The Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World - Book Report/Review Example

? 08 October Book Report/Review: The book “Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World” authored by Carl Ernst is indisputably considered by many to belong to a premium class of literature of the modern times owing to its thought-provoking and acutely insightful nature. One of the many riveting aspects of this book is that the writing rarely ever sinks into the monotonous routine of debating over the same old issues. Instead the author digs with commendable intelligence into a variety of meanings associated with the religion Islam all of which hold something captivating to reflect. “How to Read the Qur’an” is another book on the subject of how prodigiously important the sacred book of the Muslims, the Qur’an, is to build a better image of the religion and develop harmonious relationship with the non-Muslim community. Mona Siddiqui, the author of this book, reflects on what is the take of the Muslims on their sacred book with respect to both popular traditions and worship. This essay is primarily based on scrutinizing what the two authors have strived to convey through their respective books, contemplating what probable motives the authors could have, and if any similarities exist between the two books. The true hallmark of Ernst’s book in my opinion is that nearly every single description of how Islam is looked at by the West and by the followers contains a hint of unmistakable fascination which enthralls the readers and quite effectively makes them appreciate myriad things in a new light. Ernst not only scrutinizes the immense and unbelievable power of man-made misconceptions plaguing Islam in his book but also discusses how they operate, tarnish the bond connecting over one billion of Muslims with the West, and harm global peace. Every such misconception has also political approval due to which the author interestingly stresses that “every claim about religion needs to be examined critically for its political implications” (Ernst 1008). The book reflects how myriad myths could be potentially devastating for people who are made to believe in them by reports lacking concrete proof and decorating same old propaganda. Interestingly no prejudice-fueled orthodox efforts have been made to tarnish the image of the religion as seems to be the motive of a growing body of book collection found in the stores today filled with horrific conspiracies of the Muslim terrorists. Rather, the author’s intention comes across as providing the public something new to reflect on without taking sides and as objectively as possible. From the beginning of the book, it is made clear how it is intended to rethink Islam according to modern trends without getting distracted by an assortment of terroristic plots. Islam has become a very controversial topic on nearly every level which makes rethinking this religion in accordance with contemporary trends all the more tough. So, it is considered important by Ernst to understand the text of the Qur’an or to at least acknowledge what message the book contains to vividly feel the distortion and twisting of Islamic symbols for which modern extremists are responsible. Considering several smartly engineered techniques used by the author to deliver the true nature of Islam and explain where things start becoming twisted, it would not be hyperbolic to state that the book definitely contains true essence of Ernst’s years of research and writing about how Islam fits into the contemporary culture. The author is American himself and claims that despite many virtues, it is true that Americans are not very keen in investing time in understanding other cultures (Ernst 1002). The author agrees on the fact that amidst much darkness found in the contemporary world surrounding Islamic theology and doctrine, still more sober studies can be found which label the Islamic patterns a bizarre failure which only serve to complicate the already exacerbated conditions. It is claimed that it is the result of such works lacking a sound foundation and objectivity that the severity of this enormous apocalyptic clash between Islam and non-Muslims has increased. This explains why the author is clearly seen striving to deliver the message through his momentous book that an analytical view of what contemporary issues Islam and Muslims face presently which is totally different to the vast majority of available theories needs to be offered to the world at large. The difficulty and critical importance of this task of rethinking Islam in a transparent way is indisputably evident from the material in the book. Though the author is never once noticed anywhere in the book defending Islam against all accusations put forward by non-Muslims, he still does not come across as a person who would adamantly refuse to acknowledge where the accusations end and the truth begins. Ernst makes the readers familiar with the depth of complexity targeting a large percentage of the followers of Muhammad today especially those living in the Western countries. The book identifies that in addition to absolutely hating acts of terrorism, the Muslims around the globe are also anguished over threats of invasion of their countries by the West which further disturbs peace of the world. News media and popular culture also largely serve to reinforce the negative images of Islam which keeps a majority of non-Muslims from rethinking Islam and seeing Muslims in a new light. The most interesting thing about the book by Ernst is the reason for which it is written and the way he is seen trying to deliver his message which is the extract of years of valuable research and travelling. The author unabashedly and fearlessly tries to explain what actually the truth is and in what manner conspiracies work to bring down the force of truth. It is identified how far reality is from many modern news channels and other social media which many times work to corrupt the minds of Europeans and Americans. It is the result of this corruption that Muslims are unjustifiably excluded from the Western civilization when history suggests that “Islam has been a defining factor in European culture for more than a thousand years” (Ernst 1007). This explains why the readers are educated about the importance of removing gigantic veils of ignorance from the face of Islam through this book. Very importantly, it is emphasized by the author that the readers should not be hard on themselves thinking they are in any way personally responsible for the many twisted prejudices they have inherited for Islamic philosophy and Muslims. This book is an exceptionally valuable source of knowledge for all those who have no concept of Islam and have a great big blank in their minds. This is why it is true when claimed that “restoring a human face to Islam also means coming to a better knowledge of who we all are” (Ernst 993). Success of any literary work is embedded in its ability to hold the attention of the readers from the very start because only then one actually desires to invest time in going through the entire book. This is exactly how the book “How to Read the Qur’an” authored by Siddiqui leaves a lasting impression on the readers’ minds by captivating them from the beginning. An entire new, refreshing, and unique approach to understanding the sacred book of Islam is what this book ensures. The author starts off by presenting an insightful and interesting explanation about the one and only scripture of Islam and how all Muslims around the globe agree on the timeless and unchanged nature of the book. It is considered by many to be an absolutely whole guide according to which one should spend one’s life if wished to avoid many lucrative evils of the contemporary world. Not only knowledge of Qur’an connects a person with God by strengthening his/her belief in the All mighty creator, it is also believed to create emotional strength which is immensely needed particularly when challenged by demonic issues of life. Not even the strongest of nonbelievers can defy the importance of a guide or an answer when entrapped by dark shadows of life and while some may suggest a psychological therapist in such desperate time, nothing can prove to be more satisfactory than the Qur’an. This is because the beautiful repertoire of ideas and suggestions contained in this book can leave impression even on the most stone-hearted. It arms even the weakest with the most effective weapons to defend themselves and survive against the odds. This is why Siddiqui indefinitely stresses on the importance of reading and understanding the Qur’an and unveils a variety of ways in her book to familiarize the naive and newcomers with the message of Qur’an. Unlike many advocates of Islam, Siddiqui saves the readers from really draining experience of only seeing many benefits of the Qur’an explained at length in the book without dwelling on more sensitive and attention-demanding issues which are considered controversial in the Western world like observing veil, jihad, law, and gender. Many non-Muslims admire the beauty and wholeness of social and ethical messages hidden in the Qur’an but the trouble comes when they reach at more sensitive issues and that is where lack of guidance can fuel their minds with ludicrous misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims. This is why it is important not only to lift veil from the charms and mighty wonders of this sacred book but also to make the skeptic Western world understand God’s reasons and justifications behind some orders they don’t approve of. Siddiqui’s book stands distinguished among many recent works authored by Muslim scholars because she understands the importance of digging into the intellectual nature of the Qur’an as much as the concerns of non-Muslims when it comes to the requirement of veil, for example. She also justifies why Islam holds as very special place as God’s last revelation in history of mankind and why there is no resolution for extreme sinners except for death punishment. It is very exciting to see her pick up huge themes of Islam and then explore them one by one effortlessly. Throughout her book, never once is she found desperately trying to run away from presenting enthralling answers to complex questions about notorious subjects but takes considerable time to untie the knots and give enlightening justifications. It would not be wrong to say judging from the content of her book that she is an author capable of extreme potential who knows how even the tiniest element of scintillating knowledge can create much improvement amidst dark hopelessness. The main message intended to be delivered by Siddiqui through her book is largely limited to highlighting the position of the Qur’an as not the problem only but as a fascinating solution to many challenged faced by the modern world. It should be understood by both Muslims and non-Muslims as an absolutely flawless guide to breathe fresh life into the social and personal relationships. The author considers it most important that Muslims become highly familiarized with their sacred book themselves first to later help others understand in a more effective way some complex issues which are twisted and scandalized by the extremists owing to lack of knowledge shared in a brotherly manner. It is stressed that this is not the book to be sacredly stashed somewhere safely in the homes but to be explored and learned as that is the only though difficult way to curb the hatred spreading fast against Muslims in the Western world. Concluding, this much becomes clear from the above discussion that both books are similar in respect that they seek to reshape the image of Islam in the present times when the subject has clearly become very controversial and uninviting. Lack of understanding, inadequate proofing of facts, bias, and conspiracy have together created barriers in rethinking the philosophy of Islam. But, the highly comprehensive and solid messages delivered by the books makes the readers acknowledge how Islam can be interpreted and rethought in a multitude of ways. Adopting simplistic and straightforward writing styles, both authors manage to strike the hearts of many readers leaving the message of looking up to the Qur’an and Islam as enchanting solutions among others to the modern day problematic issues. Works cited: Ernst, Carl. Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World. USA: University of North Carolina Press, 2003. Print. Siddiqui, Mona. How to Read the Qur’an. London: Norton & Company, 2008. Print. Read More