protracted presidential contests in history…. Bush benefited substantially from Muslim bloc voting. Florida Muslims provided him with a net margin that exceeded 60,000 votes, sixty times his winning margin.” [See pages 268-269] “Muslim bloc voting brought about a major alteration of the American political landscape…. During the year, over seven hundred Muslims sought election as candidates…. One hundred and fifty-two were victorious…. In major political campaigns of the future, every serious contender for a major office will seek an interview with Muslim leaders. As Albert Gore lists errors in his presidential campaign, his failure to reschedule his cancelled date with [national Muslim] leaders may head the list.” [See pages 271-272] “The Muslims who are engaged in organizational and public policy activities have made impressive strides in interfaith understanding, but they constitute only a small fraction of Islam’s community in America.” [See page 218] Findley’s advice to “They must defend their faith aggressively and publicly against misconceptions and misrepresentations, especially those expressed by professed Muslims. Muslims should identify themselves publicly with Islam and seek ways to present the truth about their faith to non-Muslims…. Muslims can display their religious affiliation modestly but effectively by wearing a lapel pin, necklace, or ring that displays the word Allah, star-and-crescent, or some other visible linkage with Islam. [As a result of this display] their own good behavior and worthy accomplishments will be identified with Islam.” [See pages 282-284] “At present, television audi
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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173 people want to read
About the author
Paul Findley
20 books36 followersPaul Findley is a former United States Representative from Illinois, representing its 20th District. A Republican, he was first elected in 1961. Findley lost his seat in 1982 to current United States Senator Dick Durbin. Findley attended Illinois College and is a member of Phi Alpha Literary Society. He is a cofounder of the Council for the National Interest, a Washington, DC advocacy group, and a board member of If Americans Knew. He resides in Jacksonville, Illinois.
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May 2, 2024
يقول الكاتب فى مقدمة الكتاب إنه عن المسلمين الأمريكيين ولكنه موجه لقراء العربية والإنجليزية، فهو يؤمن أن الشعوب في أرجاء العالم تكون مهددة عندما تخطئ القوة العظمى الوحيدة فتنظر إلى المسلمين الذين يشكلون نسبة كبيرة من سكانها نظرتهم إلى أناس خطرين يعبدون إلها تواقا إلى الانتقام، ولا يتسامحون حيال معتنقى الديانات الأخرى.
يرى الكاتب أن انتشار الأفكار النمطية المشوهة عن الإسلام فى أمريكا يرجع إلى الجهل ولكنه يتغذى بجرعات الحقد والحجج التى تسوقها إسرائيل عندما تهب للدفاع عن نفسها ضد الفلسطينين وتدعى أنهم أرهابيون، ولو تسنى للشعب الأمريكي معرفة حقيقة الإسلام لانتهى هذا التواطؤ المميت على نحو غير متوقع.
تعرف الكاتب، وهو عضو فى الكونجرس الأمريكي لأكثر من عشرين عاما، على الإسلام خلال رحلة غير متوقعة لأحد ناخبيه الذي اعتقل في اليمن. وهناك اكتشف الكاتب أنه لم يكن يعرف شيئا عن الإسلام والمسلمين، شأنه شأن معظم الأمريكيين، حيث أن غالبيتهم لم يناقشوا شخصا مسلما من قبل، وأغلب معلوماتهم عن طريق الصور النمطية المزيفة التى تظهر فى وسائل الإعلام.
تحدث الكاتب عن حماس وطالبان والإرهاب والعنف ووضع المرأة فى الإسلام وهي القضايا الأكثر إثارة عند الحديث عن الإسلام.
وفي النهاية يتحدث عن الدور المطلوب من مسلمي أمريكا في توضيح صورة الاسلام الصحيحة، وذلك بانخراطهم فى الحياة السياسية ككتلة واحدة، وعدم إخفاء هويتهم الدينية حيث أنهم يمثلون حوالي 3% من السكان فى أمريكا، بينما يمثل اللوبي اليهودي 2%، ويعتبر ثاني أكبر مجموعة ضغط في أمريكا بعد رابطة الأمريكيون المتقاعدون الذين يدعون أنهم يمثلون 25% من عدد السكان.
يرى الكاتب أن انتشار الأفكار النمطية المشوهة عن الإسلام فى أمريكا يرجع إلى الجهل ولكنه يتغذى بجرعات الحقد والحجج التى تسوقها إسرائيل عندما تهب للدفاع عن نفسها ضد الفلسطينين وتدعى أنهم أرهابيون، ولو تسنى للشعب الأمريكي معرفة حقيقة الإسلام لانتهى هذا التواطؤ المميت على نحو غير متوقع.
تعرف الكاتب، وهو عضو فى الكونجرس الأمريكي لأكثر من عشرين عاما، على الإسلام خلال رحلة غير متوقعة لأحد ناخبيه الذي اعتقل في اليمن. وهناك اكتشف الكاتب أنه لم يكن يعرف شيئا عن الإسلام والمسلمين، شأنه شأن معظم الأمريكيين، حيث أن غالبيتهم لم يناقشوا شخصا مسلما من قبل، وأغلب معلوماتهم عن طريق الصور النمطية المزيفة التى تظهر فى وسائل الإعلام.
تحدث الكاتب عن حماس وطالبان والإرهاب والعنف ووضع المرأة فى الإسلام وهي القضايا الأكثر إثارة عند الحديث عن الإسلام.
وفي النهاية يتحدث عن الدور المطلوب من مسلمي أمريكا في توضيح صورة الاسلام الصحيحة، وذلك بانخراطهم فى الحياة السياسية ككتلة واحدة، وعدم إخفاء هويتهم الدينية حيث أنهم يمثلون حوالي 3% من السكان فى أمريكا، بينما يمثل اللوبي اليهودي 2%، ويعتبر ثاني أكبر مجموعة ضغط في أمريكا بعد رابطة الأمريكيون المتقاعدون الذين يدعون أنهم يمثلون 25% من عدد السكان.
August 9, 2016
i've been reading this book for more than 5 months, not because it's not good enough but it's that I can't read too much politics in a short period. I love the idea of the book, so enlightening and educative for me as a Muslim, I learned many things about Muslims and Islam in America. also Non-Muslim Americans need to read this rich book to correct so many misconceptions about Islam.
the book talks about so many subjects from the idea of Islam and the coming of this religion to America, to the political perspective of America on it... . i only complain the unnecessary length that caused me boredome sometimes.
the book talks about so many subjects from the idea of Islam and the coming of this religion to America, to the political perspective of America on it... . i only complain the unnecessary length that caused me boredome sometimes.
May 2, 2007
This book is important because it shows the bravery of Americans from many walks of life to speak out.
May 2, 2019
I have translated this book from English into Urdu for Nigarshat Publishers, Lahore, Pakistan. The title of Urdu translation is Amreeka Ki Islam Dushmani امریکا کی اسلام دشمنی.
June 6, 2024
A CRITIC OF ISRAEL PORTRAYS MUSLIMS IN A VERY “POSITIVE” MANNER
Paul Findley (1921-2019) was a United States Representative (Republican) from Illinois for 22 years. He was a very vocal critic of American policy towards Israel.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 book, “my unplanned exploration of the World of Islam began … on a rescue mission that had nothing to do with Islam but everything to do with … a constituent who had been imprisoned on false charges of espionage… In [Yemen] I received my first introduction into the faith or more than a billion people worldwide… At the time, I did not realize that Muslims were already becoming a substantial and growing minority in America… I was unaware of the fact that… widely-held stereotypes grossly distorted public perceptions of Muslims and left their great potential for public service unrecognized and scarcely tapped… during my tumultuous but successful re-election campaign … in 1980… My opponent portrayed me … as anti-Semitic---a charge arising from my efforts to bring justice to the Palestinians… This personal experience with stereotyping … is one of the factors that led me to write this book.” (Pg. 1, 3)
He points out, “Chicago Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni … notes the importance of Arabic words that are used universally by Muslims, no matter what their native language may be. For example, Allah is the Arabic word for God and is used by both Muslim and Christign Arabs. In the front of the Gideon Bible, the word ‘Allah’ appears where John 3:16 in the New Testament is repeated in several different languages… I believe, Christians can consider themselves ‘muslims’ because they too pledge submission. Like Christians and Jews, Muslims are pledged to peace as the spiritual heirs of Abraham.” (Pg. 26-28)
He notes, “I am unable to cite published estimates of the number of Muslims who are considered non-observant, but several of my Muslim acquaintances believe that at least one-half of the people who consider themselves Muslim belong in that classification. Others place the estimate as high as 70 to 80 percent. Accurate information is illusive [sic]. Attendance at a mosque is not among the five pillars of the faith. Another factor is the Islamic tradition that prohibits one Muslim inquiring into another Muslim’s sins or other personal shortcomings.” (Pg. 36)
He observes, “in contrast to popular stereotypes, the U.S. Muslim community consists of people of many races and nationalities who are generally well-educated, hardworking, successful, and law-abiding… employed Muslims in the twenty-to-forty age group average three years of college---two years more than the national average. The average annual personal income of this group lie between the middle and upper brackets… In contrast, the majority of Muslims outside the United States live in poverty. Sample studies in 1994 showed Muslim unemployment only two percent, one-half the national average. They also have a low crime rate.” (Pg. 47)
He acknowledges, “I, too, had been surprised and puzzled at the lack of Muslim protests against the excesses of bin Laden and the Taliban. From my own private discussions with U.S. Muslims, I had concluded that they were not ‘satisfied with what the Afghan government is doing.’ But neither had I heard nor seen evidence of Muslim protest against these abuses. At the time, I was unaware that several Muslim leaders in California, Illinois, and Texas has issued statements of protest that had been ignored by the news media.” (Pg. 113)
He states, “All available data indicate that more Christians practice polygamy in the United States than Muslims, a fact that most adherents of Christianity will find surprising and disturbing. At least 20,000 U.S. Christians---the actual total may be closer to 35,000---openly practice polygamy in Western states. Most of them call themselves fundamentalist Mormons because they have ancestral ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a denomination that permitted polygamy until a century ago when it was outlawed by the church, as well as by public law.” (Pg. 135)
While Findley was (understandably) a very controversial figure, this book presents a very sympathetic portrait of Muslims in the U.S., and will be of interest to those wanting to learn more about them.
Paul Findley (1921-2019) was a United States Representative (Republican) from Illinois for 22 years. He was a very vocal critic of American policy towards Israel.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 book, “my unplanned exploration of the World of Islam began … on a rescue mission that had nothing to do with Islam but everything to do with … a constituent who had been imprisoned on false charges of espionage… In [Yemen] I received my first introduction into the faith or more than a billion people worldwide… At the time, I did not realize that Muslims were already becoming a substantial and growing minority in America… I was unaware of the fact that… widely-held stereotypes grossly distorted public perceptions of Muslims and left their great potential for public service unrecognized and scarcely tapped… during my tumultuous but successful re-election campaign … in 1980… My opponent portrayed me … as anti-Semitic---a charge arising from my efforts to bring justice to the Palestinians… This personal experience with stereotyping … is one of the factors that led me to write this book.” (Pg. 1, 3)
He points out, “Chicago Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni … notes the importance of Arabic words that are used universally by Muslims, no matter what their native language may be. For example, Allah is the Arabic word for God and is used by both Muslim and Christign Arabs. In the front of the Gideon Bible, the word ‘Allah’ appears where John 3:16 in the New Testament is repeated in several different languages… I believe, Christians can consider themselves ‘muslims’ because they too pledge submission. Like Christians and Jews, Muslims are pledged to peace as the spiritual heirs of Abraham.” (Pg. 26-28)
He notes, “I am unable to cite published estimates of the number of Muslims who are considered non-observant, but several of my Muslim acquaintances believe that at least one-half of the people who consider themselves Muslim belong in that classification. Others place the estimate as high as 70 to 80 percent. Accurate information is illusive [sic]. Attendance at a mosque is not among the five pillars of the faith. Another factor is the Islamic tradition that prohibits one Muslim inquiring into another Muslim’s sins or other personal shortcomings.” (Pg. 36)
He observes, “in contrast to popular stereotypes, the U.S. Muslim community consists of people of many races and nationalities who are generally well-educated, hardworking, successful, and law-abiding… employed Muslims in the twenty-to-forty age group average three years of college---two years more than the national average. The average annual personal income of this group lie between the middle and upper brackets… In contrast, the majority of Muslims outside the United States live in poverty. Sample studies in 1994 showed Muslim unemployment only two percent, one-half the national average. They also have a low crime rate.” (Pg. 47)
He acknowledges, “I, too, had been surprised and puzzled at the lack of Muslim protests against the excesses of bin Laden and the Taliban. From my own private discussions with U.S. Muslims, I had concluded that they were not ‘satisfied with what the Afghan government is doing.’ But neither had I heard nor seen evidence of Muslim protest against these abuses. At the time, I was unaware that several Muslim leaders in California, Illinois, and Texas has issued statements of protest that had been ignored by the news media.” (Pg. 113)
He states, “All available data indicate that more Christians practice polygamy in the United States than Muslims, a fact that most adherents of Christianity will find surprising and disturbing. At least 20,000 U.S. Christians---the actual total may be closer to 35,000---openly practice polygamy in Western states. Most of them call themselves fundamentalist Mormons because they have ancestral ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a denomination that permitted polygamy until a century ago when it was outlawed by the church, as well as by public law.” (Pg. 135)
While Findley was (understandably) a very controversial figure, this book presents a very sympathetic portrait of Muslims in the U.S., and will be of interest to those wanting to learn more about them.
March 12, 2024
لا سكوت بعد اليوم .. مواجهة الصور المزيفة عن الإسلام في أميركا ..
بول فندلي ..
أمريكا ..
بول فندي عضو الكونغرس السابق وعضواً في لجنة الشؤون الخارجية الأمريكية .. يقدم الإسلام في كتاب كما عرفه عن مسلمين عاديين .. عرف في الداخل الأمريكي وخارجه .. حيث انتشرت صورة نمطية خاطئة عن المسلمين بأنهم قوة متخلفة وخطرة .. حيث تنبع أغلب الصور السيئة عن الإسلام من الإعلام الأمريكي ..
الكتاب فيه بعض الأخطاء الشرعية الصادرة من بعض العرب الذين تحدث معهم .. كفرض الحجاب .. هو الكتاب متخصص أكثر في انخراط المسلمين في العمل السياسي الأمريكي .. والتحديات المطلوبة لمواجهتها .. الكتاب جيد للمسلمين في أمريكا .. ماعدا ذلك فهو غير مهم ..
………………
ودمتم بحفظ الرحمن ..
بول فندلي ..
أمريكا ..
بول فندي عضو الكونغرس السابق وعضواً في لجنة الشؤون الخارجية الأمريكية .. يقدم الإسلام في كتاب كما عرفه عن مسلمين عاديين .. عرف في الداخل الأمريكي وخارجه .. حيث انتشرت صورة نمطية خاطئة عن المسلمين بأنهم قوة متخلفة وخطرة .. حيث تنبع أغلب الصور السيئة عن الإسلام من الإعلام الأمريكي ..
الكتاب فيه بعض الأخطاء الشرعية الصادرة من بعض العرب الذين تحدث معهم .. كفرض الحجاب .. هو الكتاب متخصص أكثر في انخراط المسلمين في العمل السياسي الأمريكي .. والتحديات المطلوبة لمواجهتها .. الكتاب جيد للمسلمين في أمريكا .. ماعدا ذلك فهو غير مهم ..
………………
ودمتم بحفظ الرحمن ..
April 9, 2021
This is a book full of more propaganda than useful information made worse by written by a "white savior" perspective. The author can't seem to decide who he is writing for, American Muslims or those who are not Muslims living in America as some of the chapters are about addressing myths, and others provide advice on how to better organize to counter the harmful myths around Islam. This is not a book worthwhile to read from cover to cover, pick and choose chapters relevant to your needs if you read it at all.
July 7, 2024
I’m amazed at Congressman Findley’s deep respect and interest towards Islam despite his lack of Muslim constituents.
While not much new is put forward from this book from a Muslim perspective, I think he definitely achieved his goal of addressing common misconceptions Americans have about Islam. I especially liked what he said about Muslim political action and representation.
It’s a bit longwinded and rambly at times and could benefit from a new edition but overall it is an enjoyable read.
While not much new is put forward from this book from a Muslim perspective, I think he definitely achieved his goal of addressing common misconceptions Americans have about Islam. I especially liked what he said about Muslim political action and representation.
It’s a bit longwinded and rambly at times and could benefit from a new edition but overall it is an enjoyable read.
April 1, 2023
دفاع صادق عن الإسلام بقلم غير مسلم
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تتمة مراجعة الكتاب على مدونتي:
((( همى الغيث )))
https://www.hma-algaith.com/%d9%84%d8...
...............................................
تتمة مراجعة الكتاب على مدونتي:
((( همى الغيث )))
https://www.hma-algaith.com/%d9%84%d8...
January 26, 2019
I appreciated what he was trying to do, but some of it read like an ignorant man assuming that everyone else is similarly ignorant. You can see my full thoughts on it on my blog below.
https://jacobklehman.com/2016/12/03/r...
https://jacobklehman.com/2016/12/03/r...
June 1, 2017
Very good and interesting read.
March 26, 2018
Decent read of a healthy dose of Islam but in desperate need of a good editor to weave a better flow.
August 16, 2019
حدثني عن المجتمعات المسلمة بأمريكا ماذا تريد الآن
December 22, 2019
This author has no conception of what True islam is. He makes concessions with who he believes are friendly muslims & I’m sure they are... However, when reading the koran, the hadithes & sunas, the author is lost. This book is poisonous to the ignorant reader & can get them hurt if they choose to be as ignorant as the author. muslims are allowed to lie through varying methods. Look into the art of Taqiyya & Kithman. Satan encourages this & the author has been lied to. Don’t let this piece of trash deceive you. This book is a tool (as the author is) to allow the muslim to slide a knife into your back at the 5th rib as he smiles down at you while you’re still trying to figure out what happened.
December 14, 2012
كتاب رائع و بسيط...واي شخص يريد ان يصحح صورة فهم الاسلام الخاطئ في الغرب عليه ان يبدا بقراءة هذا الكتاب بعيدا عن الانفعالات الفارغة والغضب الاعمي..فالموضوع يحتاج الي كثير من العقل و الهدوء والحكمة ...والبساطة ..والذكاء ايضا!!
بول فيندلي فعلا كاتب و سياسي محترم.
بول فيندلي فعلا كاتب و سياسي محترم.
January 19, 2017
Many pages could've been deleted with no harm to the objectives of this book.. It's long and sometimes it gets boring and distracting; however, it is indeed educating and it's reliable as a source of facts that I sometimes went back to it looking for information about Muslims in America.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews