What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam Reviews

• Beginner's Guide to Understanding Islam

  
  By A3JPFWKS83R49V on 2004-04-15
  Author John Esposito is a professor of Religion and International Affairs at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He has written books about the subject of Islam before, and he writes this one with a keen sense of education in mind. Most people know very little about the religion known as Islam, and Esposito seems like he is on a mission, in this book, to help enlighten the world's people about the facts and myths regarding the world's second largest religion.

  I think it's safe to say that most people know very little about Islam. Until I read this book, I didn't really know much either. I knew some of the most basic things, like that the Quran was the holy book of Islam; the prayers that Muslims say each day; and a few other things. But my knowledge level ended right there. When I picked up this book, I began to learn things that I had never heard of before. Probably the greatest surprise was the fact that the Islamic religion regards Jesus Christ and Abraham as the second and third most important men to ever walk the face of the earth (after, of course, Muhammad). The next surprise was when I discovered that Islam teaches that the virgin birth of Jesus was real, and the Quran makes mention of Jesus and Mary even more frequently than the Christian Bible. Other facts were noteworthy, but not as shocking, like the fact that the Quran allows a man to have as many as four wives provided that he will treat them equally and support them.

  The issue of the day with Islam is whether or not its religious creeds are conducive to violence. There is a full chapter in this book that attempts to answer this question. According to the Quran, violence is acceptable in certain situations, like when a man's family and/or faith might be threatened. Here lies the problem with interpretation. To a more radical member of the faith, this means that any threat at all to one's faith is deserving of retaliation (and that could include almost anything). But to a more moderate Muslim, this is interpreted to mean that only self- defense is permissible.

  Esposito keeps this book on a factual level. There is no analysis or any open debate of the issues. Esposito wrote this book as a way to educate the world's people about the religion of Islam- what the Quran says, what Islamic tradition allows, what customs and cultural norms dictate, etc. There is no arguing on the part of Esposito. He just tells you what is known to be true and leaves it at that.

  In the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, Islam has taken center stage in the world debate over religion and violence. Many people have taken sides in the debate, labeling Muslims as purveyors of hate and violence. But the truth is, very little is really known about Islam by the worlds non- Muslim population. Esposito's book attempts to change all of that, with a simple to read, question and answer type format. It makes a good beginner's book on the subject of Islam, with lots of facts about the second most common religion in the world, after Christianity.
  
  

• Compact Guide to Understanding Islam

  
  By A24A0GJAD2329K on 2003-04-11
  This is a concise book built around answering straightforward questions most people have about the Islamic religion and culture. Like any book that is under 200 pages, you can't claim it to be an authoritative or complete source.

  Esposito does do a fine job of figuring out what (I think) most people would want to know and than furnishing concise, easy to read answers. We learn what the five pillars of the Islamic faith are. We learn what the Muslim people believe about Christ, the Old Testament, the New Testament and how they believe Muhammad received God's last revelation. We learn about the Black Muslim movement in the USA fits into Islam and its interesting. We learn what Jihad, or "holy war" really is and how the concept has been interpreted and misinterepreted by different groups.

  At times, I felt Esposito perhaps downplayed negative aspects in Islam. He does attempt to explain why some Muslims hate America and the West. However, this lacked the depth that one would hope for. Also, some Medieval aspects of Islam culture such as countries that practice stoning for adultery and amputation for thievery don't get the criticism they should.

  The great feature of this book is that you can learn a lot in a short time because of its size and the amount of information contained within it. Those interested in this subject should get a copy.
  
  

• Very superficial, and not very critical

  
  By A2B1GZIRD6W646 on 2006-05-21
  This is a worthy attempt by a scholar who has considerable knowledge of the world of Islam to explain it to the general public. The book is constructed in a series of questions, each of which has an answer that is between a paragraph and a couple of pages in length. While the author answers all of his questions, and I didn't notice any glaring errors. I did, however, notice some omissions which were glaring. Most notable was the discussion of Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian extremist who is here noted for his advocacy of reform in Islam. Esposito leaves out the thing he's best known for, though: Qutb was the one who first posited the doctrine that Infidels were only due mercy if they accepted the primacy of Islam. In practice, this means that those of us who live in nations not governed by Sharia are fair game for terrorists. Only if the government is Muslim are innocent people to be left unmolested. Omissions like this are troubling in a book in which the author assumes you are ignorant on the subject, because he's deliberately *not* telling you this. Despite this, I generally enjoyed the book, and at least in conjunction with some other books I would recommend it.
  
  

• One-sided distortion

  
  By A13978JDD2JY8M on 2003-01-09
  Esposito gives a one-sided distortion of Islam in an attempt to whitewash the religion and its history. For example, he mentions Mohammad's polygamy as an act of kindness - by marriage, Mohammad "protected widows". Notice the absence of context. He fails to mention that after Mohammad slaughtered all the men of a Jewish clan in front of their wives and children, he took one of the widows for a wife. Such a lie by omission totally distorts the picture.

  On the issue of religious toleration, he quotes the Koran's message to respect "people of the book" - Muslims, Christians and Jews. What he does not point out is that this passage was from the early Meccan period when Mohammad was trying to establish toleration for his new religion before he rose to power. After he achieved power in Medina his words and actions are horrific - he slaughtered two of the three Jewish clans and merely expelled the third. Put this in context with what Esposito calls the "living Koran" embodied by Mohammad's actual life. What must we think? Also, notice how no mention is made of atheists (i.e. pagans) and Hindus. Here the Koran is clear - atheists must convert to a "religion of the book" or be killed.

  Esposito has been the head of academic organizations - his one-sided portrait will undermine the public's confidence in the Mid-East studies of today's universities. It will harm Islam, as readers will become suspect of any positive claim about Islam. Fortunately, there are authors who present a more accurate picture. I recommend books by Bernard Lewis, Daniel Pipes, Ibn Warraq, and Serge Trifkovic.
  
  

• Scholarly Credibility in Question

  
  By on 2003-11-16
  John Esposito is a life-long "scholar" of Islam and he was totally surprised by September 11, 2003. The man had no clue that militant Islamic terrorists would do exactly what the same militant Islamic terrorists had publicly announced they would do: kill. Prior to September 11, 2003 Esposito argued that those who were alarmed by acts of Islamic terror were "ill-informed" "over-reacting" and responding to a "culturally limited definition of democracy." How does this guy keep his job?

  In any event, he fails to mention in this book. as he always fails to mention, a passage in the Hadith known to every Muslim on the planet which states that "women are deficient in intellect." This is supposed to be a quote from Mohammed contained in what is regarded as the most reliable compendium of sayings of Mohammed, the Bukhari Hadith. Islam "honors" women by declaring them stupid, make no mistake about it.

  Esposito is at best deluded and at worst, disingenuous.
  
  

• Esposito on Islam
  By A1HWBHHJNV7RGC on 2004-03-30
  Faith and Practice, the first chapter of the book is an excellent introduction to the history of Islam, the Quran and Mohammad for people with little background in such issues. Esposito does a fine job of explaining the Five Pillars of Islam and noting the differences and similarities between the Quran and Jewish and Christian tradition. In all, I found this chapter to be honest and engaging.
  However, when "hot" issues such as violence, terrorism, suicide bombing and the treatment of women are handled, Esposito seems unable or unwilling to level any criticism toward Muslims or their religion and this is not the honest interpretation one would expect. For instance, the author goes to great lengths to portray the veiling of women as both honorable and liberating, arguing that many Muslim women believe that such dress frees them from the judgments Western women face while wearing tight clothes and "dangerous", yes "dangerous", high heels. This may indeed be true for some Muslim women but Esposito fails to give consideration to those women who do find such requirements in dress and behavior restricting. Are we to believe that all women feel liberated by veiling?
  This pattern holds true for Esposito's responses to other controversial issues such as terrorism and violence. Esposito spends multiple paragraphs referring to the Quranic tradition of peace and respect while ignoring the actual fact of terrorism and violence. During a discussion on suicide bombing (p.126), Esposito quotes a Palestinian fighter as remarking " The Israelis blow us up. Why shouldn't I go to Israel and take some of them with me?" The author gives no suggestion that this reasoning is flawed.
  Similarly, Esposito explains the position of one Sheikh that killing Israeli civilians is justified as both men and women serve in Israel's military. If any elderly or children are killed in such acts, it is an "involuntary killing." Esposito fails to clarify exactly what an "involuntary killing" means to a Muslim, but it sounds decidedly like murder to me.
  In a book ostensibly about Islam and not in defense of Islam, the author is often times openly critical of the West and Israel, yet rarely so unsympathetic to Islam or Muslims. Esposito takes great strides to explain extremist violence as a result of living in a rough neighborhood and political and cultural realities. Yet, he affords no such consideration to Israel. At one point, Esposito takes Israel to task for its use of advanced weaponry and helicopters, judging the Israeli capabilities and response to be disproportionate to suicide bombings. If Esposito gave the political realities facing Israel the same consideration he gave extremists he may well see a rationale for Israel maintaining a strong military. Surrounded by a multitude of hostile nations, it would seem logical for Israel to rely upon technology rather than manpower to defend itself, yet this logic apparently evades Esposito's mind, or at least his pen.
  I was not looking for this book to vilify Islam, if you are after that there are plenty of sources available. What I expected was a balanced account of Islam, but unfortunately this is not it. I found the initial chapter very useful, but Esposito's discussion of controversial issues was evasive or perhaps worse, disingenuous.
  
  
• Islam is Peace
  By AL16HZ017KPZB on 2006-04-17
  Those who disbelieve, among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in HELL FIRE, to dwell therein. They are the WORST OF CREATURES." (Sura 98:6)
  
  "Seize them and SLAY THEM whereever you find them: and in any case take NO FREINDS or helpers from thier ranks." (Sura 4:101)
  
  "FIGHT those who believe not in Allah nor the last day." (Sura 9:29)
  
  "For the Unbelievers are open ENEMIES to you." (sura 4:101)
  
  Ohhh yessss...I believe Islam is a Peaceful Religion....NOT!!
  
  
• Accurate, factual, easy to read
  By A3V7AMY6XIHRG4 on 2006-08-13
  Since I was born a muslim myself and am very familiar with the teachings and I have read most of the Quran, I found this book to be a very factual and easy to read. Anyone who wants to learn about Islam with an accurate and unbiased view and easy to read I highly recommend this book
  
  
• Good place to start
  By on 2003-11-15
  With so much misinformation about Islam coming from the likes of Ibn Warraq, Daniel Pipes and many in the rightwing media it is hard to separate fact from fiction. Many critics of Islam take the beliefs of its most extreme members and present those extreme views as mainstream Islam. For example, most Muslims do not believe that they will spend eternity with 72 virgins, yet it is presented as a mainstream belief by critics. If you are confused about what Islam really teaches I recommend that you start with this book.

  It is written in a easy to read FAQ format. There are questions like Where do most Muslims live? Why are some Muslims opposed to music? What does Islam say about abortion? What is Wahhabi Islam? Who are these Islamic fundamentalists? and so on. I liked the fact that the author often presents both conservative and progressive interpretations of many teachings. Many nonMuslims are not aware of the progressive, liberal and feminist movements within Islam, or aware of progressive thinkers such as Farid Esack and Zeeshan Hasan. It is important to represent their viewpoints.

  I also liked the fact that he explained the two main ways of interpreting the Koran. Conservatives are literalists who believe if the Koran says something it must be followed without questioning. Progressives believe that many verses were said in specific contexts or referred to certain circumstances of the time. As context and circumstances change so should interpretation.

  This book is definitely the best place to start if you want to learn about Islam because it is objective, unlike many other books on the subject.
  
  

• Not good enough, or objective for that matter
  By A1SAY2J5BFNHYG on 2005-09-18
  This book is one of the most patronising books I've ever read. If you want a quick, easy to read and extremely basic introduction to Islam this is the book for you. But if you want in depth information, analysis and objectivity you should not buy this book. For example, L'Eposito goes writes that the Six Day War was more like a 6 hour war, the man may know about religion but he sure doesn't know about Middle East history.
  If you really want to learn about Islam, Karen Armstrong and Bernard Lewis are far better authors than this man, and have more objective books.
  
  
  
  
• Excellent Introductory Text
  By A4VDC141B9C04 on 2004-05-04
  Esposito is one of my favourite authors of general books on Islam. This book is probably the ideal starter text for those new to learning about the religion.

  "What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam" is a wonderful starter text. It is written in the format of questions-and-answers. The book is excellently organised with a complete index, as well as a simple glossary. The questions asked (and answered) are importantly and relevant. Using this method, Esposito both introduces the readers to the termonology but also the scriptures, history, culture(s) and beliefs.

  The book gets four stars because -- like others have said -- Esposito tends to glaze over a lot of negative aspects that are commonly critised instead of responding to it. However, I feel this is for brevity and not as necessary in this text as it would be in another introductory book.
  
  

• Great
  By A2KQC3OF5KEL9R on 2005-09-27
  if you don;t know anything about Islam, this book is a fantastic place to start. in times like this, Mr. esposito's book should be in the home of every American. he is able to lay out islamic concepts very plainly and precisely.
  
  
• I learned a lot
  By A2U0DKQPZSD50Y on 2004-06-09
  I came into this book knowing nothing about Islam other than the image potrayed on tv after reading this book I learned a lot about this interesting religion. It has allowed me to understand my muslim friends better.
  
  
• Excelllent information on ISLAM
  By A10CRPF5QVKXEH on 2006-08-07
  I really enjoyed this book. it was easy reading and included all the information I wanted to know. It also explained everything in a simple basic way. I have a really good understanding of Islam and definitely know that there is such a variety in Islam Religion. Islam is so much more than what the news portray. I recommend this to anyone that is interested in learning about Islam.
  
  
• informative, balanced, fun
  By A11I4OXEI9N18Y on 2003-05-12
  This is a great book! Fun to read. Informative. Balanced. It tells you not just the what but the why. It discusses the breadth of Islam not just the standard. Compact and easy to read FAQ format. You want to know about the basics Islamic culture and religion this is a good first course. Answers many of the questions I had.
  
  
• addenda to previous review
  By on 2003-02-24
  When Mr. Esposito acts like an "apologist", as he does throughout the book, he falls short of presenting a "balanced" view of the differences between the Muslim and Non-Muslim parts of the world, and does, to some extent, a disservice to non-radical Muslims (those who would quietly practice their faith and not seek destruction of others).
  Such people need to do more than condemn the terrorists within their faith, just as Christians and Jews, within their faiths; they need to act. If Mr. Esposito would leave out some of the "apologist" rhetoric, it would make for a better explanation of the Islamic/Muslim faith.
  
  
• Good Introduction
  By on 2004-02-01
  For those who's knowledge of Islam is very limited, this book can answer many basic questions for you. Very straightforward indeed. But I suggest one should also read the Quran(yusuf ali translation only!) to get an even better understanding. Nonetheless, very well-written clear book.

  Also recommend; Idiot's guide to understanding Islam.
  
  

• Excellent!!
  By on 2003-07-19
  Take the mask off your eyes and read freely about what really Islam is. This is a FAQ book about Islam, what it really is and what has it become in the eyes of today.

  I can say, upon my knowledge, that it is 95% accurate as Dr. Esposito has some false ideas in some aspects. In the end, it is very fair compared with many other books written in the same subject. A great book to read. Covers many subjects and many many questions asked regarding this religion.
  
  

• What everyone needs to read about Islam
  By A2UTE5KQO9GNCR on 2004-01-20
  Well-written and friendly format, perfect for a small-group discussion.
  
  
• FAQ Islam
  By A2XEPQLCSGSC42 on 2007-05-02
  I really did enjoy this book. It answered a lot of "why?" questions I had about Islam and it's relation to other religions, lands, and ideals. It's a quick read and gives you an overview of the basics. I found it to be factual and not partial, exactly what the doctor ordered. I like opinions when I want opinions. I didn't want to learn about the basics with a taint of preference.
  
  
• Good General Overview But Some Areas Lack Development
  By A2HWD9PTM7RBXN on 2003-02-07
  John Esposito's What Everyone Needs To Know About Islam gives a good general idea of the concepts of Islam. Esposito outlines quite well the Five Pillars of Islam Also explained well are the prayer rituals and the significance of Mecca are also quite interesting as well as the relationship between Islam and other religions.

  Other comments Esposito makes are a bit inaccurate and somewhat slanted. Where in the world does Esposito get off explaining how marriage between first cousins are common in Islam as well as Judaism? He offers no such supporting statistics or proof that either group practices this so often. In some communities this may have taken place because there were no other suitable parties for a specific young lady. However, this is so much more the exception than the rule at least within the Jewish faith. Why doesn't Esposito comment about Chrisitans marrying their cousins? There is a movie out entitled Divorce Italian Style which deals with an Italian Christian man that has a romantic interest with his cousin. Truthfully Esposito's statement is a bit prejudiced.

  Also the commentary of slavery is kind of wasted. In this modern age what is the point of even discussing something so unpleasant like this. Esposito seems to indicate that Islam is more sophisticated than Judaism or Christianity because it defines such a barbaric relationship. I think Espositio needs to get in touch with the modern world as slavery is non-existent in most places. Truthfully Espositio could have spent more time discussing Muslim Holidays and more of the festive attributes of Islam than delving into slavery.

  Also the description of Hamas' response to the Hebron incident is badly phrased. In my opinion, this Dr. Goldstein was not running a suicide mission and merely acted as a deranged criminal. This certainly does not justify all of the Hamas suicide bomber missions that this Islamic military group has started. The two incidents are way different and Esposito should not even compare such actions. Both actions are indeed terrible but most definitely not an excuse for the excessive actions of Hamas and other terrorist Islamic groups. Esposito's comments on this unfortunate incident does not make him look favorable outside of the Muslim world.

  Esposito does detail that the Islamic people have some varying sects that are more extreme and even more militant than the majority. Unfortuantely this may give some people a prejudiced idea about Islam. Whereas I may have some justifiable concerns about these extreme fundamentalists(its interesting how there have been similar violent tribes all thru Islam history), the general belief system of Islam is quite deep and powerful just like Christianity or Judaism. And this book is certainly a fine introduction to Islam.
  
  

• An essential guide to Islam in these troubled times
  By A26W10N6HVB0ZY on 2003-09-15
  This is an essential guide to what Muslims REALLY believe, which we all ought to read in these troubled times. So why 4 stars? Well, I think Esposito is a little too rosy about what Thomas Friedmann, in his brilliant NY Times columns, calls the "Arab basement". Most Muslims are sane, normal, good neighbours - our kind of people! But, alas, there are some real crazies out there who believe they are truly Muslims - and have lots of Saudi money to back their vile version of the Islamic faith. May the moderates prosper! I hope Esposito is right - I fear he may not be. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)
  
  
• Excellent Reference for Laypeople
  By A2FLBANP7OIJ7K on 2007-05-22
  John Esposito has written an excellent reference on Islam and Muslim culture for laypeople. He has organized his book into an easy question-and-answer format so readers can skip to whatever topic they want to know about. Very important questions people have about Islam are answered directly and concisely.
  
  His writing reflects his deep knowledge of Islam and engagement with Muslims. He is very respectful of Islam and tries to place controversial issues within their proper context. As a result, this work is a much-needed attempt to build bridges of understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. Too often have some Western writers written about Islam with the sole intention of damning or criticizing it. Esposito, on the other hand, approaches Islam in a neutral and objective way. He seeks to explain Islam and Muslims rather than condemn them.
  
  Overall, I recommend this book to both Muslims and non-Muslims. For non-Muslims, this book will explain what they must know about Islam in order to avoid falling into ignorant bigotry against Muslims. On the other hand, Muslims will appreciate Esposito's expert articulation of many issues in the Muslim world today.
  
  The title says it all. This is what everyone must know about Islam, both Muslims and non-Muslims. So if you really want to learn about Islam, this is a great book to start with.
  
  
• An ok explanation, raises more questions than gives answers
  By A3EE8QR877HEIM on 2003-02-20
  Mr. Esposito's book gives, as stated in the title to this review, an ok explanation of Islam (I haven't completely finished yet.)
  As I also said, it raises more questions than it answers, on various subjects. Example, do Muslim women really want to wear a burqa, or other garment: is it cultural; i.e., is it truly their choice, for modesty, or is it "mandated". Did he ask any women; without "minders", i.e., someone watching them, to monitor their answers. Did he consult with any Muslims? Why is a "belly dancer" not considered "immodest" in her dress; while a "Western",or other non-Muslim, woman, even if dressed, by non-Islamic standards, "modest" considered to be "immodest" (to put it politely)? I do admire the man for trying to separate the "radicals" from "ordinary" Muslims, e.g., a Bin Laden, or the Taliban, from say, the devout, but not radical, Muslim man or woman. I am not sure I'm thoroughly convinced that many, but not all, Muslims feel as warmly to Non-Muslims as Mr. Esposito indicates. There are many points on which I would "agree to disagree" with him (and the faithful) but it does bring a new found respect for many of the followers of the Prophet. I would hope that this book would answer many questions and clear up many misconceptions, on both sides, as all religions have their "radicals"; including, Christianity. "God (Allah) sent the message, through many messengers. However, some of the people since, on all sides, have caused us all to be at odds with our brothers and sisters of all faiths (through misinterpretation of the divine word, in what ever form it might take, i.e., the Koran, The Torah, The Bible, or others". Let all good people, of all faiths, attempt to understand, even where they disagree with one another, and to fight "radicals" within all faiths. This book does that to some extent. I'd hope someone could write a similar book, to clear up some the misconceptions, for Judaism and Christianity.
  
  
• Even-handed and well-written
  By A2LICSQ2IFE3C5 on 2003-10-24
  The author immediately states that Islam is not a religion of violence or terrorism. He covers the Five Pillars well, gives some good background, and repeatedly makes it clear that Islam is as imperfect (with fundamentalists) as any other religion. If you don't know anything about Islam and you are looking for a quick introduction, try this book.
  
  

• Islam: A Short History (Modern Library Chronicles)
• Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think
• Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam
• Islam: Religion, History, and Civilization
• World Religions Today