I have just read it and wanted to read what Muslims in the group who have read it think of it , what parts they disagree with and what parts they agree with.

Hey Wendy..
No I have not read it, though the title sounds interesting.

What did you think of it?

First of all, I think many of his criticisms are equally valid about all the religions that have holy books based on the primitive tribal cultures of so long ago...The mythologies are all derived from surrounding "rival or preexisting religions or folk mythologies including pagan beliefs". However, Warraq points out that unlike Christianity which was moderated by the challenges of the Reformation, Islam has not had the benefit of such a movement and has not gone thru as much modernization. The predestination inherent in Islam (some folk are already condemned to suffering in life and after death no matter what they do), he argues is not a helpful aspect nor has there been the kind of metaphorical interepretation of the mythologies and statements which set off fundamentalists from more liberal believers.
It was interesting to read Warraq's refutation of some myths about Islam (such as there is only one version of the Koran and nothing has been changed etc.)..and it was interesting to see some parallels with versions/interpretations/translations of the Bible.

Hello Wendy, thank you so much... I think I'll have to go find this book! Humm.. sounds interesting, although this "some folk are already condemned to suffering in life and after death no matter what they do" is enough to see he doesn't understand the religion, but I'd still like to read the book.

Hopefully once I get it, I'll be back to let you know what I think.

If others have read it.. please share your opinion.

Thanks. Have just bought Destiny Interrupted by Tamin Ansary which is the history of the world thru Islamic eyes which seems to provide yet another view. The author wrote East of New York West of Kabul, a book I liked.
By the way, Warraq was at least a nominal Muslim who renounced his religion . Warraq is his pen name. He wishes to avoid the fate of Salman Rushdie.

Wendy wrote: "The predestination inherent in Islam (some folk are already condemned to suffering in life and after death no matter what they do), he argues is not a helpful aspect"

About predestination, there are many websites on Islam that have a good discussion on this, which disagree with Ibn Warraq's statement above.
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satel...

There are reformist movements in Islam. In Indonesia (my country), Muhammadiyah is one such. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammadiya...

Femmy wrote: "Wendy wrote: "The predestination inherent in Islam (some folk are already condemned to suffering in life and after death no matter what they do), he argues is not a helpful aspect"

About predestin..."
Excellent! I will be interested in reading about Muhammadiyah ...and the Islamonline.net.
Thank you.

I read it a few weeks back. It is very meaty. Many Muslims will disagree with him, and I suspect that since he is probably an atheist many Christians and Jews will take issue with him as well.
For what it's worth, I briefly reviewed his book on my book blog. Feel free to visit it you're inclined.
-m
http://maphead.vox.com/

Thanks, Maphead.
I did check out your blog. Like you, I am in Portland.

Hey Portland crew.. thanks!!

Nice blog maphead. I'm sure I shall be reading it often.

Take care
Farhana