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A review by branch_c
The Atheist Muslim: A Journey from Religion to Reason by Ali A. Rizvi
5.0
This is one of the most rational discussions of Islam that I've encountered, and it deserves to be widely read, since it would be unfortunate if the rise of the current clown-in-chief of the US allows the extreme right to hijack the conversation about Islam even more than it already has.
As Rizvi says in this book:
"...it's crucial to emphasize the difference between criticism of Islam and anti-Muslim bigotry. The first targets an ideology. The second targets human beings. This is an obvious, significant distinction, yet both are frequently lumped together under the unfortunate, reductive umbrella term 'Islamophobia.' Again, human beings have rights and are entitled to respect. Ideas, beliefs, and books don't and aren't." (p. 137)
Conservatives should find much to agree with in this book, when it comes speaking honestly about Islam and its role in inspiring terrorism. They should also keep in mind, however, that people like Rizvi, who were raised in a Muslim environment, are exactly the people with the knowledge and potential to make a difference in this area. Therefore the West needs to accept, embrace and engage with people like him rather than attempting ill-advised restrictions in a vain effort to secure the borders against Muslims. And of course religious conservatives should also examine their own beliefs in light of what Rizvi says about religion in general.
Liberals, meanwhile, should also find plenty to agree with here. Rizvi is an intelligent, educated atheist who speaks articulately and wisely in favor of freedom of speech, trust in science and inclusiveness in society. However, they should note that defense of Muslims need not extend to defense of Islam. It should go without saying, since Islam is not a race, but apparently it needs to be said: it is not racism to criticize the ideology of Islam.
As demonstrated eloquently in this book, it should be entirely acceptable in the modern world to be anti-Islam, as well as to be anti-Christian, anti-Hindu, anti-any other belief system whose adherents claim to know how God wants everyone on earth to live.
This book includes fascinating points about the history of Islam, the realities of the Muslim world today, and the interpretations of the Quran and hadith. Rizvi speaks with passion and intelligence about his own culture and its place in the global society. Highly recommended, along with The End of Faith (Harris) and Heretic (Hirsi Ali).
I'd also recommend that those who intend to criticize Islam should read the Qur'an, just as those who wish to criticize Christianity should read the Bible first, although for me at least, neither experience was enjoyable or particularly enlightening.
As Rizvi says in this book:
"...it's crucial to emphasize the difference between criticism of Islam and anti-Muslim bigotry. The first targets an ideology. The second targets human beings. This is an obvious, significant distinction, yet both are frequently lumped together under the unfortunate, reductive umbrella term 'Islamophobia.' Again, human beings have rights and are entitled to respect. Ideas, beliefs, and books don't and aren't." (p. 137)
Conservatives should find much to agree with in this book, when it comes speaking honestly about Islam and its role in inspiring terrorism. They should also keep in mind, however, that people like Rizvi, who were raised in a Muslim environment, are exactly the people with the knowledge and potential to make a difference in this area. Therefore the West needs to accept, embrace and engage with people like him rather than attempting ill-advised restrictions in a vain effort to secure the borders against Muslims. And of course religious conservatives should also examine their own beliefs in light of what Rizvi says about religion in general.
Liberals, meanwhile, should also find plenty to agree with here. Rizvi is an intelligent, educated atheist who speaks articulately and wisely in favor of freedom of speech, trust in science and inclusiveness in society. However, they should note that defense of Muslims need not extend to defense of Islam. It should go without saying, since Islam is not a race, but apparently it needs to be said: it is not racism to criticize the ideology of Islam.
As demonstrated eloquently in this book, it should be entirely acceptable in the modern world to be anti-Islam, as well as to be anti-Christian, anti-Hindu, anti-any other belief system whose adherents claim to know how God wants everyone on earth to live.
This book includes fascinating points about the history of Islam, the realities of the Muslim world today, and the interpretations of the Quran and hadith. Rizvi speaks with passion and intelligence about his own culture and its place in the global society. Highly recommended, along with The End of Faith (Harris) and Heretic (Hirsi Ali).
I'd also recommend that those who intend to criticize Islam should read the Qur'an, just as those who wish to criticize Christianity should read the Bible first, although for me at least, neither experience was enjoyable or particularly enlightening.