Customer Reviews

How to Understand Islam

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This is a very fair and balanced account of the history, beliefs, and practices of Islam. It does not glorify Islam, does not criticize it, nor is there a whitewash of the violence that has occured in its name.

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and the fastest-growing religion in the U.S. and worldwide, yet Westerners and especially Americans are appallingly ignorant of this major force in today's world. There has been a sustained disinformation campaign by the Christian Church against Islam for over a thousand years, and this prejudice has worked its way invisibly into Western culture. It is imperceptible to most Westerners and is felt intensely by Muslims.

This book does much to inform and to clarify. It is doubly surprising, then, that it was written for Christian missionaries working in Islamic countries. Christians will find useful sidebars comparing and contrasting Christian and Islamic beliefs on several topics. Highly recommended.

Jacques Jomier gives a good overview of Islam. I do agree with the previous reviewer that bias is kept to a minimum. Furthermore, Jomier discusses various aspects of Islam ranging from the history of its people, some key holidays, common customs, and comparisons with Christianity and its origins in Judaism and Christianity. Especially interesting are the various sects within the Muslim faith.

Since I am not of Christian faith, the last few chapters were a bit over my head. Nonetheless, a few key aspects of these religions did shine through and it is interesting to learn about some of the basic differences between these faiths. Furthermore, those of Christian belief will be enlightened to the Muslim thought.

Certainly a good intro to Islam and its place in today's world. One can truly see the many aspects of this growing religion.