Alan

“A very dangerous principle is now being established as a social right: Thou shalt not hurt others with words.”
― Jonathan Rauch, Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought

“This last report is particularly intriguing insofar as it implies that Muhammad received his call to prophethood not—as the most famous account would have it—atop Mount Hira occupied in prayerful meditation and acts of pious devotion but while shepherding flocks for wealthy Meccans.”
― Sean Anthony, Muhammad and the Empires of Faith: The Making of the Prophet of Islam

“That little spark of life, if I should do my duty, should be fanned into a flame, whose light should blaze across the world, and bless, and brighten it.”
― Talbot Mundy, Om, the Secret of Ahbor Valley

“Turki al Bin ‘ali does the Islamic equivalent of smashing an electric guitar and kicking over an amplifier every time he steps up to the minbar.”
― Graeme Wood, The Way of the Strangers