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The Tragedy of Islam: Admissions of a Muslim Imam
Imam Mohammad Tawhidi is a third-generation Iranian-born Australian Muslim Imam and a publicly ordained Islamic authority who comes from a prominent Islamic lineage. His ancestors were the companions of Prophet Mohammad and played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests. Imam Tawhidi ended his relationship with the Iranian regime and continued his studies in the Holy Cities in Iraq. In 2014, ISIS conquered large parts of Iraq’s territory and murdered members of Tawhidi’s family. In 2015, Imam Tawhidi began to gradually call for reform within Muslim societies. His views have been broadcast on international media and have been met with both criticism and praise. In this book, Tawhidi takes you on a unique journey detailing the highlights of his life that prompted his transition from an extremist into a reformist. He then emphasizes the theological, jurisprudential and historical difficulties of Islamic thought and Islamic governance, including insights that have never been published before. Celebrated as the Imam of Peace, Tawhidi’s international activism against Islamic extremism has earned him a nomination for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2018
192 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Imam Mohammad Tawhidi
1 book21 followersMohamad Tawhidi (given name sometimes spelled Mohammad), is an Iranian-Australian Muslim religious leader and one of the main leading voices in the global movement of Islamic reform.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 7, 2019
Quite an interesting read. Came to know so many things. I recommend everyone to read this book. You will know what are the issues in islam. This book covers a vast range of topics and is very well documented. Through this book i also came to know lit bit of Iran's regime and how they brainwashed their students. Book gives a great history of Islam from the Prophet Muhammad to current times. It also gives an account of Shia and Sunni. The Ahmadiyya sect of Islam has been subject to various forms of religious persecution and discrimination. Author also talk about how Prophet Muhammad's heir were killed by their own people. It gives lot of inside information on the beginnings of Islam and insight into the mind of today's jihadist. Imam of Peace is correct, Islam needs reformation from within. Conclusion regarding the possibility of reform in Islam is very realistic and insightful.
February 6, 2020
A remarkable book, very educational and eye opening. Tawhidi, an Islamic scholar, writes openly about many troubling issues that have been hidden from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. His is a faith of honesty and compassion, and though he very much feels Islamic reform is needed, he is very realistic about the unlikelihood of the Muslim religion being reformed within the coming century, though he maintains individual Muslims and mosques can be reformed. I found this book fascinating and hard to put down. Tawhidi begins by chronicling his own life and spiritual journey, focusing on his years of study and scholarship in Iran and Iraq. He then provides a detailed and objective history of Islam and Islamic scholarship. He cites sources extensively and rigorously. He specifically and irrefutably links today's Islamic extremists and terrorists to the first caliphates of Islam which arose after Mohammed's death. He ends the book with a discussion of Muslim communities in the West and his own experiences with the Islamic reform movement. I do believe his message is an important one for all to read and consider, and I highly recommend this book.
December 23, 2018
Imam Tawhidi done a great work. This book is written in very well manner. If you not agree with the author my request to you that please read this book first then built your own opinion. Every word put in this book is well referred sources that are very authentic. If you want to know what is the main reason of Islamic terrorism then it is the best book. Thank you imam Tawhidi. Need more books like this.
November 15, 2019
This book was no less than a thriller/mystery and once you start, you can’t put it down.
The author came out openly with lots of shattering points which are quite unfathomable for non-Muslims until we read so. This only confirms my belief that history should never be hidden and modified!
However, there are a few aspects on which I found the author relied on only the statements of Gandhiji & Annie Besant and that too not concrete.
Overall, everyone should read this book and understand what is what.
The author came out openly with lots of shattering points which are quite unfathomable for non-Muslims until we read so. This only confirms my belief that history should never be hidden and modified!
However, there are a few aspects on which I found the author relied on only the statements of Gandhiji & Annie Besant and that too not concrete.
Overall, everyone should read this book and understand what is what.
January 7, 2019
The cultural, political, and relational insights that the author has had with the Iranian Islamic revolution makes this book 5 stars and more. For those looking for a first hand experience of what life inside the Islamic revolution of Iran, then this is the book for you. It will shed light on to the thinking and experience of many Iranians.
He does give, what I believe, an accurate representation of the Islamic world and all the tragic things going on. However, I don’t think that his mission to reform Islam is practical or possible as long as the Koran and Hadiths are read. Islam is not something you can reform-no matter what research you have done and discoveries you have made (reliable or not). As long as the Koran and Hadiths are read, Islamic extremism (or simply orthodox Islam) will continue to exist. One of the main ways ISIS recruited radical jihadist was simply by promoting the Koran.
However, there are aspects of the this book that are gold. Very rarely do you get a genuine and transparent report of the workings of the inner circles of Iran Muslim leaders and the government.
He does give, what I believe, an accurate representation of the Islamic world and all the tragic things going on. However, I don’t think that his mission to reform Islam is practical or possible as long as the Koran and Hadiths are read. Islam is not something you can reform-no matter what research you have done and discoveries you have made (reliable or not). As long as the Koran and Hadiths are read, Islamic extremism (or simply orthodox Islam) will continue to exist. One of the main ways ISIS recruited radical jihadist was simply by promoting the Koran.
However, there are aspects of the this book that are gold. Very rarely do you get a genuine and transparent report of the workings of the inner circles of Iran Muslim leaders and the government.
March 10, 2019
I have been reading about Islam for quite a few months. This book is perfect collection of things wrong with it. It doesn't only claims what's wrong but also explains & gives enough proofs to support the claim.
Imam Tawhidi is one of the few people who give me hope of Islamic reform is a possibility.
-------------
Who should read this book?
For those who are interested in Islam and is broad minded enough to understand how it has lead to radicalization.
I don't know much about history of Islam, should I read it?
Yes, the author provides all the historic background before discussing any historic event.
Is book based on opinion of author or facts?
It's full of facts, the author did tons of research to cite as many sources as possible.
Who shouldn't read this book?
Those who believe Islam is perfect and is word of god which needs no reformation. (Yes I have met people like those who reject need of any reformation as they say it's word of God)
How to make most out of the book?
Google a lot! A lot of historic sites & artifacts have been mentioned. Google and learn about them. It makes reading book very interesting.
Imam Tawhidi is one of the few people who give me hope of Islamic reform is a possibility.
-------------
Who should read this book?
For those who are interested in Islam and is broad minded enough to understand how it has lead to radicalization.
I don't know much about history of Islam, should I read it?
Yes, the author provides all the historic background before discussing any historic event.
Is book based on opinion of author or facts?
It's full of facts, the author did tons of research to cite as many sources as possible.
Who shouldn't read this book?
Those who believe Islam is perfect and is word of god which needs no reformation. (Yes I have met people like those who reject need of any reformation as they say it's word of God)
How to make most out of the book?
Google a lot! A lot of historic sites & artifacts have been mentioned. Google and learn about them. It makes reading book very interesting.
March 24, 2019
Fantastic must reas
Such a brilliant, unbiased, rational, logical and scholarly analysis. What a fantastic job! Very inspiring work. Imam Tawhidi's book is a must read.
Such a brilliant, unbiased, rational, logical and scholarly analysis. What a fantastic job! Very inspiring work. Imam Tawhidi's book is a must read.
November 12, 2019
I really, really wanted this to be good. I have a lot of respect for those people out there such as Tawhidi (and Maajid Nawaz) who are prepared - at considerable risk to themselves - to talk of *genuine* change within Islam.
I'd hoped to get some insight into some sort of theological grounding that a new approach to Islam could be based on - but the book was undermined by not describing one. The key issue was that Tawhidi has effectively ringfenced both the Quran and Mohammed - not just from criticism but also from any significant analysis.
This causes problems.
One of these problems comes when Tawhidi examines the behaviour of those around Mohammed and that of the Caliphs that followed. He is heavily critical of their behaviour citing dishonesty, barbarism and duplicity on a massive scale. This of course then begs the question - why did Mohammed (who he believes to be 'the perfect example') *fail* to inspire people so close to him to live their lives with even a basic sense of decency? It's a question that the book fails to even ask - never mind answer, but it's a glaring one.
Another example: Tawhidi condemns Abu Bakr for implementing beheadings during his rule as Caliph (in a section titled 'Beheadings'). A natural line of enquiry would be to look at those verses of the Quran that advocate decapitation (8:12 and 47:4) and ask if his behaviour is in accordance with these ... Tawhidi doesn't do this ...
There are other examples, but the limits of his enquiry mean this book is just trimming the branches rather than uprooting the problems that Islam has.
Another criticism is in his use of sources. When he talks about the age of Aisha when she was married to Mohammed, he seems perfectly willing to disregard Sahih al-Bukhari as a legitimate source (of the claim that she was only 6) primarily on the grounds that Buhkhari was of poor character and wrote around 200 years after Mohammed's death. Yet he then goes on to use Bukhari as an authoritative source for a number of other claims ... (Incidentally, Tawhidi fails to even acknowledge the other hadith that claim she was 6. I also found his claim that Bukhari gave her a young age in order to avoid doubts about her virginity to be nothing more than speculation - there's nothing to support this).
Some other things:
* The book makes absolutely no mention of apostasy and attitudes of Muslims towards it. This is surely a major stumbling block in the assimilation of Muslims in the west.
* At one point he confuses Sahih al-Bukhari with Sahih al-Muslim but I assume this is just a typo.
* Tawhidi says "... radical Islamists [...] largely come from [an] economically and socially depressed environment" - this is untrue. Quite the contrary: evidence has shown the most rabid extremists to be disproportionately affluent and well educated.
* He also says "Islamic reformation is one of the greatest threats to Muslim fundamentalists." - he needs to understand that from their viewpoint, fundamentalists are also trying to achieve a reformation - they are trying to reform (in the literal meaning of 'reshaping') it into something that conforms to their worldview.
I'd hoped to get some insight into some sort of theological grounding that a new approach to Islam could be based on - but the book was undermined by not describing one. The key issue was that Tawhidi has effectively ringfenced both the Quran and Mohammed - not just from criticism but also from any significant analysis.
This causes problems.
One of these problems comes when Tawhidi examines the behaviour of those around Mohammed and that of the Caliphs that followed. He is heavily critical of their behaviour citing dishonesty, barbarism and duplicity on a massive scale. This of course then begs the question - why did Mohammed (who he believes to be 'the perfect example') *fail* to inspire people so close to him to live their lives with even a basic sense of decency? It's a question that the book fails to even ask - never mind answer, but it's a glaring one.
Another example: Tawhidi condemns Abu Bakr for implementing beheadings during his rule as Caliph (in a section titled 'Beheadings'). A natural line of enquiry would be to look at those verses of the Quran that advocate decapitation (8:12 and 47:4) and ask if his behaviour is in accordance with these ... Tawhidi doesn't do this ...
There are other examples, but the limits of his enquiry mean this book is just trimming the branches rather than uprooting the problems that Islam has.
Another criticism is in his use of sources. When he talks about the age of Aisha when she was married to Mohammed, he seems perfectly willing to disregard Sahih al-Bukhari as a legitimate source (of the claim that she was only 6) primarily on the grounds that Buhkhari was of poor character and wrote around 200 years after Mohammed's death. Yet he then goes on to use Bukhari as an authoritative source for a number of other claims ... (Incidentally, Tawhidi fails to even acknowledge the other hadith that claim she was 6. I also found his claim that Bukhari gave her a young age in order to avoid doubts about her virginity to be nothing more than speculation - there's nothing to support this).
Some other things:
* The book makes absolutely no mention of apostasy and attitudes of Muslims towards it. This is surely a major stumbling block in the assimilation of Muslims in the west.
* At one point he confuses Sahih al-Bukhari with Sahih al-Muslim but I assume this is just a typo.
* Tawhidi says "... radical Islamists [...] largely come from [an] economically and socially depressed environment" - this is untrue. Quite the contrary: evidence has shown the most rabid extremists to be disproportionately affluent and well educated.
* He also says "Islamic reformation is one of the greatest threats to Muslim fundamentalists." - he needs to understand that from their viewpoint, fundamentalists are also trying to achieve a reformation - they are trying to reform (in the literal meaning of 'reshaping') it into something that conforms to their worldview.
January 20, 2019
This book landed in my hands totally by accident. Thanks to a Goodreads aquaintance. Though I have heard about the man who wrote this quite a few times, it was only after I read this book that I got really got to know about him, his struggle, his mission and his future works.
What this book covers
As stated by the author himself this book is written "for both Muslims and non-Muslims who have failed to obtain an explanation of why Islam, as a religion, is struggling to find a place within the West". The book is divided into following sections: the author's early as an Islamic student and a preacher, his transformation into a reformist, his detailed research on the difficulties in the foundation of Islam and problems that it continues to pose today. Though I have read quite a few books on this topic, none have explained the Islamic extremism like this one. Everything points to one thing: the ideology of the Islamic caliphate dating back to 600-700 CE which started with fathers in law of Prophet Mohammad.
What this book does not cover
Though it talks extensively about how everything started after the death of the Prophet, I did not find anything pointing exclusively to the Prophet. The author himself states that there is a lack of scriptural evidence as the religious texts which were written after the death of Prophet have been edited to suit political motives of the caliphs of those times.
Thoughts on the author
It takes a lot of courage to take on a whole ecosystem. His honesty is reflected in every word that he has written. This work is a result of 4028 hours of writing and research as stated by the Imam himself. He is now working on writing a detailed manifesto on Islamic reformation. I am very much looking forward to reading that as well.
Key takeaway
A mismanaged mind is a threat to oneself and to those who are around. But when there is an entire society of mismanaged minds, the kind of threat it poses to the world by and large is what we are seeing today in the form of extremism. I pray and wish that Imam Mohammad Tawhidi's contributions bring about the much needed change.
What this book covers
As stated by the author himself this book is written "for both Muslims and non-Muslims who have failed to obtain an explanation of why Islam, as a religion, is struggling to find a place within the West". The book is divided into following sections: the author's early as an Islamic student and a preacher, his transformation into a reformist, his detailed research on the difficulties in the foundation of Islam and problems that it continues to pose today. Though I have read quite a few books on this topic, none have explained the Islamic extremism like this one. Everything points to one thing: the ideology of the Islamic caliphate dating back to 600-700 CE which started with fathers in law of Prophet Mohammad.
What this book does not cover
Though it talks extensively about how everything started after the death of the Prophet, I did not find anything pointing exclusively to the Prophet. The author himself states that there is a lack of scriptural evidence as the religious texts which were written after the death of Prophet have been edited to suit political motives of the caliphs of those times.
Thoughts on the author
It takes a lot of courage to take on a whole ecosystem. His honesty is reflected in every word that he has written. This work is a result of 4028 hours of writing and research as stated by the Imam himself. He is now working on writing a detailed manifesto on Islamic reformation. I am very much looking forward to reading that as well.
Key takeaway
A mismanaged mind is a threat to oneself and to those who are around. But when there is an entire society of mismanaged minds, the kind of threat it poses to the world by and large is what we are seeing today in the form of extremism. I pray and wish that Imam Mohammad Tawhidi's contributions bring about the much needed change.
May 18, 2019
First I would like to thank my dear friend Ashish Iyer for recommending this book.
This is very important book for this century. When the world is torn by terrorism, jihad and bloodshed of innocent, the author, Mr.Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, takes a heroic step to address issues like hypocrisy of Islamic Imams, twisting of Islamic laws, creating and interpreting Islamic tenets to gain political dominance and radicalizing innocent muslims into bloodbath.
Though author is not very optimistic about reform of Islam because the system is too colossal and everyone loves her life. So, there will be very few audacious personality like Imam Tawhidi who dares to bell the cat.
This book gives very brief and to the point introduction of Islamic system and history along with ridiculous and dangerous list of fatwas.
The author is taking 1400 years old dogmatic, lunatic system head on. I hope author's initiative may usher a fresh air to Islam.
This is very important book for this century. When the world is torn by terrorism, jihad and bloodshed of innocent, the author, Mr.Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, takes a heroic step to address issues like hypocrisy of Islamic Imams, twisting of Islamic laws, creating and interpreting Islamic tenets to gain political dominance and radicalizing innocent muslims into bloodbath.
Though author is not very optimistic about reform of Islam because the system is too colossal and everyone loves her life. So, there will be very few audacious personality like Imam Tawhidi who dares to bell the cat.
This book gives very brief and to the point introduction of Islamic system and history along with ridiculous and dangerous list of fatwas.
The author is taking 1400 years old dogmatic, lunatic system head on. I hope author's initiative may usher a fresh air to Islam.
January 30, 2019
Imam Mohammad Tawhidi has written this very interesting book on his journey of becoming an 'Imam' as well as his learning of black and white of Islam and Islam's after-birth and growth, till date.
After reading this book I feel very much educated in the field of Islam history(though it may be just a gist). All the events written in this book are translation of some traditional books or manuscripts passed on only to Islam scholars. So much information is passed on via this book by which you get the reason behind the existence of the extremists in such large number today. It even makes one wonder how did this tyrannical practice kept passing on from generations and centuries. It's people like Imam Tawhidi who can try and educate other islamists which plan to follow the jihadist path. It's still a long way and a big revolution to come for such ideologies to stop expanding.
After reading this book I feel very much educated in the field of Islam history(though it may be just a gist). All the events written in this book are translation of some traditional books or manuscripts passed on only to Islam scholars. So much information is passed on via this book by which you get the reason behind the existence of the extremists in such large number today. It even makes one wonder how did this tyrannical practice kept passing on from generations and centuries. It's people like Imam Tawhidi who can try and educate other islamists which plan to follow the jihadist path. It's still a long way and a big revolution to come for such ideologies to stop expanding.
June 8, 2019
Five stars for educational benefit. Style is matter of fact, somewhat repetitive, and tedious. Despite difficulties in wading through the book, it is a real eye-opener to mainstream Islam, which the author convincingly asserts as a dangerous political power derived from corrupt interpretations of the Q'ran rather than faithful adherence to it. The book is worth the effort!
May 11, 2019
Quite an enlightening read. This book is not just for non muslims, even muslim can read it. It was quite informative for me. Author mentioned what are the things wrong with Islam and what can be done to improve it.
June 28, 2019
frightening
February 21, 2020
I've read a number of books on Islam, both from a religious point of view as well as a terrorism specific perspective. This being written by an Iranian born Australian Muslim Imam was by far the most introspective view on Islam from a theological and historical perspective. The guy studied in Iran at Iranian run theological centers. His approach is refreshing, honest and true. Fascinating. Here are some facts and points of view that I found most interesting:
The author used of the words - genocide, massacre, racism etc to describe what other Muslims have done and are still doing - refreshing.
Historical tidbits:
Mohammeds wife Aisha slept around
Mohammeds Wife breastfed other men so that they could then be related
Mohammed was poisoned
A revelation from Allah was lost because someone left it on the floor under bed and a goat ate it
Mohammed had 11 wives and “visited “ (had sex with) each one every night
Fatwa from Saudi implied - women can’t drive or could be in a taxi male driver (turning them into their sons) if she breastfed the driver.
Caliph Abu Bakr father-in-law of Mohammed started beheadings and burning alive - terrorism. He plotted to murder Mohammed before marriage to his daughter.
Companion of Mohammed - Malik - was killed after Mohammeds death, behead and his head eaten and his wife raped.
1st Caliph Abu Bakr said that homosexuals were to be burned alive.
Second caliph Omar buried his daughter alive because he wanted a son and was mad. He was a misogynist - beat women often - also raped his cousin.
Caliph Omar, second Caliph was an alcoholic.
4th caliph Ali (who was also assassinated) said “people are either brothers or sisters in your faith or your equals in humanity”. He was quite tolerant and behaved humanely, perhaps that’s why he was killed.
Lady Fatima, Mohammed’s daughter (held in reverence in a similar way Mary is bro Christians) was attacked, impaled by a large door nail, said door being broken down on top her, beaten causing a her to miscarry by Omar the second 2nd Caliph. She died 6 months later.
A Muslim may reject Israel being a state but cannot deny the fact that the entire region including Palestine is in fact Jewish land
Muslims did not enter Palestine as preachers - they murdered leaders and massacred the populace.
THE CITIZENS OF PALESTINE MAY CONVERT TO ISLAM BUT IN NO WAY CAN PALESTINE BE CONSIDERED MUSLIM LAND.
Islam committed Genocide to the borders of China and Indian subcontinent.
The House of Mohammed - Abbasids and Umayyads - made war on each other.
The Islamic “Golden Age “ came about not by reason or because of Islam but in spite of Islam. Conquered people technology, science, etc was absorbed/assimilated.
Ayatollah Kohmeini is of Hindu ancestry
Kohmeini murdered more people in one year than the Shah did total
I support the United States in its desired to bring an end to the theocratic regime in a run. Islamic governments have always been a scam, because religion exists to guide, not to kill and govern
According to Islamic jurist prudence, a Muslim man is allowed to marry four permanent wives and an unlimited number of temporary women, all at the same time. Temporary women are Whores
Halal Certification was introduced to Muslims less than 100 years ago although Islam is been around for 14 centuries meaning it’s a scam, only for making money and nothing else. There’s even Halal toilet paper - huh?
Bazar Fatwas that have been issued-
Sex should a man impregnate a sheep, causing it to become pregnant…..talk about stupid!
Mickey Mouse must die
Suppose u cut your penis in two and then have vaginal sex and anal sex with the halves…….WTF?
Mannequins are to wear burqas or veils
It is permissible to have sexual intercourse with a girl bride even if she is a baby that is in capable of sexual intercourse.
If a man has a slave girl whether be it a girl or a little child he can masturbate using her hands; and if she was a nonbeliever, he could have intercourse with her in other than her but vagina.
Women are banned from sitting on chairs or sleeping beside walls because the Arabic words for both are in the masculine and should be treated as strange men – it is believed that evil male spirits penetrate the women without her knowing
If Christians and Muslims were to achieve peace then Jesus is the best and only possible way to unite the two ....
The author used of the words - genocide, massacre, racism etc to describe what other Muslims have done and are still doing - refreshing.
Historical tidbits:
Mohammeds wife Aisha slept around
Mohammeds Wife breastfed other men so that they could then be related
Mohammed was poisoned
A revelation from Allah was lost because someone left it on the floor under bed and a goat ate it
Mohammed had 11 wives and “visited “ (had sex with) each one every night
Fatwa from Saudi implied - women can’t drive or could be in a taxi male driver (turning them into their sons) if she breastfed the driver.
Caliph Abu Bakr father-in-law of Mohammed started beheadings and burning alive - terrorism. He plotted to murder Mohammed before marriage to his daughter.
Companion of Mohammed - Malik - was killed after Mohammeds death, behead and his head eaten and his wife raped.
1st Caliph Abu Bakr said that homosexuals were to be burned alive.
Second caliph Omar buried his daughter alive because he wanted a son and was mad. He was a misogynist - beat women often - also raped his cousin.
Caliph Omar, second Caliph was an alcoholic.
4th caliph Ali (who was also assassinated) said “people are either brothers or sisters in your faith or your equals in humanity”. He was quite tolerant and behaved humanely, perhaps that’s why he was killed.
Lady Fatima, Mohammed’s daughter (held in reverence in a similar way Mary is bro Christians) was attacked, impaled by a large door nail, said door being broken down on top her, beaten causing a her to miscarry by Omar the second 2nd Caliph. She died 6 months later.
A Muslim may reject Israel being a state but cannot deny the fact that the entire region including Palestine is in fact Jewish land
Muslims did not enter Palestine as preachers - they murdered leaders and massacred the populace.
THE CITIZENS OF PALESTINE MAY CONVERT TO ISLAM BUT IN NO WAY CAN PALESTINE BE CONSIDERED MUSLIM LAND.
Islam committed Genocide to the borders of China and Indian subcontinent.
The House of Mohammed - Abbasids and Umayyads - made war on each other.
The Islamic “Golden Age “ came about not by reason or because of Islam but in spite of Islam. Conquered people technology, science, etc was absorbed/assimilated.
Ayatollah Kohmeini is of Hindu ancestry
Kohmeini murdered more people in one year than the Shah did total
I support the United States in its desired to bring an end to the theocratic regime in a run. Islamic governments have always been a scam, because religion exists to guide, not to kill and govern
According to Islamic jurist prudence, a Muslim man is allowed to marry four permanent wives and an unlimited number of temporary women, all at the same time. Temporary women are Whores
Halal Certification was introduced to Muslims less than 100 years ago although Islam is been around for 14 centuries meaning it’s a scam, only for making money and nothing else. There’s even Halal toilet paper - huh?
Bazar Fatwas that have been issued-
Sex should a man impregnate a sheep, causing it to become pregnant…..talk about stupid!
Mickey Mouse must die
Suppose u cut your penis in two and then have vaginal sex and anal sex with the halves…….WTF?
Mannequins are to wear burqas or veils
It is permissible to have sexual intercourse with a girl bride even if she is a baby that is in capable of sexual intercourse.
If a man has a slave girl whether be it a girl or a little child he can masturbate using her hands; and if she was a nonbeliever, he could have intercourse with her in other than her but vagina.
Women are banned from sitting on chairs or sleeping beside walls because the Arabic words for both are in the masculine and should be treated as strange men – it is believed that evil male spirits penetrate the women without her knowing
If Christians and Muslims were to achieve peace then Jesus is the best and only possible way to unite the two ....
March 14, 2019
I got the book following some post on twitter from Imam Mohammad Tawhidi. The tweets were somewhat provocative and controversial. They even felt courageous. As someone that doesn't like consensus, I decided that I will get his book and read what he has to say. I'm always skeptical when something is presented as binary, or too simplified or too much on one side of the argument and I had hope that Mohammad Tawhidi in his book would paint a picture of Islam from the inside that is as objective as possible. I was not disappointed. I don't know much about Islam but I learn a lot in that book about its history, its philosophy, its political challenges and more. The read was not always pleasant in term of the form but the content I feel was very interesting, I really appreciated the effort of the author to bring constructive criticism to his own religion, facing the problems the way they are, hinting on ways to solve them without simplifying a potential magical solution. Considering the risks that he takes knowing that many people would probably threaten him I'm very supportive of his work and hopeful that more people like him will rise above from every culture, every religion, every system and bring a voice of reason and common sense to balance the extremists that are an aloud and dangerous minority in many groups.
PS: Also, my knowledge of Islam is limited and if someone with more knowledge that read my comment wants to recommend other books that take a different stand than this one on Islam I'd be happy to receive recommendations.
PS: Also, my knowledge of Islam is limited and if someone with more knowledge that read my comment wants to recommend other books that take a different stand than this one on Islam I'd be happy to receive recommendations.
November 22, 2019
Huge respect for Imam Tawhidi for making such shocking revelations in the book that are required to be read by all the muslim and non-muslim readers alike. He has given factual accounts of the Islamic history which got distorted with time and ideas, thoughts, mal-practices of fake or controversial people in Islam who were never questioned and were required to undergo a reformation. Everyone must read this. I'm surprised how this book didn't get banned already. Well, please read it before it does.
March 13, 2019
If Islam is on it's way to reforming, then Imam Tawhidi is their Martin Luther. He has written a wonderful account of conspiracies and coverups that have fueled the negative parts of the religion. God bless Imam Tawhidi for his research, efforts, and honesty. This book is perfection, and has compelled me to respect Muslims and Islam.
May 3, 2019
Enlightening yet not heavy narrative on rahmatul lil alamin hijacking and failure.
January 3, 2019
Imam Tawhidi offers us valuable information in this book, and spreads wisdom while doing so.
March 19, 2019
A very good primer for the history of the early Caliphs of Islam.
He meanders some, but there is plenty of meat there and - overall - a concise, readable style.
He meanders some, but there is plenty of meat there and - overall - a concise, readable style.
April 12, 2020
An Excellent book that needs to be read by Muslims and Non Muslims alike! Great insight into the history of Islam and an analysis into the origins of terrorism that we see in the world today. Imam Tawhidi wants to bring about a reformation amongst the Muslim people so they could co-exist peacefully with others and he says while it is a long road ahead, admitting that a problem exists, is half the battle won! With awareness of the problem of terrorism and where it originates from, people can prosper in time. This awareness is more required for all the educated and moderate Muslims, some of whom unknowingly support terrorists without being aware of it. I think this book is a must read for one and all!
September 2, 2019
Excellent
This is an excellent book, although at times Ifound it difficult to follow the who is who of Islam. One thing is sure if you are a Muslim there are going to be parts in this that you wont like. If you are a non Muslim you will find things in this book that are quite frankly ridiculous. I often wondered as to why anyone would follow Islam, while reading things that make no sense whatsoever. Example fatwas about woman and chairs. However it is often said that the truth hurts. The good news is that the truth will also set you free. So while as a Muslim you might find some of the things in this book, inflammatory, put your fragile ego on hold for a second and understand that this book is written to make things better for all. For a non Muslim I can say the same thing, sit up and listen, this book is not about you or your sense of political correctness. We are dealing with difficult and sensitive subjects, but unless we are willing to take a hard look and take decisive actions. We will be struggling against extremism till the end of time.
This is an excellent book, although at times Ifound it difficult to follow the who is who of Islam. One thing is sure if you are a Muslim there are going to be parts in this that you wont like. If you are a non Muslim you will find things in this book that are quite frankly ridiculous. I often wondered as to why anyone would follow Islam, while reading things that make no sense whatsoever. Example fatwas about woman and chairs. However it is often said that the truth hurts. The good news is that the truth will also set you free. So while as a Muslim you might find some of the things in this book, inflammatory, put your fragile ego on hold for a second and understand that this book is written to make things better for all. For a non Muslim I can say the same thing, sit up and listen, this book is not about you or your sense of political correctness. We are dealing with difficult and sensitive subjects, but unless we are willing to take a hard look and take decisive actions. We will be struggling against extremism till the end of time.
September 1, 2019
Quite an insightful read. I came across several things which I had heard before from several people but didn't have definite proof to it. This book is well written. Thoughts are articulate. Imam Tawhidi doesn't sugarcoat things which was good, as I found out raw version of everything. This book is also well referenced.
October 16, 2019
Islam was distorted due to political successors of the Prophet...
...how it was done is explained well in the book with references to original literature. Amazing that someone wrote stories about the prophet 200 years after his death! Clear manipulation done with original teachings to further the political agenda of the caliphs at that time.
...how it was done is explained well in the book with references to original literature. Amazing that someone wrote stories about the prophet 200 years after his death! Clear manipulation done with original teachings to further the political agenda of the caliphs at that time.
March 8, 2019
Imperative reading
Confronting but full of hope. Hopefully more moderates both Muslim and secular can change the hard liners. Most important book I have read.
Confronting but full of hope. Hopefully more moderates both Muslim and secular can change the hard liners. Most important book I have read.
July 29, 2019
Very good read. If you want to learn about the Muslim religion and current affairs of it, this is the book.
Eye opener to me.
Eye opener to me.
August 2, 2019
Bold testimony
A personal account of a religion corrupted by greed and by mixing religion with government. It made me want to learn more.
A personal account of a religion corrupted by greed and by mixing religion with government. It made me want to learn more.
August 19, 2019
True reformer
Islam needs a reformation. This book clearly explains why this is difficult but necessary. The hidden violent roots of Islam are little known and are exposed.
Islam needs a reformation. This book clearly explains why this is difficult but necessary. The hidden violent roots of Islam are little known and are exposed.
October 2, 2019
Brilliant! Every American should read this book.
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