Taking Back Islam: American Muslims Reclaim Their Faith [Paperback]

The thinking person's guide to Islam in a post-9/11 America Publishers Weekly

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 bestselling author ofA History of God and Islam. Leading authorities 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 Wolfeis the author of books of poetry, fiction, travel, and history. His most recent works are a pair of books from Grove Press on the pilgrimage to Mecca:The Hadj, a first-person travel account andOne Thousand Roads to Mecca, an anthology of 10 centuries of travelers writing about the Muslim pilgrimage. In 1997, Wolfe hosted a televised account of theHadj from MeccaforNightlineon ABC. He is currently at work on a four-hour television documentary on the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad. He lives in California.

Why Now? An Introduction
by Michael Wolfe

American Muslims' Special Obligation
by Ingrid Mattson

A Times for Renewal
by Ali Minai

Has Islam Been Hijacked?
by Karen Armstrong

The Muslim Vanguard: An Interview with Farid Esack
by the editors ofU.S. Catholicmagazine

Violence

Is Islam Violent?
by Karen Armstrong

Peaceful Jihad
by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl

Six Myths About Islam
by Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid