Struggling to Surrender: Some Impressions of an American Convert to Islam (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I was to have this dream several times during the next ten or so years, and it was always that brief and always the same..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Testament, Sahih al Bukhari, United States (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Amana Publications; 2 Revised edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915957264
• ISBN-13: 978-0915957262
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #297,809 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Islam ( for Muslims and Non-Muslims), May 24, 2002

By	W. Rashed (Jabriya, KUWAIT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Struggling to surrender is a remarkable book. It is an easy and interesting read yet it is full of new perspectives and profound thoughts. Dr. Lang discusses many concepts that I myself have struggled with for years like faith and reason, why bad things happen to good people, destiny and fate, and the purpose of life. He also discusses controversial topics like the place of Prophet Mohammad traditions (Hadith), women in Islam, Jihad and apostasy. Throughout he presents his ideas in a knowledgeable and logical way and supports them with verses from the Holy Qoran. The English translation of the Qoran that Dr. Lang uses is also one of the excellent features of his book.
"Struggling to surrender", I believe, presents Islam in its original pure and uncorrupted form. This book will touch your heart, stimulate your mind and change your life because it will guide you to the true spirit and essence of Islam as manifested in the Holy Qoran.
Dr. Lang quotes one of the well-known Muslim writers as saying " Islam has the best religion and the worst believers". I think this is absolutely true. I have turned away from Islam at one point because of misconceptions that came from watching and listening to " Muslim brothers and sisters" preaching their version of Isalm. I have to say that it is the version that dominates the Arab/ Muslim world today (an extreme form was the Taliban). After years of struggling myself, my salvage came through the Qoran. It was God's mercy that led me to read and study the Qoran cover to cover and find true Islam.
Although this book is directed at American Muslims, I think it is a must read for all Muslims and also for Non-Muslims who want to learn about Islam.

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fresh point of view--not at all the same old rehash, February 10, 2000

By	"yahyam" (USA) - See all my reviews

When Amana Publications was first considering Lang's manuscript of this book, they asked me to review it. At the time, I commented that it lacked internal cohesion and was really two or three smaller books stuck together, as far as topical organization.

In retrospect, I'm glad they ignored my reservations about the book and went ahead and published it. Lang brings a refreshingly original voice to breathe new life into some old questions. The main value of this book is not that it includes a convert's autobiographical story of his conversion--there are already tons of those. The later parts of Struggling to Surrender tackle issues that concern all Muslims: how to reassess the Sunnah and Shari`ah from the original sources and realize a more liberal approach to living as a Muslim. Especially vital is Lang's forthright, well-researched, and clearly articulated defense of women's liberation within Islam. He shows how the misogynist attitudes that cripple so many Muslim societies in their stultifying grip have no justification within the original revelation, and that it's up to us to think for ourselves instead of blindly following the diktats of mullas from societies that deny women their rights.

Bravo, Jeffrey Lang, write on! This book deserves to be read by all Muslims as it can stimulate them to use their God-given minds.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Islam, December 26, 1999

By	Kathleen Weber "phillybookwoman" (Upper Darby, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This writing is an excellent narration of one man's spiritual and religious awakening. As many people have done before, he admits to his readers how he was at first apprehensive about Islam, but unlike others before him we are fortunate in that he writes about this experience. This is a great intro to Muslim ideology, belief and worship. I highly recommend it.