TAKING BACK ISLAM: American Muslims Reclaim Their Faith

Now Available in Paperback! Leading authorities discuss the past, present and future of Islam. Islam, the least understood of the world's great religions, is balanced on a precipice between the past and the future, between fanatical fundamentalists and progressives advocating peace. Noted Islamic authority Michael Wolfe moderates 35 expert speakers, writers and leaders, including Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and Karen Armstrong, the best-selling author of A History of God and Islam. They discuss the future of Islam, tear down false stereotypes, review the historical realities that have shaped the religion, and examine paradoxes and schisms within the faith. At a time when every Muslim is forced to defend his faith and Americans are curious about Islam's basic tenets, this book answers many questions at the same time that it ponders both the danger and promise of the future. Michael Wolfe is a columnist for Beliefnet and the author of books of poetry, fiction, history, and travel, including 'The Hadj: An American's Pilgrimage to Mecca' and 'One Thousand Roads to Mecca.' A Muslim, Wolfe lives in California. Beliefnet (www.beliefnet.com) is the leading multifaith internet site and media company for religion, spirituality, and inspiration. In 2002, Beliefnet won the Webby Award for Best Spirituality Site and was a finalist for the National Magazine Award for General Excellence Online. 'Taking Back Islam' is Beliefnet's third book in partnership with Rodale. Winner of the Wilbur Award for Best Religion Book In the months after September 11th, American Muslims heard the familiar sounds of Islam being defined by others. On television, from the Capitol, from the pulpit, in the classroom, and worst of all, on videotapes from Osama bin Laden's cave, commentators, politicians, scholars, and wealthy terrorists were telling Muslims the 'real meaning' of Islam. Western Muslims knew something had to be done or Islam might be tarnished, even corrupted. In the past year, they have often gathered informally to discuss the past, the present, and how things ought to be. In that spirit, 'Taking Back Islam' is a bold collection of voices in the vanguard of the faith. The essays in this book are the work of men and women who remain devout and utterly convinced of Islam's power to help create a just, ordered, and beautiful world--and who are also unafraid to be critical of those who would distort Islam for violent or political ends. Many of these writers are American Muslims who benefit from a commitment to democratic pluralism as well as a commitment to Islam. 'I believe in Allah and America,' writes Arsalan Tariq Iftikar. 'The Qur'an has a radical message of tolerance,' says Kabir Helminski. 'American Muslims have a special obligation,' according to Ingrid Mattson. 'Many Muslims suspect that Islam's 'traditional lands' have less to teach us than they claim,' writes Michael Wolfe. The unique nature and strength of these voices, fueled by a strong desire to tap the best traditions within Islam, offer hope for rescuing a faith that has been injured from within by extremists and demonized from without by Western culture and media. Winner of the Wilbur Award for Best Religion Book 'This intelligent, thoughtful collection of writings from dozens of contributors is the thinking person's guide to Islam in a post-9/11 America. It is only fitting that a major world religion be represented by multiple voices. Wolfe gathers excerpts from postings to the Beliefnet Web site, as well as brief essays from established authorities such as Karen Armstrong, practitioners like Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), and new voices such as Asma Hasan and Aasma Khan . . . The book works well for both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. It is both an exploration of contemporary Islam (Has it been hijacked by extremists? Is it violent? Can Islamic states be democratic?) and a call for Muslims to reclaim their faith by mobilizing the moderate, seemingly silent, majority . . . An eye-opening survey of the minds and passions of progressive Muslims in the United States [that] offers hope for greater interfaith understanding.'--'Publishers Weekly' 'This intelligent, thoughtful collection of writings from dozens of contributors is the thinking person's guide to Islam in a post-9/11 America. It is only fitting that a major world religion be represented by multiple voices. Wolfe gathers excerpts from postings to the Beliefnet Web site, as well as brief essays from established authorities such as Karen Armstrong, practitioners like Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), and new voices such as Asma Hasan and Aasma Khan. Some writers describe specific organizations they have founded to foster interfaith communication and human rights. With only a few exceptions, they do not write as apologists, but willingly grapple with the complexities and paradoxes of Islam. The book works well for both Muslim and non-Muslim readers. It is both an exploration of contemporary Islam (Has it been hijacked by extremists? Is it violent? Can Islamic states be democratic?) and a call for Muslims to reclaim their faith by mobilizing the moderate, seemingly silent, majority. There are also short personal essays about various aspects of Muslim life (art, humor, conversion, pilgrimage, and more) that stand as small windows into daily practice. These American Muslims and Islamic scholars are devoted to the faith, but passionate about finding ways for Islam to divest itself of its associations with violent terrorism and sexism . . . An eye-opening survey of the minds and passions of progressive Muslims in the United States [that] offers hope for greater interfaith understanding.'--'Publishers Weekly'