Review by Jane Fitzpatrick

The short:

This book addresses anti-Muslim sentiments that have spread across the world in response to the actions of Muslim extremists. The author defends the peaceful tenets of Islam and teaches non-Muslims that the actions of extremists are not representative of the tradition or of the beliefs held by moderate Muslims.

The long:

Khaled Abou el Fadl is a distinguished scholar and professor at the UCLA School of Law. El Fadl is particularly critical of Wahabism, and he offers samples of history prefacing comparisons of extremist Islamic ideals that dissent from the tradition’s core teachings. This book offers a pivotal perspective in defense of moderate Muslims during a time when Islam has been placed under biased and limited scrutiny. Transnational Islamic terrorist groups have sparked international fear and judgment against Muslims, but el Fadl offers an intellectual analysis to broaden the reader’s understanding of different interpretations regarding Islamic law and morality.

The read or not to read:

Read it and recommend it. This book opens your mind and widens your perspective on religions, cultures, and ideologies in a unique and compelling way.