Reading the Muslim Mind

by Hassan Hathout

Once in a while a book comes along that can reshape the thinking of the world. One person at a time. Reading the Muslim Mind is such a book. Dr. Hassan Hathout starts out from a simple observation a lifetime of biculturalism (the Egyptian-born physician initially resided in Britain and has lived in the U.S. for more than a decade) leads him to note that Islam is widely known in the West for what it is not. This encyclopedic personality (doctor of medicine, thinker, speaker, poet) sets out to guide the reader on a comprehensive tour through Islam. For this voyage, he supplies a keen and lucid anatomy of the Islamic life. He also provides, with incisive clarity, the inner guidebook; he uncovers the tracing of the mind at work behind the practice, the spirit behind the letter, the rationale and the Ultimate Reason, God. For non-Muslims and those who follow what Dr. Hathout aptly calls the Judeo-Christian-Islamic world tradition at large, the trip proves illuminating and thought-provoking. For Muslims, it will re-anchor their faith and offer vital and timely answers to up-to-the-minute dilemmas of life in the new millennium. Reading the Muslim Mind addresses key issues of our time, from the Islamic perspective. Dr. Hathout, in this wise, warm and inspiring work, is speaking to the audience of humankind in the Age of Selfishness, Microtheism, and Godlessness. In his clarion call of hope, the author maintains that when a minimum critical mass turns to understanding and cooperation, real change is possible. To be known for what one really is, is nothing less than a basic human right, Dr. Hathout notes. Here, then, is Islam as it really is, and the world as it really can be.

Genres: Islam, Nonfiction, Religion

152 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Firas]

Lejos de dejarme indiferente, ha sido difícil que pasase una página sin comentar algo. A veces una idea interesante o positiva, pero la gran mayoría por contradicciones, falta de referencias, ilógica o simplemente discrepancia con mi opinión.

Me alegro de haberlo leído porque ha sido un ejercicio constructivo en el sentido de que, a pesar de mantener una opinión diferente, he podido continuar con la lectura sin rencor.

Como ideas positivas me encanta la importancia que se le da a la familia. En concreto lo mucho que se centra en la importancia del respeto a los padres. Una vez que son ancianos y pasan a depender de los hijos, nunca tratarlos como si fuesen cargas o de manera agresiva, siempre con cariño. Hay que recordar la paciencia que tuvieron con nosotros.

El zakat como obligación y cuantificado me parece una medida muy positiva para ayudar a disminuir la brecha salarial. Me encanta además que no tenga la connotación negativa de obligación, sino que se ve como una manera de purificar el dinero.

Como punto principal que no comparto con las ideas contenidas está la noción de que Dios ve todo y sabe todo, y por tanto debemos portarnos bien para que esté contento. Todo además basado en que después de la muerte habrá un juicio y todo el mundo será puesto en su lugar. En este punto no creo que la gente tenga que actuar para evitar castigos o ser recompensado porque alguien está viéndote. No necesitas eso. Puedes ser una buena persona aunque estés completamente sólo, porque en el fondo tú sabes lo que haces, y eso debería bastar para hacer el bien. El paraíso y el infierno no esperan después de la muerte, se experimentan durante la propia vida.

Hay varios temas con los que he estado muy en desacuerdo. Hay un apartado en el que se dice que un empleo digno es un derecho universal, idea que comparto. Pero seguidamente dice:

"En consecuencia, la tecnología que ahorre puestos de trabajo sólo será lícita cuando solucione un problema de falta de mano de obra, pero nunca cuando sirva para recortar empleos y arrojar a los trabajadores al paro."

Que barbaridad decir eso, no se puede ir más en contra del avance tecnológico. Es irónico que justo niegue eso después. Todo optimización de procesos es a la larga en beneficio de la sociedad y del medio ambiente. Imagina que los ensamblajes de coches fuesen igual que a principios del siglo XX en las fábricas Ford.

Respecto a la homosexualidad defiende que:

"Uno puede sentir un fuerte deseo de hacer algo (de tener un contacto homosexual, contacto heterosexual con una pareja que no es tu esposa, tomar alcohol, cometer un crimen violento o un robo) pero no por ello va a hacerlo. (...) Los seres humanos tienen todos un gen incuestionable, sin el cual dejan de serlo: el gen del autocontrol."

¿Esta comparación es en serio?

Algo que me da mucha rabia es que se hable de las historias de los Libros como si de verdad fuesen reales. Con Jordan Peterson vi claro que son un reflejo de la mentalidad, son un reflejo de la ideología de la gente, pero no hay que tomárselo literalmente. Pero es que me da rabia leer esto:

"La inviolabilidad de la vida humana fue decretada por Dios como principio básico antes incluso de los tiempos de Moisés, Jesús y Muhammad. En relación al asesinato de Abel por su hermano Caín..."

Está suponiendo que Adán y Eva fueron personas reales. Madre mía. Y si es así, ¿cómo se defiende de la pregunta del incesto necesario para crear el resto de la población?

Respecto a la eutanasia, totalmente en contra porque "no existe dolor humano que no pueda en su mayor parte ser superado mediante medicación o una adecuada neurocirugía". Sí, mejor pasar el resto de tu vida con morfina para no sentir nada.

Plantea una idea que me parece interesante para debate. La ética de que los países desarrollados vacunen a los niños de países tercermundistas, a pesar de que eso fomente el hambre y continue el ciclo de muerte. Su posición es clara, es una idea terrible y no la comparte. Pero a mi me genera diversas reacciones. No lo veo tan claro.

[Dimitri Amendola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface by saying, it is with little doubt that Dr. Hassan Hathout has pure and loving intentions in the writing of this book. So let me first comment on what I appreciate;

Dr.Hathout treats the reader with respect. He does not demean you but rather invites you in. He writes in a way that is easy to follow. I found myself flying through the book at a fast pace due to his writing style. He is an excellent writer and you will have no problem comprehending what is being presented.

Additionally, Dr.Hathout’s passion for Islam is genuine. He has reminded himself in his own book that subscribing to Islam is difficult and acknowledges the shortcomings of followers in all faiths. He routinely highlights that humanity is capable of sin regardless of faith. His love for humanity in this respect is evident.

So on the surface this is a good read and a welcoming one in a subject that no doubt draws conflict among religious groups.

However, I cannot neglect the evident bias in Dr.Hathout’s presentation of facts and history. There are many examples of this but one glaring one is the discussion of slavery.

Dr.Hathout correctly points out that in the Christian West slavery was practiced and that many were abused in this system. While he discusses this he fails to mention whatsoever the Mediterranean and Arab slave trade. During which many Christians were kidnapped and forced into slavery. Of course this abuse of human rights is not compatible with Islam but the same can be said of those who take Christianity seriously. This is a gross misrepresentation of history. To the less informed reader you would have a false depiction of the history of slavery. In fact you would feel that this was mainly a western institution. In this and other areas it appears to me he depicts the west often with a level of disdain or contempt and this is evident in his historical approach at times. Another example is viewing the crusades as totally political events reserved for the Christian West shows a lack of understanding in the circumstances of the time that could have lead to such conflicts and human abuses. I would have loved for him to have spent more time on the complexity of such an important conflict between Muslims and Christians.

Additionally, Dr. Hathout presents early christian history in a slightly problematic way. Particularly in his discussion of the Trinity. He presents it simply as a Roman invention in the 4th century. He quotes the Catholic encyclopedia to back this claim but he is ignorant of the church’s teaching in this. This quote is essentially conveniently plucked and lacking the appropriate context. The concept of the Trinity or even simply the divinity of Christ and Holy Spirit was well discussed and contemplated by the early church fathers well before the council of nicea. Several hundred years before. The council of nicea mainly functioned as a formalization of an already existing belief. The council was an open debate on the topic of which the Christian leaders at the time concluded in favor of the Trinity among other topics.

Lastly, Dr Hathout makes light claims about what the Bible presents but does not go into much detail as to why he believes in the Islamic interpretation. His critique of the Bible is surface level and leaves more to be desired. I have read far more compelling critiques of Christian theology. His is more so the standard Islamic talking points. It seems to me his intention was more to educate on differences than to expand upon them.

I must acknowledge my own bias if you’ve read this far. I am a practicing Christian. I don’t wish to impose my beliefs on this book. I only seek to hold the late Dr Hathout to his own academic standard which he laid out clearly in his book.

Dr Hathout, may you rest in peace. Thank you for the opportunity to meet you albeit by reading your work. I hope you see yourself in me with my passions and critiques. Your love for humanity is admirable and I hope I can carry forward your love for the world.

[Rosanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first it was a fresh look on Islam. A bit of a defence of the religion. It gave good reasons why there are conflicts between western ideology and the shariah. It showed the shariah to be what it is and it defended it well.

We need more Muslim scholars to talk out like this and address the issues that people often have with Islam. If every non Muslim could read this it would certainly make them understand Muslims as people more.

Interesting towards the end when reading the different issues and Islamic views on them. Hathout explained these far too generically and began implying that western people in General were ignorant.

Though he rightly said that equality needs to come from mutual understanding and respect, he went on to speak of the West and Muslims as two different entities that can't mix.
He also mentioned many things that all Muslims do and believe that in my own conversations with Muslims, I know they don't believe that.

I think he gave up on his equal approach towards the end and spoke of Muslims as though they're all exactly the same people and spoke of Westerners as if they're all the same ignorant people.

Still a nice insight Ino the Muslim mind and how Islam should be.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, despite its relatively short length, offers an insightful glimpse into the Islamic faith that feels quite in-depth, personal, objective and honest. I also loved that, while Hathout was a devout Muslim and very unapologetic in his faith - and while he does not shy away from pointing out the less fortunate interactions between Islam and Christendom in the past - this apologetical primer for the Muslim religion, world and culture is remarkably progressive in its acceptance and acknowledgement of Christianity and Judaism.

I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me somewhat of Vartan Gregorian's equally excellent Islam: A Mosaic, not a Monolith. Definitely of value for those who wish to learn about the real Islam, and not the hateful extremist sect its worst proponents enable the West to misconstrue it as.

[Dženan Mušanović · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knjiga Hassana Hathouta Čitanje muslimanskog uma prijemčivo je i lahko čitljivo, gotovo svakodnevno, štivo koje progovara sprva o nekim temama koje su dobro poznate svakojem mislećem muslimanskom umu, pa čak i onome manje upućenom u stvari vjere, tj. onome koji ne poznaje dostatno svoju religiju niti ima formalno religijsko obrazovanje. Tako je prvi dio knjige sačinjen od poznatih tema obrađenih nominalno, samo onoliko koliko je dovoljno objektivnom nemuslimanskom čitatelju da se zainteresira i da dalje istražuje. No, u tom smislu korisno bi bilo da je Hathout uputio na izvore za daljnje istraživanje, odnosno, da je dao opsežniju bibliografiju na koju bi se moglo osloniti u daljem čitalačkom pregnuću u ovome smislu. Te poznate teme obuhvaćaju: kratak i sižejan govor o Bogu, o Šerijatu, njegovim ciljevima, odnos islama i drugih religija, tačnije, preporučeni a ne zbiljski odnos muslimana i pripadnika drugih (a napose abrahamovskih) religija, demokratija u svezi sa islamom (ovo poglavlje je vrlo interesantno a i tema je važna), itd.

Drugi dio knjige nastoji se baviti savremenim problemima, poput onih bioetičkih, preko surogat majčinstva, seksualne revolucije i porodice, eutanazije, pa do genetske oplodnje tražeći opravdanje ili neodobravanje u izvorima islama - Kur'anu i sunnetu (Poslanika, a.s.). U tom kontekstu, znakovito je da je na prelazu između dva dijela knjige autor naveo dva vrlo kratka poglavlja Okus Kur'ana u kojem sabire kur'anske ajete koji su podstrek na činjenje dobra i temelj za islamsku moralnost, te Ovako je govorio Poslanik (ili nešto nalik tome) gdje donosi hadise vezanu za isti temat moralnosti. Međutim, kompletan drugi dio knjige bavi se jako kompleksnim temama koje dotiče samo površno istodobno pokušavajući naglasiti ispravnost islamskog svjetogleđa u tim pitanjima, što ne nalazim objektivnim motrenjem.

Svakako da je štivo interesantno i preporučujem ga, pogotovo nemuslimanima, kako bi stekli uvid u muslimansko poimanje pojedinih važnih tema, no ujedno upozoravam da se bude pri čitanju obzirno i da se svi stavovi autora ne uzimaju bez rezerve, jer iako u biografskom opisu njegova života stoji da je erudita, smatram da je, ako je već takvog kapaciteta, mogao ponuditi više i donijeti nešto bolje od ovoga, a ovo nije loše.

[Astromehdia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading the Muslim Mind goes through all the basic principles of Islam and guides us on how to apply them on our daily lives in today’s world. This book is written from a Sunni perspective, and I, as a Shia, felt bias in some of the topics. However, there were a lot of good content that educated me about so many things I did not know about my religion.

Hassan uses Quranic Ayat and Ahadith to prove his point and it is helpful how he deciphers them to today’s language and way of life. The order of contents throughout the book are very well disciplined where it starts from the very question of existence of God and ends the book with more details on Islamic laws. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to look at religion through modern lense as it gives you a fresh perspective on Islam.

[Samreen K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book did a great job of discussing modern day topics and Islam's take on them.
Some topics felt kind of single-gendered and I would've appreciated getting either a gender-neutral or dual-gendered explanation. For example, it's mentioned that if a woman's husband dies, she must wait a mourning period before remarrying. What about if a man's wife dies? There was nothing mentioned in this situation.

I also felt that the language and vocabulary used throughout was more complicated than it needed to be. Some sentences felt like a thesaurus was used on every word and this made it unnecessarily difficult to read.

Overall, a great read during the month of Ramadan, but was difficult to read at times

[Kama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. If you want to know more about Islam, whether you are Muslim or not this is a very good book to start with.