Customer Reviews

Islam: Beliefs and Observances

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1 star:		(3)

 

 

What I like best about Caesar Farah's "Islam: Beliefs and Observances" is the variety of information provided on the different sects of Islam. The author interestingly enough, published the first edition of this book in 1967! The sixth edition contains its own forward by Farah, dated 1999. This updated edition does away with some of the errors included in previous editions, including the urban legend propagated by some Islamic proselytes that famed oceanographer Jaques Cousteau converted to Islam (he didn't--this was disproven in 1991--Cousteau passed away in 1997 and his funeral was held in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris).

At 468 pages, this volume offers information on the time and place into which Muhammad was born, raised, married, had a family, came into his beliefs, and rose to found a religion and rule an empire. Farah offers the early history of the Islamic movement as driven by Muhammad, his struggles, his personal life, influences upon him. Farah is generally thorough in the space offered, but doesn't delve into some of the better known major controversy concerning the Quran's historicity (for more on this, please see "23 Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad" by Ali Dashti). He does however approach other subjects touchy to many Muslims, explaining the story of the so-called "Satanic Verses" originally included in the Quran and later expunged by Muhammad, though he fails to discuss the modern controversy caused by the well-known author of fiction, Salman Rushdie due to his work of fiction by the same name.

Author Caesar Farah explains not only the basics such as what Muslims believe, who Muhammad was, etc., but also why there are different sects in Islam, how those sects came about, what they believe, why they strive against one another, and vital information concerning other prominent leaders of different Islamic movements through the ages. Among the various groups expounded upon are the Kharijites, Ismailis, Shia, Qarmatians, Assassins, Druze, Nusayris, Matawilah, Zaydis, Shiah extremists, Sunnism, as well as the various sources of Islamic power and the main schools of Islamic jurisprudence (legal precident). Too numerous to name here, concepts such as sunnah, Adat, Jihad, and a number of others are explained in detail, including common as well as radical interpretations. Farah offers an independant history for each, including names of prominent scholars and the dates of their founding.

Farah also covers the span of knowledge from the formal (fundamentalist) to free thought (sufi). He explains the ultra conservative radical Wahhabism founded in 1744 by Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahab, its spread, and the challenge to modernists, rationalists and reformers. Pertinent to our times, Farah explains the "church and state" conflict in nations where the majority of the populace are Muslims, such as Turkey. He covers current trends to the date of publication (1999), and explains in an understandable way the modern conflicts that have arisen between Quranic literalists and modernists, covering issues such as women, technology, governmet in brief but succinct fashion. I liked the fact that Farah was not simply parroting generalities, but actually footnoted his sources throughout the book. He does a good job of explaining each topic in its historic and religious context, thankfully avoiding the tendancy of many authors on this subject to give short all-encomapssing explanations based upon their own personal belief.

There is an excellent bibliography containing a variety of diverse sources, as well as a helpful glossary of common Islamic terms and an index. If you want just one book to understand the basis of Islamic thought and culture over time and in the present day, this is the book to read.

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).

Like all guides in the Barron's Educational Series, this is meant as a brief introduction to its subject; in this instance it is Islam. Prof. Caesar Farah teaches History at the University of Minnesota and earned his Ph.D from Princeton in 1956. It is not meant to be controversial, political, or anything more and less than a helpful brief overview for those trying get a handle on a given topic. The tone here may seem supportive of Islam, but that is simply because it refuses to be negative and to take Islam on its own terms. This is appropriate for someone who is learning about Islam in order to, say, engage in business in an Islamic country or to engage an Islamic group in America. One must understand its roots and principles in a way that will not give offence, or why bother learning about it.

Prof. Farah takes us on a whirlwind tour of Muhammad and his founding of Islam, his successors. He explains the Qur'an and how it came to be and written down over a hundred years later. There are other sources of interpretation for Islamic law and these are explained as well. The five principles of Islam are also explained.

The goal of the book seems to be to make Islam seem less foreign to the Western reader. However, it can get a bit bewildering when Farah explains over a dozen different sects of Islam and how they came to be with their various claims. The author also gives us a very fast tour of Islam in its various forms around the globe.

If you want a basic book on Islam and are willing to accept the premise of Islam as a legitimate religion with positive things to offer, then this is a good book for you.

I found this book to be a fairly balanced description of Islam. There were a couple of chapters, one called Heterodoxy and Orthodoxy for example, that were tedious reads. One thing Dr. Farah light touches are the origins of the militaristic characteristics of Islam. He should spend more time on Islam, sometimes bloody conquest of the mediterannain region - conversion of peoples by ultimatum. He should also cover the Hadith a little more. I'd like to know where some of the customs (like the headgear the women wear) come from.

The last chapter, which was added in the second addition is not as academic as the first part of the book. It reads like a defense of militant Islam vetted by Al Jazerra! Dr. Farah cites how the West has "caused" much of the militancy. He gives some examples: The "harassment" of Muslims in the few days after the Oklahoma bombing. (Yes there was some harassment, but who do you thionk Oklohomains would go suspect first after all the hate speech spewing from Islam for ywears previous?). Another example it the 1992 democratic election in Algeria which was recalled by the miliarty after an Islamic party won 60% of the vote. He claim the United States (Islam's whipping boy) was behind the recall. A little research into the subject reveals Farah has oversimplified the story and probably exaggerated the involvment of the United States. Another example is the on-again off-again support of Shaykh U'mar in Afganistan. Again, there's two sides to the story that Farah seems to miss. It is noteworthy that this chapter has almost no references while the other chapters have plenty - yet another indication of it's editorial bent.

I read this to simply get a better understanding of Islam. Why the militancy of some factions, how are Sunni different from Shiah, how does Saudi Arabia square their working with the USA and their fundimentalist beleifs, etc.

While I did learn a lot it left me with many questions. Dr Farah spends a lot of time talking about the differnt sects within Islam but does it through the leaders that established them more than 500 years ago. While Academically this might be useful it did little to help understand what is going on now. He also talks a lot about what is happening but doesn't get into why it is happening.

He also seems to only look at the devevelopments that support the growth of Islam and ignore things that would seem to counter this trend. The more compromising attitude of Lybia, the apparent difference between the leadership of Iran and the will of the people, etc.

I found this book helpful but there have to be better options to learn about Islam and what makes it tick.

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.

For people who really wants to know islam I recommend books by muslims (If you ask me why I refer you to the book of Orientalism by Edward Said)
Try:
J Dirks book Understanding Islam: A Guide for the Judaeo-Christian Reader
Martin Lings book: Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources
Or Islam in focus.
or
Quran history by Ingrid Matson who is the honest professor who cites non muslims reporting the the Quran was saved orally and in written ways and was not made up by Zaid as mr Farah has lied to us.

Im going to respond to many of the lies in this book even they are old (more than 300 years old) since the church fathers started to attack islam in a biased way till today
But now since many of the orientalists claim to be objective we need to answer them and remind people that most of their products and claims are old and unfair propaganda

lets start with one example on page 87
I'll summarize it (it claim that Quran was written by Muhammad and was taken from biblical sources(old oriental claim with no base)but he was not an expert so it came confused and he gives an example of confusing Mariam sister of Moses for Mary Jesus's mother.
This Story I never read anywhere and I memorize most of the Quran)so he likly copied from another orientalist without reading it anywhere in islamic sources)
Then he said even he was not expert on the bible but he has enough knowledge to meet jews criticism till later he could no longer meet that he has to uproot them out of the city
This idea stolen from the jew orientalist(Margoliouth who said muhammad has the right to fight Makkan unbelievers but no right to fight jews)I will refer you to the book of Karen armstrong Muhammad prophet for our times(she mention that the jews themselves did not feel that Muhammad has wronged them) so why Mr farah go to defend unfair people like robert spencer(not a scholar but another Glenn beck or a scholar for a dollar like Daniel pipes.

Please read this verse of Quran
Chapter 2:verse 120 and after (to know why such "scholars" hate islam:
120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah,-that is the (only) Guidance." Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against Allah.

121. Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein,- the loss is their own.

122. O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).

123. Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).

124. And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."

125. Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma'il, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).

126. And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!"

127. And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.

128. "Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.

129. "Our Lord! send amongst them an Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

We Need to remind everyone
That islam says in chapter 2(verse 62) that a good jew or christian will be rewarded

So to build bridges between peoples of different faiths this propaganda techniques is not serving us.
This is not a call to be apologetics since we are proud of Islam and we wants people to know this choice that they have without being misinformed
May God guide us all
regards

This book can be considered a piece of soft propaganda, but it is in no way an example of objective scientific work. While I found some interesting material in the first several chapters, I came to realisation that I cannot trust this book to be in any way a source for familiarisation with history and nature of Islam. This is because chapters that talk about subjects already known to me (such as history of Central Asia and Europe) are utterly shallow in analysis and more often than not "liberal" or inaccurate with facts. This means that the coverage of subjects on which I know little is likely to be untrustworthy.

Warning to those seeking information on Islam: this book is NOT a source of objective information; it is a biased work that aims at presenting Islam as attractive religious belief without fallacies and negative sides. It maintains the veil and the tone of "objective" discourse, but the illusion disappears very quickly.

Warning for those who seek honest scholarship: an author who either does not check or intentionally puts forth such false claims as that Jacques Cousteau converted to Islam shortly before his death, cannot be considered a serious scholar.

Very mediocre and disappointing.

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.