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Answered Questions (7)

Ayaan is a blatant islamophobe and yet this is a popular book? Every book I see regarding Islam (fiction or non but mostly fiction) sheds light on Islam in such a negative way and readers are naive and willing to take whatever is fed to them....Imagine if someone made a book and in their about it was written "A prominent critic of Judaism/Christianity/Hinduism" So heres my question..why read it :)

Andrew Breslin I think I will invent a word "Andyphobia" And anyone who dares criticize me or my ideas will henceforth be labeled an Andyphobe.

Throughout history, th…moreI think I will invent a word "Andyphobia" And anyone who dares criticize me or my ideas will henceforth be labeled an Andyphobe.

Throughout history, there have been many people who have espoused various ideologies. Some of those people have claimed that their espoused ideology is not their own, but rather comes from GOD, but that does not excuse that ideology from criticism nor make such criticism any kind of 'phobia' or 'ism.' It is not one shred less appropriate to criticize these individuals and their ideas. Not one shred.

I used to be a Catholic. Now I'm not. I think it's bullshit and has been responsible for enormous oppression through the centuries, and I say so loudly all the time. Does that make me a Catholicaphobe? Does anyone suggest there is anything wrong with that?

There was a time, a few centuries ago, where I could be imprisoned, whipped or killed for renouncing my faith in the Catholic Church. But not any more. I can talk as much as I want about how glad I am that I no longer believe in all that nonsense, and not only won't I be killed, hardly anybody will even notice.

Former Muslims, like Ali are 'apostates.' Simply deciding that you no longer believe in Islam and no longer want to practice it makes one an apostate. You don't have to write books about it. Why don't you hazard a guess as to the prescribed penalty for apostasy in Islam is, today, in 2015? Name all the Muslim-majority countries where apostasy is considered okay, a personal choice and a personal right, and then name all the countries where it is punishable by imprisonment or death.

Ali is a courageous individual who has the courage to speak up against oppression and injustice even at the risk of her own life.(less)

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Have you read Of this book?

Ayam Ahmed well, I haven't read the book but I'm like Ayaan and also my name is Ayaan and I'm from Somalia, I think only the name of the book is reminding me the…morewell, I haven't read the book but I'm like Ayaan and also my name is Ayaan and I'm from Somalia, I think only the name of the book is reminding me the way I live in right now, and how everyone thinks about us. and also the fact that I cant tell my mom that I'm Christian. So wish me luck.(less)

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This book needs to be read especially when people describe Islam as a religion of peace. She now lives her life in hiding as she is regarded as an infidel who deserves to be killed, according to her now lost Muslim Faith. Do other readers share my rage upon reading this book?

Elizabeth Lurie I think rather, it confirmed what I have observed through current events and history. Mohamed did spread his religion by using the sword, much like t…more I think rather, it confirmed what I have observed through current events and history. Mohamed did spread his religion by using the sword, much like the Taliban and Isis are doing now. People were forced and threatened with violence if they did not conform.
I don't think that the author can be called an "islamaphobe". She is not condemning a whole religion, but recounts her own experiences with her family and others that she knows. She is a thoughtful person. She asks questions. Why should I do this? Why that? After asking her questions, she only receives rote answers which don't satisfy her,so she comes to the conclusion that the restrictions and practices of Islam are not for her. This is her right as a human being.but under Islam, she does not have this right. This has earned her death threats.
To be fair, almost every religion has done this to one degree or another. Think about the Crusades, the Inquisition, the 30 years war, the 100 years war, etc.etc. Even today, in our country, members of some religions try to force their beliefs on others by using political power. All religions have been used to manipulate people for political ends. this who do this expose their hypocrisy. This is why I too am an Infidel. I believe that as human beings, we do best when we use our reason to solve the problems of daily life. Rabbi Sherwin Wine wrote:"Where is my light? My light is in me. Where is my strength? My strength is in me? Where is my hope? My hope is in me, and in you."(less)

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Wasn't it a complete waste of time for you? It was for me!

Lisa No, I thought it was a compelling and courageous account by an extremely strong woman. It made me very grateful for the freedom I have.

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Great book! Excellent. I admire her courage and insight. Religion was created by the devil...you can tell that by the fruit it bears. There is only one TRUE theology. People get brainwashed and follow anything. Besides it makes no sense to me, why would a black person be muslim when the Arabs are the ones who started slavery...? Crazy

Sharon Carter Funny you say that, because the devil is believed in as part of religions. Also, knowing something is good or evil "by their fruits" is a term the Lor…moreFunny you say that, because the devil is believed in as part of religions. Also, knowing something is good or evil "by their fruits" is a term the Lord uses in the Sermon on the Mount. Also, yes, people do get brainwashed and follow anything. It's called being led away "in divers ways." There's a million ways for the devil to deceive and confuse people, but God is consistent. Often, people in churches who claim to follow God might only be drawing near to God with their lips. The devil can deceive people into thinking good is evil and evil is good.

Don't get me wrong, I just finished chapter 4 of Infidel and I think this book is insightful. In both Christianity and Islam, there are people whose actions don't nearly line up with their words. But if there's someone of any religion who is spreading love instead and trying to heal people, and it works, is there anything wrong with that? And Ayaan may be atheist, after all she's been through, but she's trying to help people. I like that.

I like the U2 song "When I Look at the World." He sings it with doubt, but he's trying. I hope you know God loves you.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

This book is an honest book about Islam. This book is based on fact, experience and from the heart. It took great courage to write this book. I am proud of Ayaan as a woman. Is there any woman that wouldn't want the most basic rights that Ayaan is fighting for?

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Do you think this book would be appropriate for teens to read?

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