1 comments about Ramadan (Rookie Read-About Holidays).

1. The basic ideas, customs, and attitudes of this holiday are introduced to young children with most of the appropriate vocabulary and pronunciation guides. Photographs show a nice cultural variety of Muslims, from Arabic to Indian and Indonesian. The book says that at the end of Ramadan, "Muslims have a three-day celebration." Since that celebration is a major part of the holiday and easy to pronounce (EED), its omission is a significant flaw. Another cause for concern is the photograph accompanying the suggestion that all-day fasting is to difficult for some people. Among all the beautiful variety of Muslims world-wide, the picture of apparently African-American children eating cotton candy implies that they are the ones who cannot "keep a promise" to fast. But even with these flaws, this may be the best introduction currently available.

4 comments about My First Ramadan.

1. I was happy to see this book from Karen Katz, its a good introduction into Ramadan, although its missing a lot of "fun" for kids info, she did a good research, and have presented Ramdan well, I read it to my daughter, and like all other Karen Katz books we've read, we both loved it.



2. I was so psyched when I found out that one of my kid's favorite authors had done a book on Ramadan. (Thank you Karen Katz!) I was even more excited when I received the book. The illustrations are wonderful and whimsical. Ms. Katz has done an excellent job portraying life for a typical Muslim child. I especially enjoyed how she represented how multicultural a typical mosque in the US is. That's one of the wonderful things about being Muslim in the US--you are reminded every day that Muslims are not just of Arab origin. :) I know this will become a family favorite. Too bad it isn't on sturdy board stock like our other favorite Katz books. :)



3. Very nice and tender book about the value of fasting. American Muslims should be donating such books to all elementary libraries. What a great way to let young readers know about other cultures and traditions.



4. This is a great book/resource for teachers and parents to teach about a Muslim holiday, Ramadan to little children. My boys and I loved it!

1 comments about Islam, the West, and Challenges of Modernity.

1. How do we define modernity today? Is Islam a backward religion, preaching barbaric practices or does it have progressive ideology? In the advent of the colonialism of many Muslim lands and the subsequent formation of independent nation states in the Muslim world the issue of modernity and Islam has been the most debated topic of the 20th century and new millennium. Few studies have detailed the link between Western and Islamic thought as Ramadan's book. Ramadan a Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies at Fribourg (Switzerland) was born and raised in Switzerland and differs from his grandfather (Hassan Al-Bannah founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt) in certain ideologies. Although their respective place in history can be regarded along the same line of thought as far as reconstruction of Islam towards a more Social empowering force. With an endless source of references to the greatest thinkers in history and an impressive academic pedigree; Descartes, Kant, Aristotle, Prometheus, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), etc. Ramadan tries to soften the extremist voices in the West and Islamic World so common roots and solutions to social dilemmas can be found.
   
   Tariq Ramadan's thorough study of western civilization through technology, innovation and other fields that occurred during the renaissance, a consequence of the victory of rationalism over the clergy. However, Ramadan asserts this renaissance has deep roots in Muslim Spain, which was the learning center of Europe for nearly 500 years. Scholars like; Ibn Sina (Medicine), Ibn Rushid, (Philosophy), Al-Jabr (Mathematics), Ibn Hazim (Geography) and the many works of Aristotle, Plato, Pythagoreus were translated into Arabic and spread throughout Europe. The west must recognize this and at the same time the Muslim world must not demonize the west for eternity. Ramadan explains Islam is a universal faith, incorporating different societies throughout history, while maintaining their culture. He identifies himself as a `European Muslim' in that he finds the common enemy not the South or North (East or West) but a common enemy of illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs. etc. Elaborating on Jihad and it's true meaning in Arabic of `struggle' a social Jihad must take place against illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs, etc. Ramadan also cites an important saying of the Prophet Muhammad, "the bigger Jihad is fighting with one's spiritual (desires) and the smaller Jihad is the right of physical self-defense in protection of land, family, elderly, wealth, promoting and prohibiting evil".
   
   Muslims must criticize that which is wrong and of utmost priority begin with their own societies, grass-root movements on a `Social Jihad'. Ramadan maintains a balanced approach to the civilizations, maintaining there are certain forces in the West who's sole interest lies in the resources of Muslim lands and feed off exposure of fanatical Muslims. Citing the ignorant support of certain western governments of human right violations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and ignoring the social contribution of Islamic Movements. While in Algeria showing no support for the FIS (Islamic Salvation Front), which won the 1992 election but was later violently canceled by the military.
   
   From a social religious aspect Ramadan sharply criticizes the narrow mindedness of some `ulema (Islamic scholars) in their literal interpretation of doctrine without taking into account the social context and condition of Muslims during the revelation of the Quran, which was sent down over a span of 23 years. Thus he argues stoning of adulterous women no longer applies, there is no constant in Islamic Law it is a case-to-case scenario that requires ijtihad, reasoning from the sources of Islamic Law. Also modernization, development and progress must not be defined as a purely western phenomena (Japan and the Orient) as there exist many social problems in the West.
   
   In conclusion Ramadan strongly criticizes the Muslim World in their denial to criticize societies and resorting to violent reactionary behavior. He calls for a `Social Jihad' waged against illiteracy, poverty, crime, drugs, etc. Islam, Ramadan strongly contends is not naturally against development and thought as the Quran enlightens the ummah (Muslim Nation) to ponder and think of creation, there exists no dichotomy between development/rationality and religion.

5 comments about Bifocal.

1. "Is the only way to fight fear to make other people afraid? Does terrorizing others really make our own terror go away?" The authors place this sentence in the speech of main character Haroon, and it indeed captures the theme of this very insightful novel.
   
   The young should be able to identify with all of the characters - ordinary teenaged students, from Goth to geek to jock, who need to deal with not only the fear of an attack on their school, and the resulting suspicion of others, but with their own fear expressed as prejudice and violence. Without including a spoiler, I shall mention that the Halloween "prank" gone awry is one of varied incidents which shows well how one may not realise the full implications of an action until things go drastically wrong.
   
   With the varied chapters told from the point of view of different students, and most action centring on such everyday occurrences as football practise, film viewing, a quiz show appearance, and sibling talk, the reader has the opportunity to identify with every perspective. Characters are both typical and interesting, and, save for the 'voice' in each chapter, the reader is not presented with analytical reflections which tell the whole of everyone's motives. This novel is an excellent opening for personal reflection, a hard look at how fear can lead to chaos, group mentality based on 'us vs. them' and the like.
   
   Some parents may object to, for example, the Halloween vandalism, but I do not think this reading should be 'supervised.' There is much truth, with which the young may only be beginning to become familiar, in how going with a crowd can seem stimulating until one sees the aftermath. I believe the young will identify with the mess, and understand how many actions stem from not seeing the implications or outcome rather than from malice on the part of all involved.
   
   Another key point, well illustrated, is that media presentations can be taken as the whole story (even when such does not exist), and the respect for the rights of others, so extolled in theory and discussed in class, can evaporate when guilt is presumed.
   
   Much is thought provoking in this novel, and, for those who are inclined towards prejudice or have been exposed to such ideas, there well may be a means to eliminate this in seeing the same situation from the point of view of various people from different backgrounds.



2. Bifocal is an interesting look at racial profiling. By using two high school students as the lens, Jay and Haroon, Deborah Ellis and Eric Walters have created a thought provoking novel that highlights the absurdities of racial profiling and the insensitive and backward thinking that still exists in too many households in our society.
   
   This Young Adult novel reminds me a lot of the Jena 6 story and the prevalent racist hate-speak that is allowed to exist without repercussions for those that are so blatantly hateful. It is clear that no human deserves to be hated based upon their race or religious beliefs or culture.
   
   Ellis and Walters have created a poignant novel that will be an intereesting addition to literature in the classroom that should be used and discussed for years to come.



3. This may be one of those YA books that adults think kids will love to read, but that kids yawn at. It's a book that involves some very topical issues: terrorism, bombs, women's rights, diversity. It's a book that deliberately tries to be thought provoking, to make us think about what we are willing to give up in the sake of freedom.
   
   This is all well and good, but the story is trite and wooden, and I suspect that the best way to get kids to care about diversity and these hard questions is not to push fifty pounds of message into a five ounce story. The story that lies under these momentous thoughts is so slight that it almost disappears under the crushing weight of the authors' message. I have no problem with exploring the ambiguities in Islam and diversity, freedom and security, race and popularity. But I don't like being preached to even as an adult--even when I agree with the message--and I liked it less as a kid.
   
   Next time, more story and less Culture 101.



4. Jay is a relatively new kid at school, but as a good football player he's already managed to integrate himself into the team and the coolest crowd at school. He's even managed to become good friends with the team captain and quarterback, and it looks likely he'll be recommended for captain next year. Haroon is a quiet kid who's a backup for the "Reach for the Top" team, an academic TV competition. He's also a Muslim, his grandparents having emigrated from Afghanistan long before. But things start to change for both of them when a terrorist plot is uncovered and a student is arrested and accused of being part of it. Haroon takes that boy's place on the academic team after nearly being arrested right alongside him, and Jay begins to see signs of prejudice and hatred even among his friends.
   
   My 11 year-old son and I read this and we both really enjoyed it. The story is told alternately from each boy's perspective with plenty of excitement and drama, and both kids see the effects of racism although they're each affected by it in different ways. The book tries and mostly manages to show both sides of the various arguments and how judging others can be unfair and harmful, although I didn't always think it was the most balanced view. The story isn't about terrorism but about how segregating into different crowds can have unintended consequences, whether it's whites who believe all Muslims are terrorists or Muslims who withdraw behind a burka and label all whites as racist. And I appreciated that the book seems to try very hard not to be preachy. We enjoyed it very much and especially liked the ending.



5. "Bifocal" focuses upon a Canadian high school which has been rocked by the recent arrest of a Muslim student said to be part of a terrorist group. Way after the television crews and police clear away, students are unable to stop talking and thinking about what happened. Is Azeem really guilty? How well do they really know any of their classmates? And worst of all...are they safe?
   
   The story is told from two alternating viewpoints - that of a white student, Jay, and an Afghani Muslim student, Haroon. Although they exist in different social circles and don't know one another at the beginning of the novel, many of their fears and thoughts are similar as they struggle to make sense of their uncertain world.
   
   "Bifocal" is a bit heavy-handed at times, simultaneously beating readers over the head with trying to break down stereotypes and yet managing to perpetuate them (for example, the white boy is a football player, while the Afghani boy is on an academic quiz team). And while both boys come from families admittedly lax about religion, there is something of a more sacred emphasis put upon Muslim rituals versus those of the Christians.
   
   Still, it's obvious no book tackling such heavy issues will ever be perfect. Chances are, most readers will be much more familiar with one background versus another, and so will see the racial and religious situations presented in a different light than readers from other perspectives. What's important is that, like the students in Haroon's and Jay's school, readers should become inspired to think and speak out about these important issues of the 21st century.

2 comments about Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story (Festival Time).

1. Most Ramadan books are too difficult to read to my young students and I was missing that perfect book about this holiday. Now I can read them a book the students can enjoy and 1st and 2nd graders can read it on their own too! Thanks for the book, if only it had arrived sooner.



2. This book is good for a general introduction of
   Muslim holidays to kids. My son was able to read
   this book to his first grade class. As a Muslim
   Mom I want to be able to use story books to bring
   knowledge about our religion to the kids in a fun way.

3 comments about Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr: With Praying, Fasting, and Charity (Holidays Around the World).

1. Title: Celebrate Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr: with praying, fasting, and charity
   
   Author: Deborah Heiligman
   
   Published by: National Geographic Society
   
   Review By: Diana Rohini LaVigne, Indian Life & Style Magazine
   
   Beautifully photographed and impeccably written, National Geographic Society has added a much-needed book to their `Holidays Around the World' series. With the current state of confusion about the Muslim community, especially in America, Celebrate Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr brings light to the rituals Muslim celebrate and united which includes praying, fasting and giving charity. Ramadan is a time for family, community and celebrating religious beliefs.
   
   With breathtaking photos that depict the dedication of Muslims worldwide during this sacred holiday time, readers will be delighted with the simple explanations of the complex religious rituals. It's not only a book for teenagers but also for adults.
   
   Towards the end of the book, there is a useful informational section called more about Ramadan. It offers facts about the holiday, more about the five pillars of Islam, an explanation of the Muslim Calendar, recipes to try, and a glossary for reference.
   
   A wonderful book to explore, understand and comprehend the dynamic and important celebration of Ramadan. It should be required reading for high-school teenagers in America and accompany the other books in National Geographic Society's `Holidays Around the World' series.



2. Deborah Heiligman's series : Holidays around the world is a good introduction to children unfamiliar with the holiday.
   
   The pictures are amazing and well laid out. For someone who celebrates Eid, the pictures will seem incomplete because there are so many more aspects than can be represented in a 32 page book. But for someone who has no idea about Ramadan and Islam, this is a very good introduction. ITs also extremely easy for children to read on their own.



3. I bought this book as an Eid-al-Fitr gift for my 9 year old step-daughter. I think it perfectly suits what I was shopping for: a simple explaination of what we do, why we do it and photographs of Muslims around the world who fast, pray, read Qur'an and celebrate just like we do. The book, writing, and all of the photographs are beautiful. At the end, there is a section with some "extras" where it explains the five pillars of Islam, the lunar calendar, dates of Ramadan for the next few years, recipes, etc. I know my step-daughter will enjoy this book and share it with friends. I would recommend this book to Muslim families or anyone who wants to share this important piece of Islam with children.

3 comments about Adaptive Filtering Primer with MATLAB.

1. This is an Excellent book , it has a lot of examples solved using matlab.



2. This is a thin little book, usually, thinner is better, in my opinion, because the author explained the bare bone of adaptive filter theory and application in a concise way in stead of using pages and pages of words to confuse people, and to waste precious forest resource. I like it, and would recommend it to people who has some adaptive filter backgound, and who wants to fresh their memory.



3. The book covered adaptive filtering at a moderate level of difficulty. The use of MATLAB allowed for a good understanding of how to implement this sort of processing.

4 comments about Brother Tariq: The Doublespeak of Tariq Ramadan.

1. Tariq Ramadan is always shown to be the good face of 'moderate European Islam' and he is trotted out, or rather trots himself out, everytime there is some question about the ability of Europe to swallow and assimilate its millions of Muslim immigrants. A passionate defender of Muslims he pretends that Islamism is but a tiny minority and that Islam and European civilization can go hand in hand. But despite having been born in moderate and tolerant Switzerland he learned none of the nuetrality of that country. Instead as this book shows he speaks with two mouths: one to Europeans and Westerners and another to his fellow Muslims in Arabic
   
   In fact Ramadan is a practitioner of 'Taqieh', the Muslim Shiite idea that is defined as "to hide the truth is the ultimate art of a Moslem" according to Interruptions. This book does the reader of the service of translating what he says in Arabic and showing that it does not jive with what he says in English and what is often quoted in English language media.
   
   A fascinating expose that will surely startle anyone familiar with this influential individual.
   
   Seth J. Frantzman



2. This book is horrible.
   
   Fourest searched long and hard to force isolated statements made by Ramadan to conform to her emotional, irrational, and biased Islamophobic thesis: Ramadan is "radical" cloaked in a moderate's clothing.
   
   She struggled to muddle Arabic to English translations of statements made by Ramadan to Muslims, strip them of their context, and cram them down our throats as a guilty child would trying to misplace "blame" elsewhere.
   
   It is a sad state of affairs when publishing houses are so desperate for books such as these, which amount to the literary and intellectual equivalent of tabloid journalism.
   
   I would have much rather spent my time watching Fox News for 8 hours straight... well, maybe not.



3. While Fourest's book is written (or perhaps translated) like a grocery list, this book exposes Ramadan as the wolf he is. He is the typical race and religion baiter, using the openness of the West as the tool by which he hopes to destroy it. We might write Ramadam off as a comic character if he was acting for personal wealth - and that may indeed be one of his motivations - but his main motivation is to promote his fringe and violent ideology and promote his political movement. Why the spineless Europeans allow this man to live and do his work among them is beyond me.



4. There are people in this world that are so convinced they see something when nothing exists, and they will go to any length to try to convince you that what they see is actually there. Similar to the way a 85 lb teenager purges herself after eating because she sees on obese person in the mirror, this pathetic excuse for journalism makes me inclined to write a book of my own, given that anybody can make money these days, just so long as they purport to "expose" a Muslim or the religion of Islam as something other than peaceful.

5 comments about Western Muslims and the Future of Islam.

1. It is a must read for muslims living in western countries. The book deals with the issues of BELONGING(specially immigrant muslims), EXTREMELY IMPORTANT concept of Darul Harb and Darul Islam and a thorough discussion of what is required of a muslim living/working/studying in non-muslim lands in general.
   
   He mentions the CORE characteristics that makes muslim ummah, THE BEST NATION i.e. Telling Mankind the real purpose of life and conveying the message of the prophets. When muslims live amongst non-muslims they automatically are calling non-muslims to Islam by the way they act, they work or do any thing else whether they actually call people to Islam or not.
   
   Tariq Ramadhan gives the western muslims confidence and encourages them to stop being isolationist and engage fully in the society around them to make the situation better for themselves as a community and also to fulfill their obligation of transmitting the message of the prophets to their fellow citizens. Even if these concepts are not new to you as a muslim, it is a must to read and reflect upon what brother Tariq says. Our reading, reflecting and then actually DOING DAWAH can make a difference of us entering HELL or entering PARADISE in the hereafter. No matter how bad the situation becomes for muslims and how bad the non-muslims treat muslims, muslims can NEVER EVER forget their obligation to save themselves and the non-muslims from Hellfire and Tariq makes an excellent case for that.
   
   You would for sure like reading this book. I don't agree with each and everything in the book but I pray for him for writing about the core issues we face as muslims. And don't even once look at the price, reading this book is far better then eating at your favorite restaurant.
   
   As the issues indicate the book is primarily for muslims but would help non-muslims too specially the ones interested to find out about muslims in the west in particular and Islam in general. If you are a non-muslim then I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND "What Everyone Should Know About Islam and Muslims" by Suzanne Haneef apart from reading the FINAL REVELATION to mankind, THE HOLY QURAN.



2. Islamic philosopher Tariq Ramadan asks a fundamental question. Is it possible for a devout Muslim living here to also be a responsible and loyal American? As a member of what Ramadan calls the Other, I find it disturbing it even needs to be asked. It isn't trivial and Ramadan doesn't ask it on behalf of Muslims. He asks it of Muslims because they ask it of themselves. We have people living among us who are unsure of the answer, millions of them apparently, some of them second and third generation Americans. More than a few have concluded the answer is no. Their devotion to Islam supersedes and is incompatible with any duty to their adopted country. The question cuts to the heart of what Americans have been asking since 9/11. What on earth are these people so angry about and what in heavens name does it have to do with us? In attempting to answer Ramadan directs his comments to those Muslims living in the West for whom religion is at the center of daily life, Muslims who are struggling with a very real identity crisis. Ramadan isn't proposing an interfaith dialogue, though he thinks one is important. He is proposing an intra-faith dialogue. He wants to reopen a debate that has been closed for a thousand years.
   At issue is the long held Islamic view of a world divided into two parts, dar al-Islam and dar al-harb, the abode of submission and the abode of war. This view didn't originate in the Koran or with the Prophet. It was developed later by Islamic scholars to offer a code of conduct for Muslims living in or traveling through areas not subject to Islamic rule, places where any exercise of an alien religion was usually restricted and often prohibited. Muslims in these conditions were called not to compromise their faith, to remain apart, at all costs to avoid assimilating. Sometime around the 10th century it became pretty much accepted dogma throughout Islam. It still is. It is a view that has been noted with alarm by modern Western commentators. It is at the root of the attitude among many Muslims to reject as un-Islamic all things Western. Ramadan argues that the doctrine can and should be revised in light of changed circumstance. It is no longer an appropriate view of Europe or of North America because in the modern West the Muslim is free to practice his religion.
   Ramadan draws an all-important distinction between faith and culture. Islam requires Muslims to dress modestly but exactly how that applies in different societies is open to interpretation. There is also a difference between what is required by law and what is permitted. That alcohol may be legal does not force one to drink. There may be occasions when civil law presses an individual to violate his conscience, to participate say in an unjust war, but those occasions are rare and there are ways for Muslims to deal with them short of outright rejection of the offending legal system. Islam has adapted to differing cultures before. Indonesians are very different from Pakistanis and they can both be authentically Islamic.
   This all seems obvious to us, the Other. That it does not seem obvious to so many Muslims is incomprehensible. Americans are accustomed to immigrants. We expect them to become naturalized, take their citizenship seriously, participate fully in our society, make it their own, even take on leadership roles. Ramadan wants his fellow Muslims to do that too, and he believes they will. He certainly believes they can, and without compromising their religion.



3. Ramadan is a serious thinker, devoted to making a difference. He takes both his faith and his Western homeland seriously, and this for him is a single commitment to God and his neighbors. His concern is the quality of life in the future world order. And his vision for the potential contributions of Western Muslims is refreshing.
   
   Where many Muslims assume that the practices of other cultures are ungodly unless proven otherwise, Ramadan turns such logic around. Like Imam Malik, he argues that all customs (urf) or institutions which "seek the good" (istislah) are valid, and should not be rejected unless they specifically violate a moral prohibition of the Quran and Sunna. In that case the challenge to Western Muslims is like that faced by the first Muslims in mainly non-Islamic Mecca, or by the biblical Joseph in Egypt - how to inspire better human relations, and improve care for society's needs.
   
   Ramadan sees a special responsibility falling on Muslims in the West. Working within Western institutions yet maintaining real ties to the non-Western world, these believers have a chance to serve as a voice of conscience. In a world order of profound inequality, many Western Muslims have both the hope and the opportunity to make a difference. And to grasp that opportunity they must act as full-citizens, taking responsibility for building better institutions in cooperation with non-Muslims of goodwill. As Ramadan explores the possibilities for economic, political and cultural life, the future seems ever more interesting.



4. Thanks again to Mr. Ramadan for keeping the door and the dialoge open on a very pressing and important issue for many of us "Western" Muslims. As a new Muslim woman from Latin America living in the USA I find each day many of the issues presented by Mr Ramadan, thanks to his inside, I am able to better undertand my role in this society while living and embracing the "true" Islamic identity and tradition. Thanks also for the great lessons learned with "In the Footsteps of the Prophet". Thanks for the loving and unsugared portrait of the Prophet you presented in this excellent book , it did touch my heart.



5. As a former Muslim, I see that Westernizing Islam is like putting a "patch" ruq3ah on a worn down outfit in the hope that it would be usable once again. Westernized Islam sounds good in theory, but theory is one thing and practical application is another. How can we overlook the spirit of Islam that is embedded in the text of the Quran that is perceived as non-negotiable by humans if Allah and His Messenger has prescribed a statute of some kind?! A Muslim can't easily chop out the ninth chapter of the Quran in order to Westernize Islam and thus come up with a dandy version of Islam. That is wishful thinking. That is why I abandoned Islam.

5 comments about In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad.

1. An Islamist apologist through-and-through. While couching the traditional Islamic double-speak in PC terms appealing to many in the West, distorts the true history of Muhammad's actions and words, as well as the real method by which Islam spread which was by the sword and not by persuasion.
   His condemnation of intentional attacks on civilians is tempered by an innocuous-seeming suggestion: that they will cease when European, U.S., and Israeli foreign policies bend to terrorists' underlying demands.
   There is nothing of worth here or in any similar work which seeks to justify Islamist aspirations and methods, while ignoring the real problem which is the reformation of Islam, necessary in order to allow it to live in peace with other beliefs and customs.



2. this is a must read for all Muslims, curious non-Muslims and Islam-haters alike.
   
   Tariq provides a beautiful meditation on the life of the Prophet, quoting great ayats from the Qur'an and hadith. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PROPHET is an easily-digestable yet profound work of truth. This book provides all who read it with the essence of Islam and the life of the Prophet.



3. This book was great to show details about the prophet Mohammad's life. Tariq Ramadan captured in his very well researched book an unkown side of a great man. Unfortunately at some points he writes somewhat differential between sunni and shia, not realizing that at the prophet's time there was no such distinction.



4. Having read other biographies of Muhammad's (PBUH) life, I found this one particularly thought provoking and uplifting in that it explored the spiritual and not just historical or civic context of Muhammad's experiences. This compelling combination resulted in more than an interesting read, but a spiritual journey...along side a man many consider the most influential in human history.



5. Ramadan's scholarship, appreciation for pluralism, personal faith and passion for his Muslim heritage infuse this wonderful book. He takes us on a brief journey through the life of the prophet Muhammad and pauses to reflect on the way the Prophet used specific events to teach his contemporaries and on how those events and teachings have formed the Muslim community over the centuries.
   
   As an American, I appreciated how the book responds to Western mis-understandings of Islam (for example, the greater jihad is the personal struggle to follow Allah; the lesser jihad is armed struggle) without being defensive. As a Christian, I appreciated "going along" with Ramadan as he reflects on his faith and makes it accessible because it comes from the heart.