What Every Christian Should Know About Islam

by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood

Of the many books explaining Islam, few specifically address the concerns and questions of those from a Christian background. Moreover, the commonalities between the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are too often ignored. Set out in an easy and informative question-and-answer format, the book addresses the specific theological points of agreement and difference between Christianity and Islam, explains the core religious beliefs and practices of Islam, and answers today's most common questions of Islam and Muslims in an age when there is much conflict and misunderstanding. Islam is best judged not by the limitations and transgressions of its most extreme, ignorant, and outlandish followers, but by the example of its moderate majority, and Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood presents this introduction to the theology and practice of Islam in an attempt to explore some of the false impressions that surround it. Table of
Section 1: The Religious Beliefs of Islam Explained
Section 2: the Religious Duties of Islam Explained
Section 3: Miscellaneous Questions
Section 4: Christianity and Islam Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood gained an honors degree in Christian Theology from the University of Hull in 1963 and then taught religious studies at various state schools until her retirement in 1996. She converted to Islam in 1986 and now lectures and writes on Islam.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood (Rosalyn Rushbrook/Kendrick) is the author of some forty books on Islam and other subjects. She gained her honours degree in Christian Theology at the University of Hull in 1963, and Post Graduate Teaching Certificate in 1964, with distinctions in theory and practice. Her professional life was spent as Head of Religious Studies at various tough UK inner city secondary schools, until she retired in 1996, to concentrate on writing and lecturing. She has since made the GCSE course in Islamic Studies available to students and converts to Islam of all ages, especially to those who have not had the opportunity to study it at school.

She grew up a devout Christian, but converted to Islam in 1986. Already established by then as an author of books on Christian and educational topics, she has since devoted her time to writing on Islam and doing dawah (explaining the faith) work to both Christian and Muslim audiences. She regularly addresses school and church groups, explaining Islam and educating in the basics of Islam, with a keen interest in presenting Islam as a world faith. She strives to raise the awareness both of non-Muslims and also of born Muslims of the traditional immigrant ethnic backgrounds living in the UK, that these numerous varieties of cultural backgrounds, tastes and emphases are all part of Islam, including cultures that are not limited to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and North Africa.

Reviews

[Carl]

Whilst this book has some good insight and charity, it falls short of being obejctive and comes quite strongly on the Islam side. There is some good material and discussion here, and perhaps a genuine effort from the part of the author to be objective, but it felt somewhat superficial. Perhaps this is justified if the book was merely meant to be an introduction to Islam, but it seemed that the author carried too much of her negativity against Christian doctrine without addressing any of the more troubling texts of the Qur'an to be a balanced treatment.

[Matias Uusisilta]

A very clear handbook that answers some of the most common questions that Christians and Westeners might have concerning Islam. The book also points out the similarities and differences in Christianity and Islam in a very down to earth way.

[Seren]

*nothing about my review has been influenced by any religious texts nor does it disagree or lowered because of said texts, this review is purely about the argument, formatting and style of the book*

While this book is a decent start to learning about Islam, and makes some good arguments for the sake of Islam, unfortunately it falls short due to the formatting, so I wouldn’t recommend this as an introductory book.

The text is very poorly referenced, texts where I’d like references are just not there and some statements are clearly the authors opinions, so when this book is formatted like an academic argument, it lowers its quality and reliability massively.

The author also breaks from an informative perspective to first person randomly, which feels unnatural, and not very academic. There are also spots within the book where instead of making clear arguments, the author just decides to make some snide remarks towards the Christian faith.

This is unfortunate as there are some parts of the book that are referenced well and arguments are very clear and there are some very good comparisons between religions and real life and Islam, however, it will suddenly fall off back to being an unreferenced opinionated essay.

There are also times within this book the author will use verses from the New Testament to make a point about Islam, which is confusing as people of the Islamic faith do not follow the New Testament, so how can an argument supportive of Islam hold up using the New Testament to support it?

Do I regret reading this? No. I wouldn’t read it again or recommend though. However, it has made me realise what I want from books about Islam going foreward and how weak vs strong arguments can be spotted.

[Grommit]

I chose this because I have a genuine interest in understanding this clash of civilizations. Yes, civilizations, not just religions. The task is a bit rough. But, I slogged through it. Muslims disagree with Christians...in some cases because of legitimate differences, and in others because of an unwillingness to really probe and discuss. And Christians disagree with Muslims with the same behavior. But, wait...that is what religions are. They are not areas of debate. You do not listen to someone else's religion and say...gee...you're right...I'm going to change my religion because of what you just explained. In fact, nothing even mildly radical is going to happen. The border lines are drawn and neither side is going to change. What makes this so disappointing is that in these times, as has happened in the past, religion plays such a violent role for many. Anyway, that is what I believe. Sigh...