Customer Reviews

The Muslim Mind

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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.