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gerhard's review against another edition
5.0
I really think that this book needs an introduction explaining who the authors are, as I doubt everybody is familiar with them. It would also have been good to explain how this ‘dialogue’ came about, whether it was interview-based, or if the answers were extended at all through additional writing, and also maybe why Harvard University Press came to be the publisher.
However, such omissions do not detract from the fact that this little book is one of the most clear-headed and eye-opening discussions of Islam and religious (in)tolerance and fundamentalism in particular that I have ever read.
I sincerely hope it is distributed more widely so that it can become part of a much larger and better informed public discourse on these critical issues – which affect every single one of us, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Particularly interesting for me was the distinction between Islamism as an ideology that certain radical groups are seeking to impose on the entire world (i.e. the new Caliphate), and Islam the religion, many members of which function quite happily, if conservatively, in different societies around the world.
Maajid Nawaz argues that the problem is twofold: on the one hand there is radical Islamism, and then there is the issue of gender and human rights within Islam the religion itself. The former is often highlighted to the detriment of the latter, which means that women, gay Muslims and other minorities are essentially left voiceless in the current debate.
Both Harris and Nawaz argue that an acceptance of pluralism and democracy will flow naturally from the concept that (all) religious texts are ultimately open to interpretation, and that no single person (such as the self-proclaimed IS Caliph) has a prerogative on the ‘truth’.
However, this is an evolutionary step that Islam is decades behind on, the authors warn, with the distinct possibility that the current ‘jihadist insurgency’ could put the world’s geopolitical map back by decades and result in far more protracted bloodshed, skirmishes and civil confrontations than we have seen to date.
Given the negative impact and fallout on Islam the religion, and the world as a whole, it is up to all concerned citizens, of whatever faith or country, to counter the pernicious influence of Islamism and its fatal attraction to our youth.
Killing Osama Bin Laden was very much a knee-jerk reaction, and ultimately resulted in the ascendancy of IS, which makes Al Qaeda look quite moderate in comparison. The question looming over this text is ultimately ‘what next?’, if we don’t realise this is also very much a battle that needs to be staged effectively in the hearts and minds of Muslism everywhere.
However, such omissions do not detract from the fact that this little book is one of the most clear-headed and eye-opening discussions of Islam and religious (in)tolerance and fundamentalism in particular that I have ever read.
I sincerely hope it is distributed more widely so that it can become part of a much larger and better informed public discourse on these critical issues – which affect every single one of us, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Particularly interesting for me was the distinction between Islamism as an ideology that certain radical groups are seeking to impose on the entire world (i.e. the new Caliphate), and Islam the religion, many members of which function quite happily, if conservatively, in different societies around the world.
Maajid Nawaz argues that the problem is twofold: on the one hand there is radical Islamism, and then there is the issue of gender and human rights within Islam the religion itself. The former is often highlighted to the detriment of the latter, which means that women, gay Muslims and other minorities are essentially left voiceless in the current debate.
Both Harris and Nawaz argue that an acceptance of pluralism and democracy will flow naturally from the concept that (all) religious texts are ultimately open to interpretation, and that no single person (such as the self-proclaimed IS Caliph) has a prerogative on the ‘truth’.
However, this is an evolutionary step that Islam is decades behind on, the authors warn, with the distinct possibility that the current ‘jihadist insurgency’ could put the world’s geopolitical map back by decades and result in far more protracted bloodshed, skirmishes and civil confrontations than we have seen to date.
Given the negative impact and fallout on Islam the religion, and the world as a whole, it is up to all concerned citizens, of whatever faith or country, to counter the pernicious influence of Islamism and its fatal attraction to our youth.
Killing Osama Bin Laden was very much a knee-jerk reaction, and ultimately resulted in the ascendancy of IS, which makes Al Qaeda look quite moderate in comparison. The question looming over this text is ultimately ‘what next?’, if we don’t realise this is also very much a battle that needs to be staged effectively in the hearts and minds of Muslism everywhere.
stranger's review against another edition
4.0
I disagree with some of what Maajid has said, but to argue here is against the point. This book's aim is to unmuddle an apoplectic issue, bring the discussion into open air, and to provide hope that, yes, there is reason to be optimistic in the face of exceptional challenges.
kingabzpro's review against another edition
3.0
It's very unique book about how Islamist ideology works and what is word jahad and how to counter far toxic extremists groups. This book have very rich vocabulary and explains 2 perspectives of highly functioning individuals with limited knowledge about religion.
nferickson's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating and fast read. It is refreshing to read a civil, educated, and un-antagonistic debate on Islam, terrorism, and secularism.
thespicydip's review against another edition
5.0
what makes it interesting is this book is not written as an essay, but rather a dialogue. Nawaz is an activist and ex Hizb ut-Tahrir who actually went to jail for it, and Harris is an activist & critic of religion. now, normally it’s not something you can easily find in Indonesia cos most people will get *really* defensive when it comes to criticism of religion, and such dialogue IS condemned from being held in public. reading it in a book, at least, can give you more perspective to both ends. questions asked by Harris were also things I have been questioning.
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