The Dark Side of Islam

by R.C. Sproul, Abdul Saleeb

Is Islam a religion of peace or of violence? Islam is a religion we can no longer afford to ignore. It is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Newspapers and television news regularly bring stories from the Middle East, but more importantly, the Muslim world has come to us. Between 5 and 7 million Muslims currently live in America, and that number is growing. Recognizing the importance of understanding Islam, R. C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb had a series of conversations about how Islam differs from the Christian faith, and those conversations became the basis for this book. As a convert from Islam, Saleeb has spent many years studying Islam and Christianity. With Dr. Sproul he focuses on four basic areas in which Islam rejects the very foundations on which Christianity is Sproul and Saleeb will help you understand Islam better and give you an intellectual basis for answering the Muslim faith-perhaps when interacting with Muslims in your own neighborhood or city. In addition to discussing the differences between Islam and Christianity, Saleeb gives his own perspective on the "dark side" of Islam in light of violence perpetrated by Muslim extremists in recent years.

Genres: Islam, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Theology, Audiobook, Christian Non Fiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously Islam is a big issue in today’s society. We see reports every day of ISIS running around cutting off heads and slaughtering hundreds of innocent civilians in the most reprehensible ways. We then hear political leaders rush to the defense of Islam to call it a Religion of “Peace.” But is this actually the case?

As Christians we are called to test what we hear against Scripture. This goes for the words of politicians, and the claims of other religions. It is with that mission that R.C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb wrote the book, The Dark Side of Islam.

The book is set in the style of an interview between the two authors and many enlightening nuances of Islam are shared and explored. What stands out the most is how subtle some of the differences between Islam and Christianity really are. However, while they may be subtle, the implications of those differences are enormous.

Islam denies the Deity of Christ, his Death on the cross, and his work in our lives today. They do not believe that God can be our Father because it would imply a sexual relationship which would defile God. These are just a couple of facts found in this book that completely blew me away as to the beliefs of Islam.

Islam sounds good at first glance, but when one really digs down into the teachings he finds that this is not a peaceful religion. In fact, Saleeb argues that organizations like ISIS actually are utilizing the teachings of Islam in their correct form to punish and destroy those opposed to it.

The Dark Side of Islam is a quick and enjoyable read that will greatly enhance our knowledge of Islam and how to interact with Muslims around the world as Christians. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

I received this book free from Crossway in exchange for this review and was not required to leave a positive review.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it's more brief than I would have liked, and I feel the title is a tad too sensationalist, it's a very helpful read that should spur the reader on to further study of the differences between Islam and Christianity.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

So eye opening....lots of information, helps me understand.

[James Cloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those crazy Muslims, how could they think Allah is the one true God and the Quran is His perfect word when obviously it is Yahweh who is God and the Bible that is His word?! It's kind of funny to see one religion criticize another for having the very same kind of faith they do, only in a different book. Both the Bible and the Quran are full of contradictions, historical implausibilities, scientific inaccuracies, and moral absurdities. We now live in a nuclear age where the biggest threat to the survival of our species at the moment is our species. The last thing we need is a holy war between two major world religions both of whom think we are living in last days, eagerly anticipating the end when their God will judge the Earth, & bring death and destruction to everyone else but them. Apocalyptic prophecies of this kind may turn out to be self-fulfilling, though it is doubtful in such a case their would be much left for any survivors to rule. But our religion is actually true! That's what they all say, and they all have stories, dreams, visions, and testimonies to back it up. You make think your religion is different in important ways, and perhaps it is, but one thing you all seem to have in common is faith - the unwavering commitment to belief, not truth. This commitment is why so many people are able to believe extraordinary (and often crazy) claims with little or no evidence. A person's personal beliefs may be his/her business, but there is no doubt that one groups religious beliefs effect more than them and now they have become a very real danger to us all. If Christians want to condemn not just terrorism and extremism, but the actual holy book of an entire religion, then they should be ready for their holy book to be likewise dealt with by those of us who see both as equally false, if not equally dangerous.

[Theodore Zachariades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this brief book. It is okay as far as it goes and will be very beneficial to someone coming to a comparison of Islam with Christianity for the first time. Because the co-author Abdul Saleeb is a former Muslim, there is much here that comes from an insider's perspective, and this is welcome, indeed. He packs a punch in his final chapter showing that radical Islamist advocates of jihad as a literal warfare waged with violence against all infidels is actually justifiable by the Qur'an itself. This is a straightforward and honest assessment. The prior chapters focus on doctrinal and practical matters are just as interesting. Its weakness is its brevity, but this may be a strength in days when heavy reading is a thing of the past!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for a basic comparison between major doctrines of Christianity and Islam (God as Father, the Trinity, Authority of Scripture, Sin, Salvation, death and deity of Christ). Didn't think the title of the book reflected the content as a whole. There was only one chapter devoted to how Islam justifies violence supported by quotes from the Koran. Saleeb (a former Muslim) converses with theologian R.C. Sproul on all of these topics throughout the book and gives his own perspective on Islamic extremists in the last chapter. Overall, I now understand why Muslims reject Christianity. Will be very helpful if I ever find myself in a conversation about it.

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book is deceptive, as the content is more of an instruction on key differences between Christianity and Islam. I was grateful to the extent that the authors took their theological research. I'd say the book does a sufficient job at introducing subject matter where that monotheistic religions disagree on at a deep level.

[Diane Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Side of Islam is a well written book about specific differences between Christianity and Islam. It is written in a conversational format, between R. C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb, a Christian philosopher and a former Muslim who has converted to Christianity. It was interesting, but in some parts was very philosophical. It was good for me to see where my faith both intersects and differs from Islam. And while I found it fascinating, and a little disturbing, it did not answer all of my questions.

[Tony Lee Ross Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.C. Sproul and Abdul Saleeb address some of the darker parts of Islamic theology and history. I think Saleeb presented it as a less biased take, given that Sproul is Christian and might be prone to categorizing Islam differently than the Islamic adherent would categorize themselves or their beliefs. The tone was overall pretty nice and not polemic, yet strongly stands against those who have used the Islamic religion as an excuse for violence.

[Stan Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not about politics - it is about theology. Sproul focuses on four major areas of theological disagreement between Islam and Christianity. He writes 7 chapters on those subjects and then there is an eighth chapter on how Islam (for some Muslims) justifies violence (somewhat political.) Excellent, clear explanations.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I highly recommend anyone reading this review to watch “farid responds” on youtube. He refuted the people behind this manipulative and deceitful book. This book was only made to belittle and lie about Islam in hopes a naive person will choose Christianity over Islam. Religion research should be received from unbiased sources, this book is completely biased and deceitful

[T.J. Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good from a Christian perspective, however, a lack of Islamic sources. This book probably won't change the minds of many who are already convinced of Islam. It also will not prepare you to discuss Islam with a Muslim. It could be included in a reading list but I wouldn't put too much into it.

[Hud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read,informative,

A starting point, not exhaustive or thorough but from the perspective of a well respected Christian theologian and professor and a former Islamic theologian. also available in a podcast.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very useful introduction to some of the basic tenets of the Islamic religion.

[Jori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very insightful book on the differences between Christianity and Islam. It’s brief but a really good break down and definitely left me wanting to learn more.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, this book showed me how little I knew of the difference between my faith and that of Islam. The two authors answer key questions in a dialogue of sorts which tries to cover the distinctives of each faith.

Some key concepts dealt with are total depravity, atonement, the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, salvation through our own merit vs those of Jesus, militancy within Islam, etc.

I'd recommend reading this if you want an insider's look at the Muslim faith contrasted with an evangelical, orthodox Christian view.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Sproul. Some people don't like how technical he gets sometimes, but I enjoy it. He has a good grasp of language, and I appreciate seeing that come through his teaching. "Abdul Saleeb" is a pseudonym; he is a Christian convert from Islam. This book was one of several that I read this month in an attempt to deepen my teaching on Islam. My 7th graders are learning different religions in Bible class.

[Dimas Widjaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and readable book on the main differences between Islam and Christianity. I especially appreciate the insights on how Christians can better witness to their Moslem friends and families by referring to the key differences between the two religions. However, those who are looking to learn more about the so-called "dark side of Islam" might be disappointed because it is practically discussed in only one chapter.

[Margaret Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A renowned theologian and a former Muslim, now Christian missionary, discuss the theological differences between Islam and Christianity, summarizing four main points. A second section deals with the troubling suras, or verses of the Koran, which call for killing apostates, blasphemers, and those of other or no religion.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful primer on the subject. The title is sensationalist - the book is reasonably objective and only one chapter actually deals with Islamic violence. The rest of the book compares Islamic and Christian views on key Christian doctrines, especially relating to the person and work of Jesus. Someone familiar with Islam may not find much here, but it’s a useful starting point.

[Amy Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and a must for any Christian trying to share the gospel with a Muslim. Additionally this book reveals (From the mouth of a former Muslim) how Islamic beliefs are totally in opposition to the American ideals of democracy, free speach, and freedom of religion.

[Meshari · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book doesn't get to the title till chapter 8. And then there was nothing new. Leading to chapter 8 is a dialog that I could experience viewing any Christian TV program. Do not wast your money on this book.

[Greg Collver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hits the basics of the conflicts between the Christian and Islamic faiths. The seriousness on both sides of these conflicting views will most likely cause major problems if the existing superficial tolerance ever breaks down.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and concise overview of what Islam teaches and how the Bible answers. Sproul and Saleeb make the basic teachings of Islam understandable. As the lay out Islamic doctrines, they also provide the reader with ways to respond with Biblical truth when witnessing to Muslims.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highlights points of contrast between protestant Christianity and Islam (and points out similar progressive arguments). Very poorly titled; it's informative about Islamic beliefs but not focused on "the dark side".

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent intro to Islam with Dr. RC Sproul and Abdul Saleem

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this last summer and it was very informative. Not a bashing book but that gave insight and the mission.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. C. Sproul and former Muslim Abdul Saleeb discuss how Islam differs from Christianity.

[Mari Olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading, despite the ominous title.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good summary of Islamic beliefs along with a Christian response to each theme. Short but good.