Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization

Akbar S. Ahmed

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0815701322 ISBN 13: 9780815701323

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press, 2007

Globalization, the war on terror, and Islamic fundamentalism —followed closely by a rise in Islamophobia —have escalated tensions between Western nations and the Muslim world. Yet internationally renowned Islamic scholar Akbar Ahmed believes that through dialogue and understanding, these cultures can coexist peacefully and respectfully. That hope and belief result in an extraordinary journey. To learn what Muslims think and how they really view America, Ahmed traveled to the three major regions of the Muslim world the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization is the riveting story of his search for common ground. His absorbing narrative and personal photos bring the reader on a tour of Islam and its peoples. Ahmed sought to understand the experiences and perceptions of ordinary Muslims. Visiting mosques, madrassahs, and universities, he met with people ranging from Pakastan President Pervez Musharraf to prime ministers, princes, sheikhs, professors, and students. He observed, listened, and asked them questions. For example, who inspires them? What are they reading? How do the Internet and international media impact their lives? How do they view America, the West, and changes in society? Ahmed's anthropological expedition enjoyed extensive access to women and youths, revealing unique information on large yet often misunderstood populations. Lamentably, he found high levels of anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism and a widespread perception that Islam is under attack from the West. But he also brought back reason for hope. He returned from his groundbreaking travels both impressed with the concerned, kind nature of the individuals he encountered and invigorated with the vitality and passion they displayed. Journey into Islam makes a powerful plea for forming friendships across religion, race, and tradition to create lasting peace between Islam and the West.

Product Description:

Journey into Islam Globalization, the war on terror, and Islamic fundamentalism - followed closely by a rise in Islamophobia - have escalated tensions between Western nations and the Muslim world. The author believes that through dialogue and understanding, these cultures can coexist peacefully and respectfully. Full description

Review:

"In "Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization" [Ahmed] invites us to listen to the many voices of Muslims today as they face a confusing and often threatening world. It is essential reading, wise, literate, insightful, optimistic, honest and humane, the work of one of the great religious sages of our time." --Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, "Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth"

"Akbar Ahmed's voice needs to be heard, and his courage strengthened." --Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Laureate

"A deeply moral work, informed by profound commitment to universal values of knowledge, justice, and compassion, all of which work to confirm Ahmed's position as preeminent Muslim public intellectual. Ultimately, a generous and empowering work which allows the kind of understanding that is transformative, Journey into Islam is as an extraordinary venture for its readers as it was for the students involved in its making." --Tamara Sonn, College of William & Mary, "Emel Magazine"

"Intellectually engaging and passionately written... "Journey into Islam" is an informative primer on Islamic history, an astute analysis of U.S. relations with the Islamic world over the last century and the deeply personal journal of the man the BBC calls 'the world's best-known scholar on contemporary Islam'." -- "The Christian Century"

" "Journey into Islam" is an informative primer on Islamic history, an astute diplomatic analysis of US-Islamic relations over the last century and a deeply personal journal." -- "Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions"

"A profoundly personal and moving analysis of the anguish and ideological deformations through which the Islamic world is currently passing. "Journey into Islam" is a spiritual Odyssey reaching far back into Professor Ahmed's own past while detailing his dreams for the Muslim world of today and tomorrow." -- "Middle East Policy"

"Should be a must read for any person wishing to get a deep understanding of the current confrontation between the Islamic and Western worlds.... Ahmed's book is not just a treasure chest of information; it is also a how-to manual of fostering peace and mutual respect. Would that "Journey into Islam" were essential reading for every government official, every university researcher, and every person interested in learning about Islam and finding a recipe for peaceful coexistence." --Khaleel Mohammed, "Islamic Studies"

"In this day and age, with alliances between countries constantly being built only to be broken, with the waging of wars in dozens of nations, and most importantly with the spread of globalization, there has arisen a dire need for understanding and resolution across the globe and Akbar Ahmed provides just such a solution for the tensions between the United States and the Middle East in his book "Journey into Islam.... "[It] is informative and thought provoking no matter what one's race, religion, nationality, or political views." -- "Reason & Respect: A Journal of Civil Discourse"

"[An] excellent book. Highly recommended." --Elizabeth Agnvall, "Star-Telegram"