On Being a Muslim

Rating:
Summary: Just what we all need to read now
Review: Esack's book is the best book I have read that deals with what it means to be a Muslim in the 21st century. He paints a picture of Islam as a faith that profoundly influences the life of the believer and at the same time he is frank about all the dilemmas and uncertainties that like every other human being Muslims face. It is this attitude of honest self-criticism combined with a real sense of reverence for Islam that makes this book unique.

Rating:
Summary: a thoughtful and sometimes crazy cleric
Review: Farid Esack's "On Being a Muslim" is a thoughtful examination of the complex issues that face Muslims in the contemporary world. His unexpectedly candid discussion about issues of faith, gender, religious authority, political activism, and other critical issues serves a badly neglected area of Islamic books in English: honest and critical thoughts on Islam and being Muslim in a crazy world. The positions he defends are more often than not "liberal" as opposed to "orthodox", yet he argues rationally, clearly, and with a refreshing dose of humor. I would recommend this book to all Muslims who aren't afraid of asking questions that may not have easy answers.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent, thoughtful perspective on Islam
Review: I cannot recommend Farid Esack's deeply personal, very human account of his struggle to reclaim the humanistic and radical message of Islam enough. As a left-orientated, deeply committed sufi muslim, I was kept enthralled by views so close in spirit to my own. Even if you disagree with Farid Esack's perspective, his personal sincerity and long development are worthy of reading about in themselves. I however agree with him wholeheartedly on almost everything. A wonderful book by a very sincere man.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent, thoughtful perspective on Islam
Review: I cannot recommend Farid Esack's deeply personal, very human account of his struggle to reclaim the humanistic and radical message of Islam enough. As a left-orientated, deeply committed sufi muslim, I was kept enthralled by views so close in spirit to my own. Even if you disagree with Farid Esack's perspective, his personal sincerity and long development are worthy of reading about in themselves. I however agree with him wholeheartedly on almost everything. A wonderful book by a very sincere man.

Rating:
Summary: honest exploration of faith
Review: I don't understand or agree with the harsh review from South Africa.I found this to be a remarkably honest book about a man's search for his faith and how it relates to the modern world and issues of justice.I am not a Muslim( but I am a religious studies major) and I can say this book will benefit anyone who has prejudice against Muslims and thinks of them as unreflective and reactionary.It will change your perspective these issues.