ebooks A Brief Guide to Islam: Faith; Religion; Politics by Paul Grieve in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy BeeToynThis is a very thorough introduction into the creed. I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks better understanding of the culture. I didn't find it biased in any way.10 of 14 people found the following review helpful. worth 100 starsBy CustomerWhile searching for a good guide to Islam; I saw a favorable book review on this one; and bought it. From the beginning; I was riveted--I could hardly put it down. This "brief" guide is exactly what he promises: a brief but COMPLETE guide; describing and explaining every aspect of this great religion. He describes everything from the influence of the poet Rumi; to architecture of a mosque; the government of Jerusalem; to American Black Muslims. This book gave me more insight than I could have imagined into the enormously complex phenomenon that is Islam.I am surprisd at the other reviews posted here. One didn't even read the book! Another is clearly biased to Israel; and unfortunately cannot see Islam in an objective way. This is precisely the value of Grieve's astonishing scholarship. He shows all the nuances of Islam--good and bad--their historical origins and how they continue to influence Islam today. He writes clearly and in such a straightforward and engaging way that I thought I was reading historical fiction. Grieve is simply a superb writer.I feel deeply grateful to have come across this book. Although I've read a number of others on religion (notably those by Karen Armstrong); I've never before read anything so well-written; explanatory and removed from bias.An understanding of Islam is more important than ever. Frankly; I think this should be mandatory reading for every college undergraduate; and cannot recommend it highly enough.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Good introduction; but shows biasBy Joel NickelThis book is a very good introduction to Islam. It is educational and interesting. It is written so that the most important information is presented first; and less important (and more detailed) information is presented later. For instance; Muhammed's biography; the Five Pillars of Islam; and a comparison between Islam and other world religions are all within the first half of the book. Short stories on topics of interest are spread throughout the book; and that makes the reading easier.However; I cannot give the book 5 stars because it seems like the author seeks to praise Islam at the expense of Judaism and Christianity. He seems to willingly accept stereotypes of these religions while trying to debunk stereotypes about Islam. For instance; Grieve states; "Death is not itself regarded as a punishment in Islam; as in Christianity." I'm not aware of any Christian denomination that presents death as punishment. It's almost as if Grieve acquired his knowledge of Judaism and Christianity from characters in fictional television series.While reading the book; I couldn't help but compare the author to a protective mother who sees no wrong in her own child but will lash out at anyone else who dares to offer advice or criticism. In this light; the words on the jacket seem to be more defensive than factual: "Paul Grieve is an unbeliever -- he is not a born-again Muslim; a proselytizer or a frustrated desert romantic."Having said all this; I still highly recommend the book. The simple fact is that I learn more when I read a book that challenges my preconceived notions. When Mr. Grieve sticks to talking about Islam instead of other faiths; his writing is very engaging. It's just unfortunate that the bias is most evident in the first 20 pages of the text. Past that; other faiths are only mentioned sparingly. It's likely that people who are not committed to any of the faiths mentioned will probably be able to easily ignore the bias. Ultimately; if you would like to have more than a superficial knowledge of Islam; then this book is a very appropriate choice.