Islam

Rating:
Summary: A sound introduction to the world of Islam
Review: As a Christian, I always viewed Islam with skepticism. To be honest I knew some of their theology and it did not make sense to me. However, after reading MR Farah's book, I have come to understand Islam better. The Author takes you right back to the beginning and guides you through the history of Islam. You get a front-row seat on how every period and certain individuals have influenced this world religion. I wish there was a book like this on Christianity! The book is unbiased in it's presentation of facts. You also understand alot better the rivalries between the sunnies and Shia muslims (and how it came to be) and the various sects of Islam that have come and gone.

A very well written book, altough I only gave 4 stars because sometimes you get lost in the details of the story and the author does occasionally go on to unrelated side stories which seem irrelevant. Otherwise a very good book to understand islam better (even if [like me] you aren't interested in becoming a Muslim).

Rating:
Summary: Not objective, poorly written
Review: If you are looking for an objective, academic introduction to Islam, then keep on looking. This book is rediculously biased in favor of Islam and therefore does not provide a useful historical study of the religion. It conveniently overlooks anything about Islam or the life of Muhammad that could possibly be construed as negative or unfavorable. Beyond that, the writing is mediocre at best.

Rating:
Summary: Good introduction to large topic
Review: The breadth and depth of Islam typically requires a lifetime of study to understand. For those of us unable to devote so much time to the subject, this book is defenitely the next best thing. Mr Farah has managed to distill a lifetime of travel and study in the Islamic world into a lucid, enlightening, and easy to read book.

The main strength of the book might also be considered its main weakness: its breadth. Mr Farah gives us a survey of Islam in its entirety, including portions devoted to some of the more obscure offshoots of Islam. This is not Islam for Dummies. This is an in-depth and detailed study of Islam as a whole.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book.