Customer Reviews

The Complete Infidel's Guide to the Koran

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This is not a new translation of the Muslim's holy book: The Koran/Quran. Nor is it a chapter-by-chapter review of the Koran, whereby each chapter is analyzed and explained. Instead, as implied in its title, it is a well-written "Guide" to the Koran. Essentially, the author has selected 75 or so significant topics discussed in the Koran and explains their current significance to Muslims, and how jihadists may use them to justify their attacks against "infidels" (including Muslims whom the jihadists believe are not on the `Straight Path' in following Islam). The author compares passages from both the Koran and the Bible, and explains the many differences of similar stories in them. Some of these topics include: abrogation/changes in Koranic verses (ayats); the devil sleeps in your nose; Adam & Eve; Abel & Cain (why the crow?), the jizya tax, King Solomon's problem with the Queen of Sheba's hairy legs; Jesus and his flying clay birds; some of Muhammad's raids; slavery of the `right hand'; how the Jews and Christians `corrupted' their holy books; the Isaac vs. Ishmael sacrifice dispute; Moses and the Pharaoh differences; did Allah promise Israel to the Jews?; hot hellfire for the kuffars; can Jews and Christians be `tolerated' by Muslims if the former were created from `apes and pigs' by Allah?; did Muhammad actually ride to Jerusalem?; were all Jewish prophets really Muslims?; was Jesus neither divine nor crucified?; wife beating; and much more. Besides selecting topics from just the Koran, the author also discusses current topical-issues being raised by U.S. Pres. Obama, the fundamentalist Osama bin Laden, and miscellaneous Muslim spokesmen. The author discusses the historical development of the Koran. Besides quoting merely from the Koran, the author also quotes from other Islamic sources (such as the hadith) to help explain some poignant topic. As the author himself commented: "This is not a general guide to the Koran" (p. 20). To read a chapter-by-chapter review of Mohammad's "Koran," see the "Bogging the Quran" serial at the author's JIHAD WATCH website. Hopefully, someday this series will be reprinted in book form. If you want more of an analysis of the Quran itself, I suggest "Introduction to the Qur'an" by W. Montgomery Watt (and Richard Bell); Edinburgh Univ. Press, 1970 (ISBN 0-7486-0597-5).

While there will never be a level playing field for addressing the contents of the Koran, Spencer goes overboard to present the opinions of apologists for Islam along side the concerns voiced by those who are alarmed by the contents of Islam's sacred book. The readers, at least, are informed of the opposing views and can assess their merits.

As a "Guide," the book pulls together the fragments of themes which are actually scattered in various parts of the Koran, explains illusions which would not be understood by the average English reader -- such as "right hand possesses" and "striving in the way of Allah", highlights the many contradictory themes, and compares the descriptions of events recorded by the "all-knowing Allah" with existing pre-Islamic accounts of the same events. Thanks to Spencer's patient unravelling of the Gordian knot, readers will gain new insights into many of familiar themes in religious history and theology.

But Spencer acknowledges on page 97 that all of this new knowledge may not help Infidels vis-a-vis Muslims: ". . [t]he Koran consistently assumes that the Infidels are not people who have come to a good faith decision that Islam is false. . . In the Koran, those who reject Islam are never acting out of sincere conviction. . . so anyone who rejects it must not be dong so out of intellectual or spiritual conviction, but out of narrow self-interest or desire for material gain. . . In other words, their unbelief in Islam is . . sheer perversity."

If knowledge is power, this book will be very useful for policy makers and opinion leaders.

After reading this book, my impression of Mr. Spencer remains unchanged. He met his usual high standards. His work is an important contribution to the debate about Islam that can be so full of deception and inaccuracies. As one can see by reading my other reviews of Robert Spencer's books, I enthusiastically endorse his work. His command of the subject matter is flawless and undeniable. He supports his facts and opinions with unassailable citations. Mr. Spencer has a natural talent for stating his case and proving it. Moreover, he takes what would appear to be at first blush to be a dry subject and makes it interesting by illustrating how the Qu'ran plays such an important role in terrible events around the World. It is hard for those who are unfamiliar with the hadiths and history of Muhammad to understand large segments of the Qu'ran and it is for that reason that I believe this work is so important. Those who lack the time to thoroughly examine Islamic doctrine for themselves can gain an understanding that meets or exceeds their needs by simply reading this book and "The Truth About Muhammad." Both books can be easily read in a day or two and readers will advance their ability to understand political issues related to Islam and can avoid falling for the numerous deceptions advanced to hide the true nature of the Islamic faith. My only hesitation in endorsing this book is that Mr. Spencer is so adept at organization and presentation that one might gain the false perception that the Qu'ran is an organized, logically written book, but the truth is that it is hard to imagine that a more poorly written and organized book than the Qu'ran could be produced. One needs to read the original to see that the Qu'ran is what it appears to be - a book that was created and organized by early Muslims that had little experience in reading and writing books. It follows that the Qu'ran is about as well written and organized as the work of a first grade class and far from being evidence of Muhammad's claim that he was called by God to be humanity's Messenger, it is proof positive that he was but one of many pretenders, albeit one that was successful in this life. This book will make you realize that even if one accepted the false assertion that Islamic doctrine stems solely from the Qu'ran as many Islamic apologists seem to try and suggest, a Qu'ran only Islam may be less clear and therefore more susceptible to false claims about its meaning, but it is no less a religion of violence than is Islam based on the Qu'ran, hadith and history of Muhammad.

I would like to close with one last thought. A democracy is only as strong as its voters as it is the will of those who vote that ultimately control the direction the nation will take. As voters we have an obligation to be informed so that we may cast our vote wisely and not waste it by falling prey to slick propaganda and deception. Mr. Spencer's latest work will help you meet your obligation to cast an informed vote on some of the most important issues of our time so please buy it and read it as soon as you can. You will not regret it.

I just finished Robert Spencers' book, and just like his others, it was great. Please ignore Islamic Trolls giving false reviews with one star, THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH..LOL. I have been studying Islam for a few years now and I consider Robert Spencer to be true authority. The only thing in question is the Koran he chose, I would have picked the same translation as he due to the fact most other Koran tranlations' have been whitewashed so Islam could look less hate filled and intolerant. I choose to learn the truth in its purest form and not watered down for the sake of how others would like the Koran to read, religion of peace, give me a break..lol. Thank you Mr. Spencer.

This book, from my perspective as a non-Muslim who has read extensively in the Q'uran and the secondary literature in English, is an excellent survey of the contents of the Q'uran. The author compares the available English translation, places each subject in context, and explains it clearly and factually. It is imperative that Westerners understand what the Koran and Hadith say and mean, and their implications for today's geopolitics. The book is well-written, and avoids the breezy condescension which mars so many of these popular "Complete ...'s Guide" books. I strongly recommend it, both for those who have never studied about the Koran and for those who have tried to read it and have given up in despair.

With it's title suggestive of the Idiot's Guide to ... series, I did not expect an academic presentation, but I did expect a bit more meat and was surprised at a few cheap shots. However, the content is excellent and reveals deeply seated core beliefs that are ignored by the news media to our own peril. These core beliefs are clearly demonstrated to be supported by the Koran, Koranic scholars and publications (and Islamic governments to varying degrees), and are simultaneously inimical to living in a multicultural fashion let alone a secular culture. The book clearly demonstrates why there are no churches in Saudi Arabia, why Sharia is not just for "fundamental" or "radical" Muslims, and why we will hear more reports of Christians being killed in Pakistan and other countries. It also makes understanding the news reports from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and etc more understandable, and a bit more frightening. It is not Islamophobic; it demonstrates in a logical, reasoned and documented fashion why Islam is to be feared and not to assume that terrorist attacks by Muslims are directed by a few wackos.

This is an easy to read, straightforward presentation of facts about the Koran. An overwhelming majority of Americans are totally in the dark about what the Koran teaches about all non-Muslims as being second-class people. The Koran is the antithesis of Western Culture and against everything about the American culture.

The book presents various tenets taught in the Koran and documents where these tenets in the Koran or related documents are taught. The book also quotes modern Muslin experts who interpret the Koran and basically agree with the precepts in the book.

This book is a real eye opener. I have known many people who spent a great deal of time in the Middle East, and all of them agree, this is an accurate account of the Muslim Faith. I was surprised how much I learned, and shocked by some of it.

Anyone who wants to understand the Muslim faith needs to read this book. Anyone who believes in a peaceful, one world government should read this book. Those who fear Muslims for various reasons need to read it, too.

The author is a bit verbose, and at times the book reads like a text book, but it is worth the effort. You will learn more than you bargained for.

Islam can not possibly survive the 21st century. If the koran were to be subjected to the same rigoreus scientific scrutiny the Bible went through, not one iota would survive. I am a black man living in the Netherlands and am a huge fan of Geert Wilders, his analysis is spot on and his support is growing by the day, and increasingly, blacks and others join his bandwagon.
I loved every page of this book, it's the plain and simple thruth. Internet will eliminate islam. Freedom of speech is our most potent weapon against these facsists.
Since african americans in prison turn to islam in alarming numbers, wouldn't it be wise to publish a study of the still existing scourge of islamic slavery in Africa (Mali, Mauretania, Sudan, Senegal, Saoudi Arabia)and tell the tales of those who managed to escape this ordeal? Why are their no black communities in the middle east? Because al black males were castrated, because of their inferiority and animallike behaviour. Tell that to the good black folks of America, they just might wake up before it's too late. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, and keep up the good work.

INFIDEL, because they already consider you one anyway...... Dont believe me, go to your nearest Mosque and pick up their koran with your bare hands..... have no fear, its the religion of peace after all.

This book is an excellent no holds barred look at the REAL propose of islam without the rosy PC glasses the liberals or the ACLU think everyone has to wear..... call me an islamaphobe, but while you're calling a spade a spade be honest with yourself about islam. I deployed to Iraq March of 03 and have seen it in its purest form..... What will it take people? How many backpack bombs need to go off in a mall before you admit you were wrong to defend islam? How many female 'circumcisions' or honor killings? The 'moderate' muslims NOT committing these attacks aren't evil, but cant say they are truly following islam word for word either. The late chronology parts of the koran from mohammed's time in Medina that "abrogate" the peaceful earlier parts from his time in Mecca spreads hate and intolerance and should be received as such. The only peace to be found in the koran is muslim to muslim (unless any number of circumstances apply) Buy this book and WAKE UP!!!! Look up "sudden jihad syndrome"