The Muslim Mind [Hardcover]

Charis Waddy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0582780616 | ISBN-13: 978-0582780613 | Publication Date: June 1976 | Edition: 1st Ed. (U.K.)

In this book Muslims, men and women alike, speak from the heart about what they believe and how they live. The central tenets of Islam are put forward by doctors, engineers, politicians, bankers and carpenters, as well as by theologians. Islam has a billion followers. The beliefs of Islam, like those of the other great religions, must be taken seriously if we wish to understand the world in which we live. What do followers of the Islamic tradition have to say about family life, money, education, racial equality and the ecology of our planet? Muslim readers of earlier editions of The Muslim Mind welcomed the Christian author who had portrayed their faith with fairness and candor. The sincere answers to her inquiries given by many Muslims afford a vivid insight into the spirit and practice of Islam.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An extremely good read, very simple and straight-forward throughout but never shallow. (Pakistan Times )

The tougher tasks of spirit and encounter can certainly be served by the sort of awareness Charis Waddy documents and commends. (Tablet )

Written out of expert knowledge and deep sympathy. (Church Times, London )

A significant contribution. (Michael Henderson Lake Oswego Review )

A gallant attempt to embrace the diversity of Islamic reactions to the modern world. (Times Educational Supplement )

With such a book the non-Muslim has no excuse for undervaluing one of the great religions of mankind. (British Book News )

A dynamic book....It conveys the basic tenets of Islam in a manner that is neither too pedantic nor too casual. (Jordan Times )

This is a valuable introduction to the Muslim mind. (Afrique Contemporaine )

Gives a comprehensive insight into the heart of Muslim culture. (Manchester Evening News )

A very helpful symposium of Muslim attitudes and thought in relation to the world today and its problems. (Irish Press ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Charis Waddy was born in Australia, and she grew up in Jerusalem in the years that followed World War I. The tensions of that period, and the common heritage of the monotheistic faiths that is manifest in that city, helped to shape her outlook on the world. She was the first woman to study Oriental Languages (Arabic and Hebrew) at Oxford University. For her doctorate at London University she specialized in the history of the Crusades, particularly on the Arab side. She is the author of Baalbec Caravans, Women in Muslim History, and numerous articles on Islamic civilization and its scientific contributions to the world. In March 1990, she was decorated by the government of Pakistan with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (the Star of Excellence).

Charis Waddy was born in Australia, and she grew up in Jerusalem in the years that followed World War I. The tensions of that period, and the common heritage of the monotheistic faiths that is manifest in that city, helped to shape her outlook on the world. She was the first woman to study Oriental Languages (Arabic and Hebrew) at Oxford University. For her doctorate at London University she specialized in the history of the Crusades, particularly on the Arab side. She is the author of Baalbec Caravans, Women in Muslim History, and numerous articles on Islamic civilization and its scientific contributions to the world. In March 1990, she was decorated by the government of Pakistan with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (the Star of Excellence). --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 204 pages
• Publisher: Longman Group United Kingdom; 1st Ed. (U.K.) edition (June 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0582780616
• ISBN-13: 978-0582780613
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,346,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Arab Views of Islam, March 13, 2005

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William Garrison Jr. (Bellevue, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Muslim Mind (Paperback)

The Muslim Mind by Charis Waddy. Originally published by Longman Group. 1976: 1st edition. 2nd ed in 1982; 3rd & revised ed in 1990. The author grew up in Jerusalem after World War I. She studied Arabic and Hebrew at Oxford University. This paperback provides a fairly basic introduction to Islam, but not much depth. Rather than spending a lot of time about "old traditional Muslim history," the author quotes from various village folk about how their Islamic beliefs affect their lives; including such subjects as abortion and birth-control, besides talking about why Muslim women wear the veil. The Hajj, principles of community life, the Quran way, concept of society, family life, parents and children, turning enemies into friends, peace-making, how Muslims view Christianity, education, the Sufi orders, and more. Her writings seem to reflect the Palestinian world in the 1950s-early 1980s. Although the author is of a Christian background, I didn't get the feel of any anti-Islam views; but then, no "critical analysis" of Islam, either. A "pleasant" book to read, useful for general "background" views on Islam. Sort of a "here are 'snippets' as to how Muslims view various aspects of Islam." Light and fluffy; just no depth; one had hoped for something much more informative from someone who had grown up in Palestine. So much potential promise. The book reminds me of a scene of actor Marlon Brando when he played the role of a faiding boxer: "I could have been a contender"....but.