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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Makiya, an award-winning writer and filmmaker, triumphs in this inspired and lyrical book that is equal parts history and novel. His focus is the Rock of Jerusalem, claimed by Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike as the site of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son. The narrator, Ishaq, relates his father Ka'b's esteem for the Rock and his service to Islam's caliph by designing the Dome of the Rock, the shrine that envelops the rock and commemorates Solomon's temple. Makiya's narrative weaves together centuries-old stories from all three major religious traditions' holy books and other historical accounts. The novelization is pure magic, as Makiya brings history to life for contemporary readers. As Ishaq describes how Jews, Christians and Muslims in unison built and maintained the Dome of the Rock, Makiya presents his thesis that, before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam became the separate religions they are today, they were first different paths on the same road. The Rock itself symbolizes this connection, keeping the peace "by holding the burden of memory [of Abraham's faith] in balance." Conservative Muslims may find elements to dislike: Makiya implies that some hadiths (the sayings of Muhammad) were created as propaganda years after Muhammad's death, and has the narrator express regret that the Rock is encompassed within the Dome. However, most readers will appreciate the overall point, which is that the three major monotheistic religions once coexisted peacefully in a fluid synergy, free of political hatreds.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* There was a time, impossible as it may seem, when one could be a Muslim and a Jew, simultaneously embracing the Hebrew Scriptures and the prophecy of Muhammad. One such historical figure was K'ab, a seventh-century Jewish convert to Islam who never abandoned Judaism. In history, K'ab was an advisor to the fourth caliph of the Islamic empire. In this wonderful novel, narrated by K'ab's son Ishraq, he is much more. In the wake of the Islamic conquest of Jerusalem, K'ab teaches the Islamic world about the Jewish holy sites, especially the Rock on the mountain from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, on which Jesus overturned the tables, and to which Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed. Later, Ishraq designs a mosque on that mountain--Mount Zion--the mosque that became the Dome of the Rock, a flashpoint for religious and ethnic tensions ever since. This is historical fiction at its most ambitious and successful. It fully immerses the reader in the world of seventh-century Jerusalem, exploring historical relationships and events with a sensitivity that nonfiction couldn't hope to conjure. Anyone seeking an engaging introduction to early Islamic history would be hard-pressed to make a more compelling and accurate choice than this novel. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Editorial Reviews
Makiya, an award-winning writer and filmmaker, triumphs in this inspired and lyrical book that is equal parts history and novel. His focus is the Rock of Jerusalem, claimed by Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike as the site of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son. The narrator, Ishaq, relates his father Ka'b's esteem for the Rock and his service to Islam's caliph by designing the Dome of the Rock, the shrine that envelops the rock and commemorates Solomon's temple. Makiya's narrative weaves together centuries-old stories from all three major religious traditions' holy books and other historical accounts. The novelization is pure magic, as Makiya brings history to life for contemporary readers. As Ishaq describes how Jews, Christians and Muslims in unison built and maintained the Dome of the Rock, Makiya presents his thesis that, before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam became the separate religions they are today, they were first different paths on the same road. The Rock itself symbolizes this connection, keeping the peace "by holding the burden of memory [of Abraham's faith] in balance." Conservative Muslims may find elements to dislike: Makiya implies that some hadiths (the sayings of Muhammad) were created as propaganda years after Muhammad's death, and has the narrator express regret that the Rock is encompassed within the Dome. However, most readers will appreciate the overall point, which is that the three major monotheistic religions once coexisted peacefully in a fluid synergy, free of political hatreds.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.From Booklist
*Starred Review* There was a time, impossible as it may seem, when one could be a Muslim and a Jew, simultaneously embracing the Hebrew Scriptures and the prophecy of Muhammad. One such historical figure was K'ab, a seventh-century Jewish convert to Islam who never abandoned Judaism. In history, K'ab was an advisor to the fourth caliph of the Islamic empire. In this wonderful novel, narrated by K'ab's son Ishraq, he is much more. In the wake of the Islamic conquest of Jerusalem, K'ab teaches the Islamic world about the Jewish holy sites, especially the Rock on the mountain from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, on which Jesus overturned the tables, and to which Abraham took Isaac to be sacrificed. Later, Ishraq designs a mosque on that mountain--Mount Zion--the mosque that became the Dome of the Rock, a flashpoint for religious and ethnic tensions ever since. This is historical fiction at its most ambitious and successful. It fully immerses the reader in the world of seventh-century Jerusalem, exploring historical relationships and events with a sensitivity that nonfiction couldn't hope to conjure. Anyone seeking an engaging introduction to early Islamic history would be hard-pressed to make a more compelling and accurate choice than this novel. John Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
See all Editorial Reviews
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