Demystifying Islam: Your Guide to the Most Misunderstood Religion of the 21st Century

by Ali Shehata

Islam has recently become one of the hottest, yet most misunderstood, news items throughout the Western world. Numerous books have been written analyzing and commenting on this religion of 1.5 billion adherents, yet few books have tackled presenting this religion's principles and beliefs to the general public. This book is one of those few, and in fact a formidable one at that. Brimming with references and up-to-date statistics, Demystifying Islam allows the reader to quickly and intelligently become familiar with the precepts upon which Islam stands and to decide for themselves whether what is presented nightly is representative or biased. A must read for anyone who wants to better understand the growing role of Islam and Muslims not only in the global politics of this world, but also in the fabric of so many western societies.

295 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[`Alia]

I was asked by the author to help write the chapter on women for this book. After grueling hours of writing and editing it was finally done. He then added onto it his own research and ta da!

Alhamdulillah it was great experience. Feedback is much appreciated.

I also wrote a review for the back cover.


`Alia

[Jasmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

to be honest, I wanted to put the book away as soon as I started. In the first chapter the author starts with a big cap of mine. He interchanges the big bang theory with Darwinism and turns it into an unscientific soup. He states, among other things, that it is impossible for someone to deny God because: "... can never explain the natural instinct of a newborn as it starts to suckle and reflexively Turn to the breast for food ...". This is kind of the whole point atheists make.
I'm glad I didn't, because the author makes a smooth come back. Really explaining Islam on a scientific basis and using many different sources. Both religious and secular.
Using many Bible verses, both catholic and protestant, I feel this book is especially interesting for readers from a Christian background.
The books talks about numerous often misunderstood topics in Islam and is very capable in explaining them both on historic as religious level.
One of the last chapters is on women's rights and I really want to mention it is one of the best books I've read on this topic. May God be pleased with this work. I truly loved it.

[AnnMarie Latimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am only half way in this book, I am truly enjoying it. I appreciate the use of Quran to present facts against false challenges. I am enjoying being educated with easy reading instead of words that talk over the reader. They are not really chapters as much as topics titled per section. This prepares me for what I will be learning about in the next section. I like that these 'chapters' are to the point and not long winded. I will update more as I have only recently picked it up again to finish.