A Thinking Person’s Guide to Islam

by Ghazi bin Muhammad

The world is at a crossroads today. A tiny minority of Muslims seems to be bent on hijacking the religion of Islam and bringing it into perpetual conflict with the rest of the world. Because of their actions, very few non-Muslims understand the real difference between Islam as it has always been, and the distorted perversions of Islam today. This book is an attempt to positively say what Islam actually is—and always was—as well as what it is not.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Philosophy, Faith, Nonfiction, History, Theology

290 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal (born in Amman on the 15th of October 1966) is the nephew of the late King Al-Hussein bin Talal of Jordan. He received his BA from Princeton University in 1988 Summa cum laude; his first PhD from Cambridge University, U.K., in 1993, and his second PhD from Al-Azhar University in Cairo 2010. Prince Ghazi has held many official positions in Jordan including: Cultural Secretary to H.M. King Hussein; Advisor for Tribal Affairs to H.M. King Hussein; Personal Envoy of and Special Advisor to H.M. King Abdullah II, and Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs to H.M. King Abdullah II. He has also served as Regent of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 1996 Prince Ghazi founded the Al-Balqa Applied University, and in 2008 he founded the World Islamic Sciences and Education University. In 1997 he founded the National Park of the Site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and in 2001 he established the Great Tafsir Project (www.Altafsir.com), the largest online project for exegesis of the Holy Qur’an. Prince Ghazi is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought; he was the author of the historical Open Letter ‘A Common Word Between Us and You’ in 2007, and the author of the World Interfaith Harmony Week United Nations General Assembly Resolution in October 2010.

Reviews

[Wayfarer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Islam is arguably the most misunderstood religion in the world; undoubtably by a concerted and deliberate effort by either external forces or internal aberrations. Prince Ghazi's rather admirable effort: "A Thinking Person's Guide to Islam" is a statement of the 'Weltanschauung' of mainstream Islam, that has always been and continues to be the defining moment for the overwhelming majority of Muslims. The book is split into twelve thematic chapters, each beginning with and centred around a key Qur’anic verse.

Some of the major themes discussed are: What is Religion?, What is Islam?, ‘Who is your Lord?’, Why did God create people?, What are heaven and hell?, What is the Qur’an?, Who is the Prophet Muhammad (saws)?, What is ‘The Heart’?, What is Worldly Life?, What is Shariah?, What is Jihad?, What is Government? and What is Happiness?

The chapters have been written keeping the modern mind in sight, and thus are generally speaking quite succinct, thought-provoking and the tone of writing is mildly philosophical. The content within each chapter is well organised, systematically presented and the language is popular as opposed to academic. Each of the chapters concludes with the section: Why is it important to know all this? This not only summarises and reinforces the key concepts previously discussed, but makes a relevant case for it’s centrality and general importance. The chapters are essentially written to be read as standalone, and thus, one may freely read the text as one desires, not bound by a chronology.

This book is highly recommended for non-Muslims, interested and prospective converts, Young Muslims, new Muslims and returning Muslims. Undoubtedly, this book would appeal to a broad audience and is well-worth the read.

[zayni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I picked up this book curious about the title, why 'a thinking person's guide' and not just anyone's guide to Islam? The Author, Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, elaborates on this in the introduction:

"Unwillingness to think about things is what Muslims who misunderstand Islam, and non-Muslims who distort it, have in common."

As such this book covers a variety of topics which are either glossed over or completely misinterpreted e.g., Jihad. The author introduces several topics in 12 chapters using 12 verses, this book "is intended only as an educated primer on Islam" and is suitable for most people if they are willing to be open minded. The chapters can be read alone or in order, I read from cover to cover and found the author eased the reader into each topic, then finishing with 'why is it important to know all this?'.

The chapters I found most interesting were 'shari'ah', 'jihad' and 'government', all three are often misconstrued by multiple facets of the Muslim/non-Muslim community. Prince Ghazi was deliberate with his language in referring to shari'ah as a moral code rather than a legal code, though actions are judged by their intentions he says, "the first thing the shari'ah aims to do is make things morally crystal clear to Muslims, as a guidebook to life and to the world". Naturally, this paved an entrance to a discussion on schools of jurisprudence and their usul i.e., how they interpreted ahadith and Qur'an and how rulings were derived from this. Unfortunately, we live in an era where everything is overly simplified, undoubtedly leading to misunderstandings of Islam; it is normal to hear a mantra of "Qur'an and sunnah" but this is lost to the masses and creates an understanding of everyone having the capability of deriving rulings and not following a specific madhab. The anti-usul movement is mentioned in more detail, with some statistics on its growth for comparison, unsurprisingly Usulis have decreased from 99% (1900) to 65% in 2016, 25% of people do not know which madhab they belong to and 9% are anti-usuli (this number was below 1% in 1900). The dangers of this are further explained in the annex as the author states "Certainly not every anti-usuli joins or sympathises with Daesh — only a minority do — but all Daesh members are anti-usulis." because without belonging to a madhab or not knowing, the door to self-interpretation will always be open, and so the author concludes "the only possible effective ideological response to Daesh: traditional Usuli Islam."

Understandably, some people reading this may even fall into the categories of 'don't know' or perhaps you have chosen to not follow a madhab, but this book makes a solid argument for why you should. Even from the chapters of jihad and government it is easy to see how Islam based on usul is the solution, but without usul it leads to various forms of interpretation (sometimes extreme). The annex combined these chapters to tackle ‘The Crisis of ISIS’ so it is obvious how Daesh/ISIS indoctrinate new recruits using anti-usul material and their own translations, manuals etc. Their online propaganda is much the same, through abusing ahādith, presenting a façade of true/Puritan Islam and romanticising barbaric acts in the name of Islam through decontextualizing ahadith or interpreting them in a specific way (advantageous to themselves).

Many Muslims living in the west (it can be argued globally too) are adopting worldviews contrary to Islam, because they assume it has something to offer which Islam does not. The chapter on Government skilfully explores justice and alludes to the maqasid ash-shari'ah, putting everything into perspective; Islam is not a theory, it can be practiced and has been.

Moreover, what makes this book great is the answers to subtle doubts e.g. preservation of the Qur'an and hadith transmission, in a way which is also subtle! It's important the author included this, because without which the full appreciation of the scholars of the madhahib would be lost. The sciences of hadith are something which are often misconstrued, with laymen using labels they are not fully cognisant of. Of course, this book merely serves as a primer, a wakeup call even, and the actual journey to seeking knowledge is a lifelong path, involving a teacher, which one book will not replace.

This book is one which forces the reader to contemplate and challenge their own ideas. The chapters were well researched and eloquent but simple to understand. Though it served to be a primer, I would say Muslims are in dire need of such a book, with its clear language and organisation. May Allah reward the author, Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, for his excellent work and allow us to benefit from that which we read. Ameen.

[Nadinastiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I took notice of this book’s title, I know that I need to read it right away. The ‘thinking’ word made me wonder if the book will answer many of my questions about Islam. Someone told me in the past that religion should be felt by heart, whatever that means. Maybe some people do, but I can’t. I always need answers to my questions. In a way, I agree on the ‘heart’ part, but maybe the path for anything to go to my heart is through thinking first? I don’t know.

So after visiting the book page on Amazon and also Wardah Books Singapore million times, realizing that there is no Kindle version, finally the book arrived through the hands of my friend, Dea.

I really love the fact that the author made the chapters’ title as questions, such as “What is religion?”, “Why did God create people?”, “What is ‘the heart’?”, “What is the ’shar’iah’?”, “What is government?”. In short, many of those questions are already inside my head before. In every chapter, there is a section ‘Why is it important to know all of this?’. Ooooh, I love the ‘Why’.

So what was the book all about? The book will give some answers regarding:
- Religion
- Islam
- Our Lord
- The reason God create people
- Heaven and hell
- Qur’an
- Prophet Muhammad SAW
- The heart
- Worldly life
- Shari’ah
- Jihad
- Government

Every chapter is started with a verse that summarises the theme. Then the chapter will discuss deeply, starting with the meaning and/or definition of the word in Quran Arabic (also the meaning of its triliteral root word), and how the word is used in the entire Quran. Of course, we will see many Quran verses cited here and there, but interestingly there are also ancient and modern poems featured. Each chapter is very interesting that I can’t help but want to capture it all in my own notes so I won’t forget many things it taught me.

After all the explanation, the chapters will be wrapped up in ‘Why is it important to know all of this?’. This is very helpful to me to remember what is being discussed. I wish every non-fiction I read include this in every chapter.

There are also some bonuses, discussing happiness according to Qur’an (my favorite), the big tent of Islam, and extensive research on ISIS/Daesh. Daesh part is actually the longest part of all (~60 pages from total 295 pages), but it will give you many answers that you might have asked about Daesh. And what about them? Well, in short, of course, they use different interpretations. The keyword is ‘anti-usuli’, but you should read more on this book, of course ;)

All in all, I will recommend this book as essential for knowing the basic of Islam, for anyone who is interested.

[Serign · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depending on your familiarity with the topic at hand [Islam], this book can be very informative. It covers a lot of ground for a book its size, and it does seem to be a fair representation of how traditional sunni scholarship generally views Islam in the modern context. I also like that that tone (most of the time anyway) is dispassionate and non-polemical, it does get a bit too erudite for me at some points; poems, Shakespeare, Plato quotes and whatnot (Blame the authors Princeton + Cambridge education? :P).

[Tasneem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to all Muslims and non-Muslims who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Islam.

[Suraya (thesuraya) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for those who wants to learn about Islam-- or perhaps relearning Islam, at its basic with logical explanations for people with brains. And also to explain misconceptions.

[Nadirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a "primer" on the subject of Islam, this is a good start for those who are looking for a more updated look into Islam. It's written in an accessible language, though the lack of bibliography means readers who would like to have a more in-depth look into certain subjects would need to do some more required reading (and can start with the references included in the book).

If you're a Muslim, you'll be more or less acquainted with the topics covered here, and it serves as a great reminder in that sense. It can be repetitive at times, as the topics overlap with one another, but still readable in the grand scope of things.

(Borrowed from PNM elibrary via Libby.)

[Raiyaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the introduction, Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad states that "this book is intended only as an educated primer on Islam" this holds true to a certain degree. Although the author breaks down concepts from the very basic level and brings chapters titled "what is religion?" and thereafter "what is Islam?", I personally feel that this book is more oriented towards Muslims, who may be confused about their religion and seek some clarification, rather than one who is unfamiliar with Islam and reads this book as a primer on it. I say this as the author at times takes a spiritualistic approach in explaining a concept as is seen in chapters such as "what is the heart?" and "what is the wordly life" which may confuse a reader unfamiliar with such intricacies.

However, despite this, the book is a well written work covering a vast scope of knowledge regarding Islam in a relatively concise manner. I was particularly fond by the way the unique approach taken by the author in explaining Shariah and governmental concepts in Islam in chapters 10 and 12. Also what I found peculiar, compared to other books by muslim authors, was that at times the author would bring poetry from different genres to express an idea or point; impressive in some instances and a bit forced in others.

The only drawback was the lack of references and bibliography for the work cited. It is quite inconvenient for the reader wishing to read more on a subject mentioned, and being unable to find it's source.

[Ruminative · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that are wholly self referential and do not actively encourage the reader to seek beyond its covers. Books like these are what I term 'dead-end' books. This work by Prince Ghazi is the exact opposite of a dead-end book. Almost every paragraph urges the reader to explore whole vistas of Islamic learning; and between the lines, the author is telling you that this is the tip of the iceberg and that there is so much to learn and to reflect upon. This is truly a 'thinking' person's guide. And like a true 'guide', this work ultimately points not to itself but to a higher source - the Qur'an. Moreover, some passages of this book read like potted tafsir (Quranic exegesis). Indeed, this book is no dead-end; it is a gateway.

[Reza Razaleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful read, made me think about things I’d already learned in school, but in a different light. The annex at the end about ISIS is a bit grim and lengthy, but it is important to know how they operate, recruit people to join their revolting regime, etc.

[Leana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work, especially the chapter on the human Heart. That chapter alone makes this whole book. Almost literary in parts, a valuable reflection on what it is to be a Muslim in this modern age. Alhamdulillah.

[Hafsah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I would give to my children, and to people who ask me about Islam. It's very well written and introduces Islam in a very easy to understand fashion.

[Jared Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I imagine that reading the Quran in the United States must be much like reading Lolita in Tehran (although I have shamefully not read (yet) Azar Nafisi's memoir by the same name). I learned of Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and his writings while perusing the online catalog of a Singaporean bookseller; there'd be next to no opportunity to learn of an well-educated, peace-loving, and politically powerful Muslim while here in the USA.

Three strange things have happened to me before I begin reading this book.

One, I removed the dust jacked. I normally remove the dust jacket, but in the United States I feel compelled ( socially at least ) not to advertise the fact that I'm reading a book about Islam. (Contrast this with the fact that, as I write this review, a young woman unabashedly, and completely coincidentally withteh first sentence of my review above, keeps a copy of Nabokov's Lolita on the table before her.)

Second, and with my sincerest apologies to the Prince, I had to verify to myself that Ghazi bin Muhammad is indeed a "real" prince -- and a "respectable" one at that. As if people go about calling themselves princes when they are not, in the same way certain Americans go about calling themselves successful businesspeople when, if you finally pin down a reliable definition of "successful", they are not.

Third, I clarify to myself -- and to the readers of my review -- that I am not a religious person. True, I am a member of a Unitarian Universalist church and attend services, but I'm not a believer in God or any gods or anything supernatural. As if that's all there were to being religious?

I look forward to learning from Prince Ghazi's studies and elucidations of Islam in hopes of countering my home country's increasingly insular worldview and toxic reactionarism. Simply obtaining and opening this book has been an important first step in understanding a part of the world kept forbidden from me, and perhaps even a part of myself perhaps kept forbidden from myself.

[адэм · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Great book that formats each chapter based on a verse of the Quran followed by an important question related to it (ex. What is Islam? Why did God create people? What is Shariah? What is Happiness? etc.). This makes it standout amongst other "intros to Islam" books that follow the classic Islam, Iman, and Ihsan format.

There's a lot that I can say about this book, such as the quality of the hardcover, the extensive ToC, Indexes, and writing of the author. I found it read easily and explained things in a straightforward manner, avoiding unneccesary word salads for issues that may already be difficult to grasp for some people.

It touches base on many of the important questions "thinking people", both Muslim and non-Muslim, typically have about this thing we call "Islam". This most notably includes what Islam's views are on the Big Questions (God, love, the afterlife, justice, morality, politics, spirituality, etc.)

One of the most important parts of the book is the Annex "The Crisis of ISIS" which goes over in considerable detail on the history, methodology, ideology, motivation, and strategies of the infamous terror group Daesh, or more commonly known as ISIS. Though not as formidable in military or media spectacle as it was back when the book was first published in 2017, Daesh has left its impression on the world and a bad stain on Islam's reputation.

Ultracrepedarians, both of the anti-Islam and takfiri types, laud ISIS as a near perfect representation of Islam's ideals in action. And before ISIS, this sentiment was expressed towards other groups in recent history that mixed the beauty of Islam and jihad with barbarity and savagery. Though from a wholistic, proper, and sincere investigation into the worldview of Islam, one can quite easily see through the ad hoc cherrypicking attempted by both these groups. One may even observe how close they are in their understanding (or rather misunderstanding) of Islam. After all, "Unwillingness to think about things is what Muslims who misunderstand Islam, and non-Muslims who distort it, have in common" (pg 16). One of my regrets looking back growing up in this era of ISIS's media frenzy was not reading this brilliant expose that avoided the complete condemnation of Islam as a whole while disassociating their brutality from mainstream Islam as understood by the layman and scholar alike.

Another aspect of this book's structure, as mentioned by the author in its Book Launch found on Turath Publishing's YT channel, is that the individual chapters can be read on their own without going front to cover (even humorously admitting the author had yet to come across anyone who has actually read the book in its entirety). If one does not have the time nor desire to read the book, I would still recommend glancing through the contents and reading a chapter you do find interesting.

As much as I enjoyed this book and agreed with much of its content, there were some things here and there I was not entirely sure about or even inclined towards disagreement. These typically involved his discussions on various political topics, most notably of "offensive jihad" and how jihad is "strictly tied only to self-defence" and that "Religious conquest is not a reason for jihad, and neither is religious conversion" justifying it with Quran 2:190 "there is no compulsion in religion..." (pg 158). He distinguishes offensive to "mean 'attack a people who are not Muslims or allies but not an enemy', for reasons of conquest in one form or another" from pre-emptive strikes against an already belligerent enemy who had unjustly attacked Muslims prior. The former is not Islamic while the later is according to Ghazi bin Muhammad. He does give responses to some counter examples regarding the battles of Tabuk, Mut'ah, the premodern "dog-eat-dog" order of empires as actually being defensive and how even for certain scholars that would argue jihad is offensive, such a stance would be nullified today under global treaties enacted by the United Nations and nation-state world order (Quran 5:1, 17:34). I'm not entirely sure when one studies the history of Islam, especially in its initial expansion under the Rashidun and further during the Ummayad dynasty, if we can honestly say jihad does not have offensive elements to it. This may be an issue of semantics at the end of the day, so I may have to revisit this after further study.

All of this is obviously to argue against anti-usuli/Wahhabi/Islamist/takfiri-jihadi types and the justifications they may use to promote acts of terrorism, of which he is consistent in upholding the importance of usuli methodology and harping on modernist movements that seek to undermine over a millenia of scholarship and tradition.

I typically agree with this approach and I do appreciate the author's attempts to remain objective while harshly rebuking "anti-usuli" movements, though I need to do further research on some of the specific claims and arguments made in future readings to fully cement my understanding on the subject. It leaves one wanting more and I look forward to revisiting this work to extract more of the wisdoms it has to offer.

[Nauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont consider myself an advanced level reader yet. This book was an easy ready for me. This was one of the reasons I really enjoyed the book. I didnt constantly have to hit the dictionary. Although Shaykh Hamza recommends to read books above your level so it can force you towards that level. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book because it covered a broad set of topics from what is religion, what is Islam, Who is your Lord, Heaven/Hell, etc. I think its a book that allows us to polish our basics because sometimes we start reading about advanced topics without covering the basics. Basics of the religion are something we should know inside out. To the point, if one were to ask us to explain them or give a 5 minute speech on them we dont struggle to articulate them. This is what this book does. It covers the most basic but fundamental to our religion subjects as aforementioned above. Each chapter has a verse dedicated to it. Aristotle said "any book worth reading should be read three times." I dont think I will read this three times but I definitely will go through this book one more time.

It is a good book for those trying to have a clear understanding of Islam main topics. But keep in mind, it does not go do deep into religious text.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an outsider looking to learn about Islam, this book was excellent. Thorough, modern and very well written, it is at times a bit dense but trying to condense 1400 years of history must be tough so it does an admirable job. For any skeptics of Islam it does an excellent job of giving a very digestible message of peace and harmony. The main message: 90% of Muslims are just trying to get by and be good people, just like the rest of us.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the major tennants of Islam. Clear and readable. I had some trouble with the language reminding me of some of the more unpleasant parts of my faith experience however I think it is important to learn about Islam from those who practice, and I recognize that this is my personal bias. Overall, a go to book on Islamic ideas.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book clearly outlines the foundations of Islam, and explains in clear language often misunderstood concepts such as jihad and the different secs of Islam. If you are not Muslim and interested in learning about Islam I recommend you read this as well as Being Muslim by Asad Tarsin. If you are Muslim I still recommend you read this book.

[Lamia Mamoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to understand the essence of modern Islam - and where extremists wrongfully deviate from religious doctrine/the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Beautifully summarizes the primary focus of Islam to improve one’s character and communities.

[Rixla Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annex on crisis of isis particularly interesting

[Syed Adnan Murtaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good book
For hard copy, you can make order by going through
https://kitaabun.com/shopping3/thinki...

[Afzal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written clearly with a good overview with regards to problems the Muslim world has faced historically and continues to face . However , little given with regards to practical solutions .

[Mohd Jamizal · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautifully written all basics in a book

[Hamza Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are Muslim or not this is a fantastic and highly beneficial book for all.

[Amirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was determined to finish this by end of Ramadan and I’m glad I did!

[Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well-written, detailed introduction to Islam and its different schools of thought. Very useful as context for understanding political and cultural developments.

[Nisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exact rating: 5/5

[Kurnia Aurina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t finished this but, this book makes me realized that I was born as a muslim yet, I feel like I know nothing about islam. It’s true we need our whole life to study, never stop studying. This book contains beautiful things of islam that we overlook. Not a book about how to be good muslim, but how to love islam with your own conscience.

[Tasneem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who are curious about the religion should read this book. It is not only a book for those curious about the religion but even those who are Muslim and finding their way back to the religion.
It is not a complex read and draws on and calls the person's higher self to seek the truth.