Islamic Jihad: A Legacy of Forced Conversion, Imperialism, and Slavery (Paperback)

~ M. A. Khan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the way the world looks at Islam. And rightfully so, according to M.A. Khan, a former Muslim who left the religion after realizing that it is based on forced conversion, imperialism, and slavery: the primary demands of Jihad, commanded by the Islamic God Allah.

In this groundbreaking book, Khan demonstrates that Prophet Muhammad meticulously followed these misguided principles and established the ideal template of Islamic Jihad for his future followers to pursue, and that Muslims have been perpetuating the cardinal principles of Jihad ever since.

Find out the true nature of Islam, particularly its doctrine of Jihad, and what it means to the modern world, and also learn about

• The core tenets of Islam and its history
• The propagation of Islam by force and other means
• Islamic propaganda
• Arab-Islamic imperialism
• Islamic slavery and slave-trade
• And much more!

The commands of Allah are perpetual in nature, so are the actions of Prophet Muhammad. Jihad has been the way to win converts to Islam since its birth fourteen centuries ago, and it won't change anytime soon. Find out why in Islamic Jihad.

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse.com (January 26, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440118469
• ISBN-13: 978-1440118463
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #58,190 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comments from readers, February 26, 2009

By	M. A. Khan - See all my reviews

I am listing a few comments from readers ( http://www.islam-watch.org/MA_Khan/Islamic-Jihad-Legacy-of-Forced-Conversion-Imperialism-Slavery.htm ):

1. Prof. Sami Alrabaa (Germany), author of 'Karin in Saudi Arabia':

"I read your book and found it fascinating. It is one of those few books which everybody, Muslims and non-Muslims, must read. It is objective and balanced. For example, when you discuss how moderates interpret Jihad and how radical/militant Muslims interpret it.

"Islamic Jihad" is a comprehensive reference which entails in detail lots of facts about Islam and its prophet, in historical and current times. It is very well documented. All that makes it a must read to all of those who want to understand the driving force behind Jihad and terror."

2. Dr. Mervyn Brendle, James Cook University (Australia):

"I have read some sections and... look forward to reading it in some detail. It appears to be a substantial addition to the vital work underway in expanding our understanding of the history, nature, and danger of the global jihadi movement."

3. Ibn Warraq, author of 'Why I Am Not a Muslim':

"This book, I believe, will be a very important contribution for making a thorough understanding of the rising challenges both Muslim and non-Muslim world faces from Islamic extremists."

4. Nonie Darwish, author of 'Now They Call Me Infidel':

"This is a must read book, very important and eloquently written, that sheds light on the violent imperialist nature of jihad: a main doctrine in Islam that can only be accomplished at the expense of violating human rights of non-Muslims as well as Muslims."

5. Abul Kasem, Critical scholar of Islam:

"This seminal work of Khan is in the league of Andrew Bostom's bestseller, The Legacy of Jihad: Islamic Holy War and the Fate of Non Muslims...

Khan's work is very scholarly, persuasive and cogent. The language is simple, easy to understand, and engaging. Once started reading, readers would feel an urge to finish the book. No serious readers of Islam should ignore this book...

This book is also a must read for today's political leaders--both Muslim and non-Muslim--to shake off their apathy towards the mortal danger of ascendant Islamic radicalism."

6. Mohammad Asghar, Critical scholar of Islam:

"The book, "Islamic Jihad: A Legacy of Forced Conversion, Imperialism and Slavery", is M. A. Khan's gift to mankind. It is an essential read for all of us, for it depicts the true nature of Islam and the serious threat it poses to the safety and well-being of non-Muslims."

7. Mumin Salih, Syrian-born writer:

"Your book is well researched and scholarly written. Its strength is in its style, rich insight, depth of analysis and the fact that it is well-sourced from Islamic own literature, including the Quran.... Your book is an essential reading for all those who are interested in understanding the menace of jihad."

8. Amar Khan, Pakistani-born writer:

"A must read book, indeed... before start reading it, finish your work, because once you start reading, it will not let you move."

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, March 21, 2009

By	C. C Chrappa (us) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

MA Khan's book, as mentioned in some of the reviews he posted above, is in the genre of generalist readings of Islamic history and theology. Ibn Warraq's work, Efraim Karsh's "Islamic Imperialism," Bostom's "Legacy of Jihad," and other fine works cover the same stuff.

But Khan's work stands out from the field. It should be noted that Khan does not appear to have had the benefit of a professional editor (and he apologizes for this in the introduction), so there are many grammatical and other errors throughout the book. I say this not to criticize, but to advise you not to be put off by it. It is a small annoyance, a bit of dirt in a book that's a goldmine.

What makes Khan's book so outstanding is its easily understandable categorization of a very confusing set of events. If you have read, as I have, Karsh's "Islamic Imperialism," you probably came away thinking it an excellent book, without, however, being able to recall much of the detail, since there is a deluge of it for over 300 pages. With Khan's book, you will have solid amateur knowledge not only of Islamic history, but Islamic theology as well. For that reason, it is a threat to those who try to keep us blinkered about the reality of Jihad. And to open eyes was Khan's intention. He has succeeded magnificently.

To give an example of what I mean, Khan states and then re-iterates (which is good mnemonically) a key set of events in the career of Muhammad while he was in Medina (622-632 AD).

We know Muhammad made war on Mecca, and treated the Jewish tribes of Medina rather poorly, but how to remember this stuff? Well, it turns out that the first battle with the reigning Quraysh tribe of Mecca happened in 624, and is known as the Battle of Badr. Right after this, Muhammad attacked and exiled the Banu Qaynuqa Jews. The second battle, in 625, against the Quraysh was the Battle of Ohud. Right after this, Muhammad attacked and exiled the Banu Nadir Jews. And the third battle against the Quraysh, the Battle of the Ditch, in 627, was followed by Muhammad's massacre of the Banu Qurayza Jews.

So: 1) 624: Battle of Badr --> exile of Banu Qaynuqa
2) 625: Battle of Ohud --> exile of Banu Nadir
3) 627: Battle of the Ditch --> massacre of Banu Qurayza

These details are available elsewhere, but Khan finds just the right balance between detail and generality, and in the process helps us remember the important stuff. That is just one example, and there are many more.

For instance, he cites 14 passages from the Quran damning Jews and Christians and calling for violence against them--not easy to remember, but we note that all of them come from the 4th, 5th, and 9th Suras. That is more manageable.

Khan also shows, in a handy way, that Muhammad had no intention of not attacking and taking Mecca when he set out for Medina, by the simple example of the" Second Oath of Akaba," taken by his followers on the way to Medina.

What did this oath say? It said that his followers promised to protect him with their blood.

Why would he need such an oath? To protect from the Jewish tribes who were welcoming him to Medina? No.

To gear up for fighting the Quraysh? Yes.

From here, it becomes much easier to go out into Islamic history after Muhammad's death, and understand the aggressive behavior of Omar and subsequent Caliphs. In other words, Khan depicts the life of Muhammad as a microcosm of Islamic doctrine and history, and he does so brilliantly.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Read it and learn.

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 3, 2009

By	Objective Reader - See all my reviews

With this book, M A Khan joins the ranks of luminaries like Ibn Warraq, Ali Sina, Bat Yeor and Geert Wilders.
Thank you, Mr. Khan.