In the Shadow of the Prophet: The Struggle for the Soul of Islam

by Milton Viorst

The Middle East has long been a volatile yet vital region in world politics. In his captivating new book, In the Shadow of the Prophet , journalist Milton Viorst illuminates the complex struggle to reconcile the Muslim community's fierce determination to live by traditional Islamic law and beliefs with the desire for economic and political power in today's world. Throughout the Middle East, a rising tide of Islamic fundamentalism has attempted to overturn moderate or secular government, creating in its place an Islamic state based on the ancient moral code of Muhammad's time. Conservative and fundamentalist sects are violently at odds with those Muslims who feel Islam must find a way to integrate science and democracy into Islamic life. Without an opening up of Islam, the Middle East will continue to lag far behind the West and even emerging Third World nations in terms of its military power, economic might, and general standards of living.

Genres: History, Politics, Religion, Islam, Nonfiction, Middle East

355 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Milton Viorst was an American journalist who wrote and reported on the Middle East, writing in a series of publications, most notably The New Yorker. He wrote ten books over the course of his career.

Reviews

[Shirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from Amazon because it got high rating from other readers on this website. I arranged to have it delivered to my IL during my last visit to the US. However, when i got there my FIL had started reading it thinking it was a gift for him. That was awkward. As i did not have the luxury of time to order another for myself, i took possession of the book and ordered him another one.

Although my FIL had only started reading a couple of pages of the book when i arrived, he was not too confident about a book written by a Jew no less, based in the US about a culture and faith that is not his own. I did not know this when I bought the book online, but quickly thought what better way to understand my own faith, than from a perspective of an outsider.

My FIL finished the book around christmas and i think he changed his mind. He thought the book was interesting. I started reading around the same time. Browsing through it, i thought it would be dry and boring as it looked like a geopolitical assessment of the subject.

It was a geopolitical assessment of the subject, but I must say having read it from cover to cover; an interesting one. Never mind if Milton is jewish. Never mind if i find myself saying out loud to him that certain passages in the Quran is not to be interpreted 'that way'.

The book essentially is a compilation of Milton's interview with various 'islamic' personalities over a period of time. Islamic personalities that represents various regimes that had grabbed the world headlines and in the process presents to the world their little philosophy of what islam is in their perspective. And sadly, people believed! I must admit that I too was duped by these approaches which at the end of the day is just a means for these personalities to wrest and hang on to temporal power. What is being preached is not really true to heart faith.


In a nut shell, the book described the political struggles of those using islam for power in egypt, iran, algeria, saudi, france and jordan.

Jordan is unique because the monarchy is a direct descendant of the prophet himself. And it is interesting that those from the prophet's family displays the most moderate view points. I agree with KH when upon repetitive reading of the Quran nothing in the book supports the violence incited by those who professes to defend islam and muslims. It is too bad that the voices that incites violence are almost always louder than those that appeals to reason.

This books tells many story. To those not of the faith, such as my FIL, it tells that the islam you see on tv and news is pure politics and struggle for power.

For those of the faith, it should open your eyes to what muslims today are being fed; and that we have the option to chose the road of true faith instead of that is littered with worldly politics.

[Bill V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first ever book I've read that deals with Islam so anyone who reads this review should consider that factor. I thought the book was fair, complete with differing viewpoints from various practitioners of the faith as well as some non-Muslim analysis. The book provides a spectrum of countries where and how the faith is practiced such as Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria and France. Based on the book, there are multiple perceptions on how the faith is and should be practiced.
There is a bit of history on the beginning of Islam, beginning with the Arab world prior to Muhammad, how he transformed his society and spread his faith. It also deals with Islam 19s immediate aftermath after his death and the struggles it was endured. The book discusses the various reasons attributed to Muslim and Arab culture lagging behind several other societies and the possible remedies to correct the situation.
There are several interviews and insights provided by diverse figures, from imams to King Hussein of Jordan.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post 9/11 --like so many others --I wanted to learn more about the culture and history of the region of the world that had spawned this event. In the Shadow of the Prophet is a terrific introduction to the the history of Islam from conception right up to modern times. I highly recommend it.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

gained extremely valuable insight into the Islamic conflicts and terror roots

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read of a different perspective of how Islam is interpreted and how that varies over the different Arab countries.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want an insight into why Islamic societies will never prosper, read this.