Most of the reviewers who panned this are Muslim, and I suppose most who give this a thumbs up are not. Likewise, this review is in its own way biased.
I thought this book was great. Some of the negative reviewers don't know what they're talking about... one talked about 'weak' haddiths (commentaries on the Koran and the life of the Prophet; most written by those who knew him), which is like saying of the Bible some of the books are weak (or not so critical to the overall belief). You can't pick and choose; I believe that you must accept the good with the bad. (Actuall, some Muslims reject some Haddiths, so they are said to be 'weak', but this book actuall bases most of its writtings on the 'strong' haddiths, and what of the Muslims that believe the 'weak' ones...?)
If you read this book, you'll discover some shocking truths about Islam and I'm not talking about Muslims of today, but the religion itself, such as the fact that much of it is couched in pagan beliefs that pre-date Islam itself. Much of it stems from misunderstandings of other religions such as Judaism, and Christianity (the Prophet seems to think Christians believed in a Trinity of Father, Son, & Mary!)
The Prophet is portrayed in not to good a light, which is an insult to believers, but is in fact based upon Muslim writings... such as the fact that he married a six year old girl, then consumated the marriage when she was nine. Also that he lusted after his step-son's wife and had him divorce her so that he could marry her.
Some may downplay these things by saying the source is a 'weak' haddith. But it is part of the tradition of Islam. Such, also is the massacres of about 900 PoWs - on the Prophets orders.
Students of Islam are taught to gloss-over these factors, or explain them away in relativist terms (e.g. sure that's bad, but other people did bad things too!). But they remain none-the-less.
If you are considering converting, or are just interested in comparative religion, then I would strongly recommend that you read this. You can check the 'sources' against any pro-Islamic web-site (such as the Haddith written by Aisha - the Prophet's under-aged wife which is widely available and confirms that the Prophet didn't just marry her symbolically).
Of course you'll hate this book if you're part of the religion, you're taught to believe without questions... Islam means to 'submit.' But I do hope people will read this book.
By the way... the author of this book is of no religious persuassion so he's not trying to get people to follow his religion.
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Top reviews from other countries
Deepak Uniyal
Honest, rational and Fearless criticism of Islam.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2023
A dilettante from Osaka
MUST read for anyone who wants to understand Islam as it is
Reviewed in Japan on May 1, 2020
