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Questioning Islam: Tough Questions & Honest Answers About the Muslim Religion
Many questions are currently being asked about the place of Islam in the modern world. Among these questions the most important one of all sometimes gets lost: Is Islam true? With his new book author Peter Townsend invites you to accompany him on a journey through the foundational texts of the Muslim religion. In the process the truth-claims of Islam will be respectfully, honestly and impartially evaluated. Along the way the following questions will be asked:
• Can the traditional Islamic historical accounts be trusted?
• Is the Qur’an a ‘Perfect Book, Perfectly Preserved’?
• Is Muhammad indeed a ‘Beautiful Pattern of Conduct’?
The answers to these questions will not be sought from modern commentaries on Islam. Instead Questioning Islam goes straight to the classic sources of Islam namely the Qur’an, hadiths (traditions) and biographies of Muhammad.
Questioning Islam is not an attempt to promote any other belief system or ideology. Its focus is simply on asking the hard questions about Islam that are all too often ignored or swept under the carpet. Simply put, if you have ever wondered whether the truth-claims of Islam can withstand critical scrutiny then this book is for you!
• Can the traditional Islamic historical accounts be trusted?
• Is the Qur’an a ‘Perfect Book, Perfectly Preserved’?
• Is Muhammad indeed a ‘Beautiful Pattern of Conduct’?
The answers to these questions will not be sought from modern commentaries on Islam. Instead Questioning Islam goes straight to the classic sources of Islam namely the Qur’an, hadiths (traditions) and biographies of Muhammad.
Questioning Islam is not an attempt to promote any other belief system or ideology. Its focus is simply on asking the hard questions about Islam that are all too often ignored or swept under the carpet. Simply put, if you have ever wondered whether the truth-claims of Islam can withstand critical scrutiny then this book is for you!
318 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2014
106 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Peter Townsend
9 books55 followersPeter Townsend is an author and independent researcher. His books include 'Questioning Islam' (An investigation into the truth-claims of Islam) and 'Nothing to do with Islam?' (An exploration of the link between Islamic teaching and violence) and
’The Mecca Mystery’
(A discussion of the ways in which history challenges the Islamic belief system)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 11, 2016
An amazingly well researched book on Islam. Despite not claiming to be judgemental in the initial part of the book, the author, however, concludes that "The Muslim religion is like 'Hotel California' where you can check in but you can never leave"
Townsend demolishes the edifice built around Islam brick by brick through , on occasions, incontrovertible logic and quotations picked up from the Holy Koran and the Hadiths. Believing in Socrates dictum that "The unexamined faith is not worth believing", the author puts to test and examines a variety of facets of Islam. He challenges the existence of the city of Mecca as outlined in the Qur'an at the time when this Holy scripture was purported to have been written or revealed. According to the author "the first map on which Mecca appears dates from 900 CE or about 300 years after Muhammed was supposed to have lived". He even questions the existence of the tribe to which Muhammed was supposed to belong for want of evidence. Reliability of classical historical sources are also questioned. The author goes on to allege that there are "clear cases of plagiarism from Jewish and Christian sources" in the Qur'an.
Townsend identifies and lists out contradictions in the Holy book stating that "there are many statements in the Qur'an that flatly contradict statements in other parts of the book". However, these contradictions are resolved "by pointing to the 'Law of Abrogation' (naskh) which states that a later revelation supersedes the earlier one."
Carrying his argument forward, the author attempts to establish that Muhammed "made several predictions that were spectacularly inaccurate". He provides a number of examples to prove his point. The inherent aggression is juxtaposed against the initial tolerance advocated by Muhammed. During the initial period there were indeed liberal strains :"Let there be no compulsion in religion". However, it all changed subsequently as "Muslims are called upon to continue fighting and slaying until the fitna is over and people turn into Islam". There is apparently a clear advocacy of violence :" I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers : smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger tips off them". Tragically the violent verses come subsequently and hence they "abrogate peaceful ones".
The author is extremely critical of the attitude towards women. He quotes from Qur'an : "Disobedient women should be beaten", " Women are like fields to be ploughed" and that "women are ritually impure". This perhaps explains the "lower value" of women in terms of providing evidence and in claiming inheritance.
Religious intolerance in Islam occupies a lot of space in the book as the author quotes copiously from the Qur'an and the Hadiths : "Whoever discards his Islamic religion, then kill him". Qur'an even advocates friendship only with Muslims: "Let not believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers"
And the final comment is a hard hitting one: " As a result of straight jacket that the Qur'an places on scientific enquiry the Muslim world has been turned into an intellectual wasteland"
One may not agree with all that the author says but he makes a compelling argument against a religion that has millions of followers. Each religion has had problems of this nature but they have evolved over a period of time. Are there those who are prepared to introspect and evolve?
Townsend demolishes the edifice built around Islam brick by brick through , on occasions, incontrovertible logic and quotations picked up from the Holy Koran and the Hadiths. Believing in Socrates dictum that "The unexamined faith is not worth believing", the author puts to test and examines a variety of facets of Islam. He challenges the existence of the city of Mecca as outlined in the Qur'an at the time when this Holy scripture was purported to have been written or revealed. According to the author "the first map on which Mecca appears dates from 900 CE or about 300 years after Muhammed was supposed to have lived". He even questions the existence of the tribe to which Muhammed was supposed to belong for want of evidence. Reliability of classical historical sources are also questioned. The author goes on to allege that there are "clear cases of plagiarism from Jewish and Christian sources" in the Qur'an.
Townsend identifies and lists out contradictions in the Holy book stating that "there are many statements in the Qur'an that flatly contradict statements in other parts of the book". However, these contradictions are resolved "by pointing to the 'Law of Abrogation' (naskh) which states that a later revelation supersedes the earlier one."
Carrying his argument forward, the author attempts to establish that Muhammed "made several predictions that were spectacularly inaccurate". He provides a number of examples to prove his point. The inherent aggression is juxtaposed against the initial tolerance advocated by Muhammed. During the initial period there were indeed liberal strains :"Let there be no compulsion in religion". However, it all changed subsequently as "Muslims are called upon to continue fighting and slaying until the fitna is over and people turn into Islam". There is apparently a clear advocacy of violence :" I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers : smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger tips off them". Tragically the violent verses come subsequently and hence they "abrogate peaceful ones".
The author is extremely critical of the attitude towards women. He quotes from Qur'an : "Disobedient women should be beaten", " Women are like fields to be ploughed" and that "women are ritually impure". This perhaps explains the "lower value" of women in terms of providing evidence and in claiming inheritance.
Religious intolerance in Islam occupies a lot of space in the book as the author quotes copiously from the Qur'an and the Hadiths : "Whoever discards his Islamic religion, then kill him". Qur'an even advocates friendship only with Muslims: "Let not believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers"
And the final comment is a hard hitting one: " As a result of straight jacket that the Qur'an places on scientific enquiry the Muslim world has been turned into an intellectual wasteland"
One may not agree with all that the author says but he makes a compelling argument against a religion that has millions of followers. Each religion has had problems of this nature but they have evolved over a period of time. Are there those who are prepared to introspect and evolve?
September 11, 2014
This book is so bad that I'm returning it to Amazon and will receive a credit.
The link below is my review on Amazon followed by a response from the author followed by my response back to him.
http://www.amazon.com/review/RIBDLGNY...
I would be ashamed if anyone found this book at my house. It's basically hate literature.
Please don't buy it if you're looking for an unbiased analysis of Islam
The link below is my review on Amazon followed by a response from the author followed by my response back to him.
http://www.amazon.com/review/RIBDLGNY...
I would be ashamed if anyone found this book at my house. It's basically hate literature.
Please don't buy it if you're looking for an unbiased analysis of Islam
September 15, 2014
'Questioning Islam' is well written, and packs a lot of material about Islam into a fairly concise book.
We've all heard criticism about Islam at one stage, mostly from non-Muslims. This may include personal opinions formed, or selected quotes from Islamic literature bringing to light contradictions and calls to holy war. Where does this all come from?
'Questioning Islam' presents the evidence, mainly using direct quotes from sources within Islam, with commentary by Townsend. The book also investigates the historical accuracy of how Islam first came into being, on which there are many uncertainties and few established facts.
The evidence would suggest that much of the criticism Islam receives is warranted, and has a basis in Islamic literature. Regardless of one's political stance on the matter, this at least is clear.
We've all heard criticism about Islam at one stage, mostly from non-Muslims. This may include personal opinions formed, or selected quotes from Islamic literature bringing to light contradictions and calls to holy war. Where does this all come from?
'Questioning Islam' presents the evidence, mainly using direct quotes from sources within Islam, with commentary by Townsend. The book also investigates the historical accuracy of how Islam first came into being, on which there are many uncertainties and few established facts.
The evidence would suggest that much of the criticism Islam receives is warranted, and has a basis in Islamic literature. Regardless of one's political stance on the matter, this at least is clear.
September 15, 2014
This book is useful and easy to read. For those who don't want to get into the complicated fabric of the historical background in the Middle East and Arabia during the middle ages, this book offers an excellent critique using Islamic sources. No "conspiracies", no "fantasies" Dan Brown style. Just facts.
The politically correct would be offended I guess, but they can't deny the words coming from the Qur'an and the Hadiths.
A must read for those who are wondering about Islam and if the violence made on its name has links to the islamic doctrine.
The politically correct would be offended I guess, but they can't deny the words coming from the Qur'an and the Hadiths.
A must read for those who are wondering about Islam and if the violence made on its name has links to the islamic doctrine.
September 17, 2014
This book is an interesting, informative and well researched and uses primary sources contained within official Muslim writings and examines a religion which is causing a lot of concern around the world today. If you are sick and tired of reading biased sugar coated accounts of Islam and just want to get to the truth of it without political correctness distorting it then this book is a refreshing and eye opening read. I did not find any indication of it being hate literature at all. Recommended.
September 16, 2014
still reading this book and I am finding it very eye opening. If read with an open mind it is very enlightening.
October 19, 2014
Looking for the truth: Is Islam a religion of peace?
This is an outstanding work of Peter Townsend, a highly respected scholar examines the Islamic scriptures to evaluate and determine the truth about this faith. Work of this kind is extremely important in light of growing influence of terror groups like Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Khorasan, Taliban, Al Shabab, Boko Haram and many others. The security and integrity of United Sates and many Western countries are seriously threated with growing Islamic population and their influence. Much of terrorism is perpetrated in the name of Islam, but many politicians, community leaders and academics shy away from criticizing Islam for the fear being called "Islamophobic." Is there anything we can question about the teachings of Muhammad? In this book we have a brave scholar who is bold enough to ask basic questions and investigate in an academic fashion and without bias, the source books that created Islamic doctrine; the holy book of Quran, hadith (traditions), biography of Muhammad and the ancient history of Middle East.
This study reveals that Islam is standing on a very shaky theological and historical foundation. Muhammad did not have any moral standing or a good conduct worthy of a prophet. He had 13 wives; many of them were wives at the same time (sister-wives), and one of them was a nine year old girl. If he is married to a nine year old girl, could we call him a pedophile? How could we call him a prophet who encourages men to wed young under-aged women?
Hadith, which are a collection of historical documents that describes Muhammad's teachings and traditions, from several generations after his death is a suspect and most likely altered historical document. The book of Quran has undergone much modification over the last 1,400 years. Quran mentions Muhammad four times (Quran 3:144; 33:40; 47:2; and 48:29), and the literature of Sira that describes the life and works of Muhammad written in 8th and 9th century is completely lost.
Recently many politicians in both United States and abroad have called Islam a religion of peace? Is it true? After reading this book, we learn that this is a religion which encourages a high degree of intolerance to other belief systems; other faiths and cultures: This proves to be religion of piece not peace. How can we use the word peace that supports beheadings, rape, destruction of non-Islamic faiths and the establishment of global Islamic caliphate? Atrocities committed against Christians, Kurds, and other non-Islamic populations in Iraq and Syria speaks volumes about the followers of this faith.
This is an outstanding work of Peter Townsend, a highly respected scholar examines the Islamic scriptures to evaluate and determine the truth about this faith. Work of this kind is extremely important in light of growing influence of terror groups like Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Khorasan, Taliban, Al Shabab, Boko Haram and many others. The security and integrity of United Sates and many Western countries are seriously threated with growing Islamic population and their influence. Much of terrorism is perpetrated in the name of Islam, but many politicians, community leaders and academics shy away from criticizing Islam for the fear being called "Islamophobic." Is there anything we can question about the teachings of Muhammad? In this book we have a brave scholar who is bold enough to ask basic questions and investigate in an academic fashion and without bias, the source books that created Islamic doctrine; the holy book of Quran, hadith (traditions), biography of Muhammad and the ancient history of Middle East.
This study reveals that Islam is standing on a very shaky theological and historical foundation. Muhammad did not have any moral standing or a good conduct worthy of a prophet. He had 13 wives; many of them were wives at the same time (sister-wives), and one of them was a nine year old girl. If he is married to a nine year old girl, could we call him a pedophile? How could we call him a prophet who encourages men to wed young under-aged women?
Hadith, which are a collection of historical documents that describes Muhammad's teachings and traditions, from several generations after his death is a suspect and most likely altered historical document. The book of Quran has undergone much modification over the last 1,400 years. Quran mentions Muhammad four times (Quran 3:144; 33:40; 47:2; and 48:29), and the literature of Sira that describes the life and works of Muhammad written in 8th and 9th century is completely lost.
Recently many politicians in both United States and abroad have called Islam a religion of peace? Is it true? After reading this book, we learn that this is a religion which encourages a high degree of intolerance to other belief systems; other faiths and cultures: This proves to be religion of piece not peace. How can we use the word peace that supports beheadings, rape, destruction of non-Islamic faiths and the establishment of global Islamic caliphate? Atrocities committed against Christians, Kurds, and other non-Islamic populations in Iraq and Syria speaks volumes about the followers of this faith.
May 21, 2015
Peter Townsend has done a great service in this, his latest book. The rise of Islam in this country makes it necessary for us to understand this sect.
The author does a commendable job of keeping an even tone throughout the book so that his effort is pedagogical rather than polemical.
Townsend begins with an introduction to Islam including its beliefs and practices. This is very helpful to those of us outside of Islam. He then examines the history of Islam, the reliability of the Qur'an, the character of Muhammad and the specific teachings of Islam.
Some of the things that I found most interesting, from the historical section, were the possibility that Mohammad may be an entirely fictional character. Townsend show how the evidence for Mohammad's existence first occurs 100 years after his supposed death. Additionally, no maps of the Arabian peninsula from prior to the 6th century show a city named Mecca.
His examination of the Qur'an is likewise enlightening. Townsend is very careful to accurately and fairly enunciate the Muslims' belief that the Qur'an is an eternal, uncreated book that exists only in heaven. And that it's most accurate rendering is believed to exist on this earth only in Arabic, the world's most beautiful language. However, apparently some of the Qur'an is gibberish in the Arabic language and only makes sense when rendered in Aramic or other languages! Muslims believe that nothing has been left out of their holy book but look in vain for the “pillars” of Islam within its contents. A further curiosity involves how a supposedly eternal, unchanging book contains “revelations” that benefit only one man after he had violated the Qur'an as it previously existed. For example, after Muhammad had the requisite four wives allowed by the Qu'an, he desired his son's wife. Even though this was an egregious violation of Muslim morality, voila, a new “revelation” from Allah gives Muhammad permission! I also was very interested to learn that the Qur'an sanctions the violation of treaties with unbelievers which is very timely given our country's current negotiations with the Islamic state of Iran.
There is much else to learn in this volume. I highly recommend anyone with a slight interest in Islam, the Qur'an or current affairs read this book!
The author does a commendable job of keeping an even tone throughout the book so that his effort is pedagogical rather than polemical.
Townsend begins with an introduction to Islam including its beliefs and practices. This is very helpful to those of us outside of Islam. He then examines the history of Islam, the reliability of the Qur'an, the character of Muhammad and the specific teachings of Islam.
Some of the things that I found most interesting, from the historical section, were the possibility that Mohammad may be an entirely fictional character. Townsend show how the evidence for Mohammad's existence first occurs 100 years after his supposed death. Additionally, no maps of the Arabian peninsula from prior to the 6th century show a city named Mecca.
His examination of the Qur'an is likewise enlightening. Townsend is very careful to accurately and fairly enunciate the Muslims' belief that the Qur'an is an eternal, uncreated book that exists only in heaven. And that it's most accurate rendering is believed to exist on this earth only in Arabic, the world's most beautiful language. However, apparently some of the Qur'an is gibberish in the Arabic language and only makes sense when rendered in Aramic or other languages! Muslims believe that nothing has been left out of their holy book but look in vain for the “pillars” of Islam within its contents. A further curiosity involves how a supposedly eternal, unchanging book contains “revelations” that benefit only one man after he had violated the Qur'an as it previously existed. For example, after Muhammad had the requisite four wives allowed by the Qu'an, he desired his son's wife. Even though this was an egregious violation of Muslim morality, voila, a new “revelation” from Allah gives Muhammad permission! I also was very interested to learn that the Qur'an sanctions the violation of treaties with unbelievers which is very timely given our country's current negotiations with the Islamic state of Iran.
There is much else to learn in this volume. I highly recommend anyone with a slight interest in Islam, the Qur'an or current affairs read this book!
January 2, 2015
Whoa!A solid inquisitive book about Islam!Not Islamophobic!!It asks hard questions and delivers hard hitting answers!
Not a dull read,rather it's a fascinating book,very fast paced,packed with superb information!
What I like the most about this book is,it takes Muslim texts as their face values and goes on analyzing them,asks very harsh questions about authenticity of such beliefs and why some of these arguments are based on very shaky foundations..
It's not a book like those of Robert Spencer style,there's no personal opinion here which is a hallmark of Mr.Spencer,it is almost a Q&A type book that fundamentalists zealots and worse,their idiotic western politically correct leftist apologist will find impossible to refute!
I like critical books against all religions/beliefs and even atheism!And not too many critical books are available on Islam due to fear I guess but I really enjoyed this book so far!
The book examines religious basis of so many Islamic beliefs,he describes these arguments Islamists use,religious texts used to support these arguments and also provides some context of that time whe it was written,then he totally bursts the bubbles many times,asks scientific hard questions,refutes many arguments using historical and scientific evidence!It's really amazing!!
Liberal PCs might be offended but let them be anyway!They don't know any better:)
Will update this review as I read it:)
Not a dull read,rather it's a fascinating book,very fast paced,packed with superb information!
What I like the most about this book is,it takes Muslim texts as their face values and goes on analyzing them,asks very harsh questions about authenticity of such beliefs and why some of these arguments are based on very shaky foundations..
It's not a book like those of Robert Spencer style,there's no personal opinion here which is a hallmark of Mr.Spencer,it is almost a Q&A type book that fundamentalists zealots and worse,their idiotic western politically correct leftist apologist will find impossible to refute!
I like critical books against all religions/beliefs and even atheism!And not too many critical books are available on Islam due to fear I guess but I really enjoyed this book so far!
The book examines religious basis of so many Islamic beliefs,he describes these arguments Islamists use,religious texts used to support these arguments and also provides some context of that time whe it was written,then he totally bursts the bubbles many times,asks scientific hard questions,refutes many arguments using historical and scientific evidence!It's really amazing!!
Liberal PCs might be offended but let them be anyway!They don't know any better:)
Will update this review as I read it:)
February 14, 2016
Makes some interesting points.
Using the actual texts accepted by mainstream Islam, the author demonstrates that the texts are full of errors, encourage hatred and violence and their claims are inconsistent.
Many Muslims believe they follow a religion of peace because they have ceased to study their own texts and simply believe what they are told. Islam is not alone in this. Roman Catholicism and Judaism have similar problems.
Study, learn, analyse. Never cease to question what you are told.
There is no need to completely abandon one's beliefs, but their is a need to discover what evil has been added to all 'religion' in the name of Men, not God.
Using the actual texts accepted by mainstream Islam, the author demonstrates that the texts are full of errors, encourage hatred and violence and their claims are inconsistent.
Many Muslims believe they follow a religion of peace because they have ceased to study their own texts and simply believe what they are told. Islam is not alone in this. Roman Catholicism and Judaism have similar problems.
Study, learn, analyse. Never cease to question what you are told.
There is no need to completely abandon one's beliefs, but their is a need to discover what evil has been added to all 'religion' in the name of Men, not God.
March 30, 2015
A convincing factual criticism of Islam
The author takes factual from the Quran and the Hadiths to demonstrate how it is a patchwork of Judaism Christianity and how illogical maybe fake and for sure dangerous for the Western world.
Worth reading.
The author takes factual from the Quran and the Hadiths to demonstrate how it is a patchwork of Judaism Christianity and how illogical maybe fake and for sure dangerous for the Western world.
Worth reading.
July 9, 2018
Peter Townsend presents a very readable, yet thoroughly researched, critique of Islam. He provides a brief introduction into the history, belief, and practices of Islam and then step by step he goes about asking some very difficult questions that should be addressed but all too often are ignored. I will look briefly at each section in turn:
The history of Islam - Townsend shows how there is absolutely no archaeological or non-Muslim sources to corroborate the early history of Islam as it is told today. He then shows how the Hadiths and the biography of Muhammad are all most likely creations from a much later date and not historically reliable as fact.
The Reliability and Consistency of the Quran - What is true of the Hadiths is also true of the Quran itself. PT shows how it was put together as we have it now at least a hundred years after it was first "recited", how it is full of grammatical errors, contradictions, and anachronisms, and how its claims to being miraculous cannot stand against fair scrutiny.
The Life of Muhammad - The life of Muhammad is supposed to be the exemplary life we are all to emulate. Townsend shows how this would be disastrous for civilization if we all tried to do so. He explores Muhammad's prophetic claims, his lies and broken treaties, his banditry, his use of massacres, terror, and torture, and his sex lives (multiple wives and pedophilia).
The Teachings of Islam - Townsend then goes on to look specifically at what the Quran and the Hadiths say regarding very specific issues such as: violence, the rights of women, honor killing, apostasy, forced conversion, slavery, homosexuality, Sharia law, and truth.
In his conclusion, Townsend asks why, if all this is true, do so many people still follow Islam? He highlights different ways cults coerce their followers into joining or staying with them and shows how Islamic practice often is doing the same.
As you can see from my summary, Townsend does not have many kind things to say about Islam. I agree with nearly all of what he has written and have often discussed similar points with my Muslim friends and neighbors. What I do not agree with was the overall tone in which this book was written. A better title would have been "Criticizing Islam". Also, many times there are arguments Muslim scholars have to many of his points. While I rarely think those arguments are very solid, in this book they are almost never acknowledged and never given a fair hearing. Even still, this book is a great primer for those looking to know more about Islam.
The history of Islam - Townsend shows how there is absolutely no archaeological or non-Muslim sources to corroborate the early history of Islam as it is told today. He then shows how the Hadiths and the biography of Muhammad are all most likely creations from a much later date and not historically reliable as fact.
The Reliability and Consistency of the Quran - What is true of the Hadiths is also true of the Quran itself. PT shows how it was put together as we have it now at least a hundred years after it was first "recited", how it is full of grammatical errors, contradictions, and anachronisms, and how its claims to being miraculous cannot stand against fair scrutiny.
The Life of Muhammad - The life of Muhammad is supposed to be the exemplary life we are all to emulate. Townsend shows how this would be disastrous for civilization if we all tried to do so. He explores Muhammad's prophetic claims, his lies and broken treaties, his banditry, his use of massacres, terror, and torture, and his sex lives (multiple wives and pedophilia).
The Teachings of Islam - Townsend then goes on to look specifically at what the Quran and the Hadiths say regarding very specific issues such as: violence, the rights of women, honor killing, apostasy, forced conversion, slavery, homosexuality, Sharia law, and truth.
In his conclusion, Townsend asks why, if all this is true, do so many people still follow Islam? He highlights different ways cults coerce their followers into joining or staying with them and shows how Islamic practice often is doing the same.
As you can see from my summary, Townsend does not have many kind things to say about Islam. I agree with nearly all of what he has written and have often discussed similar points with my Muslim friends and neighbors. What I do not agree with was the overall tone in which this book was written. A better title would have been "Criticizing Islam". Also, many times there are arguments Muslim scholars have to many of his points. While I rarely think those arguments are very solid, in this book they are almost never acknowledged and never given a fair hearing. Even still, this book is a great primer for those looking to know more about Islam.
April 23, 2018
Really tough questions and well researched analysis.
Holy verses, prayer, fasting, charity, and visiting pilgrimage are five basic pillars of a religion. Since these are common in all religions, it is believed that a religion is basically a life style.
Apart from the religious foundation, it is behaviour of the followers how peaceful is a religion. Now discuss Islam. Considering the suicide bombings in Islamic countries, I think Islam (whatever it maybe earlier) is hijacked by terrorists in the name of Jihad. They love blood, be it of non-muslims or muslims.
Though sometimes it made me feel like a mimicry but I agree with the views expressed by the author based on facts he mentioned.
Holy verses, prayer, fasting, charity, and visiting pilgrimage are five basic pillars of a religion. Since these are common in all religions, it is believed that a religion is basically a life style.
Apart from the religious foundation, it is behaviour of the followers how peaceful is a religion. Now discuss Islam. Considering the suicide bombings in Islamic countries, I think Islam (whatever it maybe earlier) is hijacked by terrorists in the name of Jihad. They love blood, be it of non-muslims or muslims.
Though sometimes it made me feel like a mimicry but I agree with the views expressed by the author based on facts he mentioned.
November 17, 2015
So I actually did not finish this book because it became clear the author has very little interest in really understanding Islam and I don't need a polemic against Islam I was looking for an honest interaction with Islam, this does not do that.
August 30, 2021
For more reviews and the 1001 Books Spreadsheet, visit http://arukiyomi.com
Over the centuries during which thinkers have challenged Islamic claims, many thousands of authors have attempted to write books to help the average person respond to what Muslims say. It is lamentable then, that with so much experience to draw on, Townsend has managed to produce one of the worst books in the genre.
Unlike Townsend, I’m going to nail my colours to the mast at the start. I’m a Christian and, as such, have beliefs which fundamentally disagree with Islam. In addition, I’ve spent over a decade living in the Middle East and have engaged with Muslims of many varieties. In other words, there is very little in Townsend’s book that I’m not already informed about, and I do not critique it on the basis of any pro-Islamic stance whatsoever.
From that vantage point, I recommend that you avoid his book and find an alternative. Anything at all by Gordon Nickel (tons of whose writing he’s made freely available on academia.edu) would be an excellent start as would Nabeel Qureshi. For those wanting a look at the historicity, try Did Muhammad Exist by Robert Spencer or, if you want something more academic, Robert Hoyland’s excellent work Seeing Islam as Others Saw It is also worthwhile, if pricey. Incidentally, Townsend lifts heavily from Hoyland with no acknowledgement at all which is disappointing. Townsend’s work is flawed, and I would not recommend it at all. Here’s why.
In his introduction, Townsend makes a number of claims about his approach which any cursory reading will reveal are simply not true. For example, he states
"I rely very heavily on primary Islamic texts in making my arguments", p. 3
In actual fact, despite quoting from Islamic sources, his arguments are not based on what they actually say but rather unreferenced material and his own presuppositions. For example, Muslim scholars claim that the Qur’an was perfectly preserved through memorisation. But instead of actually quoting Muslim sources to challenge this, he instead says
"It is … highly doubtful that any one person memorized the entire text.", pp. 57 – 58
Now, while this may be true, it does the polemicist no favours because no Muslim will concede this. They believe that Allah has the power to perfectly preserve the Qur’an through memorisation. From a Muslim perspective, Townsend’s argument is particularly easy to refute. This is a typical example of the kinds of issues you’ll run into if you try to employ the responses Townsend describes. A quick Internet search and you’re armed with Islamically-sound counter arguments that need dealing with. Sadly, he doesn’t ackowledge these.
In fact, as you read your way through Townsend’s work, you start to realise that his actual approach is the following: quote Islamic sources because that apparently makes your argument watertight, but then wildly misinterpret them to bend them to your agenda so you can get your point across. He doesn’t seem to understand that this approach undermines his credibility.
Take his logic here for example:
"Those who would like to accuse me of thinking up slanders against the Muslim religion should, therefore, first examine whether I accurately quoted these sources. If I did, and I am utterly convinced that this is the case, their problem should not be with this author but with Islam itself.", p. 161
Sadly, this is meaningless. Accurate quotes are nothing without accurate interpretation; Townsend has a tendancy to derive inaccurate interpretations from accurately quoted sources.
A case in point, is how long it took Allah to finish the work of creation. Townsend quotes Qur’an 10:3, then, predictably, quotes Qur’an 41:9-12 and then, equally predictably, says that there’s a contradiction in these two accounts.
"Various Muslim writers have tried to resolve this contradiction … There is, however, once again nothing within the text to support this … the only reason why one would read the text in this way would be to resolve a contradiction.", p. 83
Townsend seems completely blind to the fact that by noting that people interpret a text for their own particular purposes, he might suffer from the same weakness. And he does so constantly. From my own cursory research, I discovered other verses which lend weight to the Islamic position he is so dismissive of here. Perhaps because they don’t support his position, he chooses not to quote them.
Unfortunately, it’s not only his selective use of sources that renders the book less than useful to the polemicist in the street but the bias clearly evident in his tone throughout.
On page 12, he says
"My intention is … to present a dispassionate examination of a belief system."
You be the judge of how “dispassionate” Townsend actually is.
"The austere non-miracle working figure of the Qur’an [Muhammad] has now turned into someone who could easily get his own top-rated miracle show on daytime TV. If this is not evidence of … falsification … I don’t know what is.", p. 34
"But wait a minute. Isn’t Allah supposed to be the author of this book? Why does he not simply come out and tell us? This is a classic slip up by Muhammad (or whoever else wrote the Qur’an)…", p. 67
"In a rather delicious irony, the menu of hell provides us with one of many opportunities to prove a contradiction in the Qur’an.", p. 85
"Perhaps those who are so keen on the search for miracles in the Qur’an should cease looking for scientific miracles and instead concentrate on time travel.", p. 96
"How good it must have been for Muhammad to have Allah on-call to constantly justify his questionable actions.", p. 145
These are not the writings of a man who is “dispassionate” about his subject. He has allowed his very clear passion to cloud his judgment of what is an appropriate way to communicate his message. That is a shame, because it belies a disrespect that has no place in interfaith dialogue. To employ sarcasm bordering on mockery in a book which claims to be neutral in its evaluation of the evidence is to completely undermine your position. Even worse is that Townsend models this to his readers as if it is somehow acceptable. It isn’t.
I won’t bore you with a detailed list of the typos, incorrect references, contradictions in his own writing and flat out misunderstandings of Islamic texts that litter the book throughout. As far as I can tell, Questioning Islam is self published. At least, if anyone did edit it, they’ve not been so bold as to own up to it on the cover. What it needs is a good edit and to be reissued in another, more polemically sound edition.
Townsend’s tagline is “Tough Questions & Honest Answers”. With Islam gaining air time in media outlets who do anythin but subject it to questioning, it can hardly be a more appropriate time for a book which helps us do this. Sadly, the answers Peter Townsend provides stretch the definition of honest in more ways than one. Only the most discerning reader will come away from this book with anything that is actually going to withstand a Muslim response.
For more reviews and the 1001 Books Spreadsheet, visit http://arukiyomi.com
Over the centuries during which thinkers have challenged Islamic claims, many thousands of authors have attempted to write books to help the average person respond to what Muslims say. It is lamentable then, that with so much experience to draw on, Townsend has managed to produce one of the worst books in the genre.
Unlike Townsend, I’m going to nail my colours to the mast at the start. I’m a Christian and, as such, have beliefs which fundamentally disagree with Islam. In addition, I’ve spent over a decade living in the Middle East and have engaged with Muslims of many varieties. In other words, there is very little in Townsend’s book that I’m not already informed about, and I do not critique it on the basis of any pro-Islamic stance whatsoever.
From that vantage point, I recommend that you avoid his book and find an alternative. Anything at all by Gordon Nickel (tons of whose writing he’s made freely available on academia.edu) would be an excellent start as would Nabeel Qureshi. For those wanting a look at the historicity, try Did Muhammad Exist by Robert Spencer or, if you want something more academic, Robert Hoyland’s excellent work Seeing Islam as Others Saw It is also worthwhile, if pricey. Incidentally, Townsend lifts heavily from Hoyland with no acknowledgement at all which is disappointing. Townsend’s work is flawed, and I would not recommend it at all. Here’s why.
In his introduction, Townsend makes a number of claims about his approach which any cursory reading will reveal are simply not true. For example, he states
"I rely very heavily on primary Islamic texts in making my arguments", p. 3
In actual fact, despite quoting from Islamic sources, his arguments are not based on what they actually say but rather unreferenced material and his own presuppositions. For example, Muslim scholars claim that the Qur’an was perfectly preserved through memorisation. But instead of actually quoting Muslim sources to challenge this, he instead says
"It is … highly doubtful that any one person memorized the entire text.", pp. 57 – 58
Now, while this may be true, it does the polemicist no favours because no Muslim will concede this. They believe that Allah has the power to perfectly preserve the Qur’an through memorisation. From a Muslim perspective, Townsend’s argument is particularly easy to refute. This is a typical example of the kinds of issues you’ll run into if you try to employ the responses Townsend describes. A quick Internet search and you’re armed with Islamically-sound counter arguments that need dealing with. Sadly, he doesn’t ackowledge these.
In fact, as you read your way through Townsend’s work, you start to realise that his actual approach is the following: quote Islamic sources because that apparently makes your argument watertight, but then wildly misinterpret them to bend them to your agenda so you can get your point across. He doesn’t seem to understand that this approach undermines his credibility.
Take his logic here for example:
"Those who would like to accuse me of thinking up slanders against the Muslim religion should, therefore, first examine whether I accurately quoted these sources. If I did, and I am utterly convinced that this is the case, their problem should not be with this author but with Islam itself.", p. 161
Sadly, this is meaningless. Accurate quotes are nothing without accurate interpretation; Townsend has a tendancy to derive inaccurate interpretations from accurately quoted sources.
A case in point, is how long it took Allah to finish the work of creation. Townsend quotes Qur’an 10:3, then, predictably, quotes Qur’an 41:9-12 and then, equally predictably, says that there’s a contradiction in these two accounts.
"Various Muslim writers have tried to resolve this contradiction … There is, however, once again nothing within the text to support this … the only reason why one would read the text in this way would be to resolve a contradiction.", p. 83
Townsend seems completely blind to the fact that by noting that people interpret a text for their own particular purposes, he might suffer from the same weakness. And he does so constantly. From my own cursory research, I discovered other verses which lend weight to the Islamic position he is so dismissive of here. Perhaps because they don’t support his position, he chooses not to quote them.
Unfortunately, it’s not only his selective use of sources that renders the book less than useful to the polemicist in the street but the bias clearly evident in his tone throughout.
On page 12, he says
"My intention is … to present a dispassionate examination of a belief system."
You be the judge of how “dispassionate” Townsend actually is.
"The austere non-miracle working figure of the Qur’an [Muhammad] has now turned into someone who could easily get his own top-rated miracle show on daytime TV. If this is not evidence of … falsification … I don’t know what is.", p. 34
"But wait a minute. Isn’t Allah supposed to be the author of this book? Why does he not simply come out and tell us? This is a classic slip up by Muhammad (or whoever else wrote the Qur’an)…", p. 67
"In a rather delicious irony, the menu of hell provides us with one of many opportunities to prove a contradiction in the Qur’an.", p. 85
"Perhaps those who are so keen on the search for miracles in the Qur’an should cease looking for scientific miracles and instead concentrate on time travel.", p. 96
"How good it must have been for Muhammad to have Allah on-call to constantly justify his questionable actions.", p. 145
These are not the writings of a man who is “dispassionate” about his subject. He has allowed his very clear passion to cloud his judgment of what is an appropriate way to communicate his message. That is a shame, because it belies a disrespect that has no place in interfaith dialogue. To employ sarcasm bordering on mockery in a book which claims to be neutral in its evaluation of the evidence is to completely undermine your position. Even worse is that Townsend models this to his readers as if it is somehow acceptable. It isn’t.
I won’t bore you with a detailed list of the typos, incorrect references, contradictions in his own writing and flat out misunderstandings of Islamic texts that litter the book throughout. As far as I can tell, Questioning Islam is self published. At least, if anyone did edit it, they’ve not been so bold as to own up to it on the cover. What it needs is a good edit and to be reissued in another, more polemically sound edition.
Townsend’s tagline is “Tough Questions & Honest Answers”. With Islam gaining air time in media outlets who do anythin but subject it to questioning, it can hardly be a more appropriate time for a book which helps us do this. Sadly, the answers Peter Townsend provides stretch the definition of honest in more ways than one. Only the most discerning reader will come away from this book with anything that is actually going to withstand a Muslim response.
For more reviews and the 1001 Books Spreadsheet, visit http://arukiyomi.com
December 19, 2022
After going back and forth, I'm giving this book three stars - better than average, but with some things that bother me.
Here's what I found helpful: The author puts scholarly criticism of Islam into an accessible form. He proceeds scientifically and empirically, incorporating canonical texts, historical analysis, comparative evidence from other traditions, and archaeology. He links to the relevant translated scriptural sources in the digital version of the book. I don't know who Peter Townsend actually is, since biographical details about him are sparse, but given the emotionally and politically fraught nature of the topic, I don't hold an alias against him.
So now we get to the problems. This is a polemical work. The author professes scientific detachment, but the narrative is too sarcastic and biting and contains too many exclamation points for that to be the case.
Why should this be a problem if what Townsend is saying is true? If he's concerned about making scientific claims on such an emotive topic, he has to maintain a degree of composure, or crucial members of his audience, those within the Islamic faith tradition, will respond defensively and not hear what he has to say. The book then becomes just one more example of preaching to the converted without additional merit.
Even worse is that irresponsible polemic can be the source of bigotry and violence in the world: people who are encouraged to treat Islam with open disdain may apply that attitude to real Muslims. (We've seen this before with Judaism - see Anti-Judaism ) Though this can't be completely laid at Townsend's door, it's naive to ignore that outcome. He should be free to write honestly on any topic, but if he wants to be bombastic, he should have chosen something less controversial.
Finally, the problem of a sacred text that's supposedly eternally valid reflecting the values and mores and limits of an earlier human community is absolutely not confined to Islam. It's something every revealed religion must face. Skewering Islam alone for this is simply unfair.
And with that, I conclude my rant. I'm happy to hear what others take away from this book.
Here's what I found helpful: The author puts scholarly criticism of Islam into an accessible form. He proceeds scientifically and empirically, incorporating canonical texts, historical analysis, comparative evidence from other traditions, and archaeology. He links to the relevant translated scriptural sources in the digital version of the book. I don't know who Peter Townsend actually is, since biographical details about him are sparse, but given the emotionally and politically fraught nature of the topic, I don't hold an alias against him.
So now we get to the problems. This is a polemical work. The author professes scientific detachment, but the narrative is too sarcastic and biting and contains too many exclamation points for that to be the case.
Why should this be a problem if what Townsend is saying is true? If he's concerned about making scientific claims on such an emotive topic, he has to maintain a degree of composure, or crucial members of his audience, those within the Islamic faith tradition, will respond defensively and not hear what he has to say. The book then becomes just one more example of preaching to the converted without additional merit.
Even worse is that irresponsible polemic can be the source of bigotry and violence in the world: people who are encouraged to treat Islam with open disdain may apply that attitude to real Muslims. (We've seen this before with Judaism - see Anti-Judaism ) Though this can't be completely laid at Townsend's door, it's naive to ignore that outcome. He should be free to write honestly on any topic, but if he wants to be bombastic, he should have chosen something less controversial.
Finally, the problem of a sacred text that's supposedly eternally valid reflecting the values and mores and limits of an earlier human community is absolutely not confined to Islam. It's something every revealed religion must face. Skewering Islam alone for this is simply unfair.
And with that, I conclude my rant. I'm happy to hear what others take away from this book.
January 24, 2021
Great read... when you delve into this topic, you realize the blatant ignorance in commonly encountered blanket statements like "all religions are the same". And that isn't to say that there aren't overlaps in religions, but statements like this one do away with the stark and very significant differences obfuscating the truth. If this is a topic of interest, it can also be explored through YT.
Suggested YT searches: acts17apologetics, Nabeel Qureshi, Sam Shamoun
Suggested YT searches: acts17apologetics, Nabeel Qureshi, Sam Shamoun
October 1, 2022
As someone who hasn't seen many books on a critical look at Islam, I very much enjoyed this book. I've read more scholarly work and criticism of Christianity but find discourse on Islam far less frequently and often with an Islamic bias, with oft repeated tropes and apologetics. I now see that Islam has similar faults as does Christianity and the often stated arguments, such as "the Quran has never been changed" just simply aren't true.
August 17, 2017
This is a very well written examination of the claims of Islam as practiced today by both Sunni and Shi'ah sects of Islam. The claims of Islam are discussed and source texts are used throughout. Where Sunni and Shi'ah beliefs diverge the respective Hadith supporting the claim is always cited. No matter what your interest in Islam is this book should be on your 'must read' list.
October 28, 2017
It high lights and discuses the fundamental issues with the scripture.
It high lights and discusses the fundamental flaws in the scripture. It is divided into chapters each dealing with different areas where Islam philosophy is incompatible with the modern world values.
I wish he had used a easier English version of the Quaran.
It high lights and discusses the fundamental flaws in the scripture. It is divided into chapters each dealing with different areas where Islam philosophy is incompatible with the modern world values.
I wish he had used a easier English version of the Quaran.
March 19, 2021
A well written book designed to do precisely what its title entails: questioning the truth-claims of Islam
Definitely something that potential converts or those interested in Islam should take a look at.
Definitely something that potential converts or those interested in Islam should take a look at.
September 19, 2020
Insightful and well researched
Read
January 16, 2022Read for class
May 6, 2020
A must read book.
First of all I would like to thank the author for authoring such a wonderful book which is, as per my personal opinion, a must have in our personal library. It's enlightening. Full of reasoning and completely convincing.
First of all I would like to thank the author for authoring such a wonderful book which is, as per my personal opinion, a must have in our personal library. It's enlightening. Full of reasoning and completely convincing.
March 30, 2024
Mr Townsend provides an excellent expose on the many imperfections and fallacies of Islam, sourced completely from the Quran and several Hadiths. I highly recommend this book as a must own, with the ever insurgency of Islamic immigration that imposes Sharia law over civil law. This book will prove to be a valuable addition to any library.
December 2, 2016
Absolutely brutal. Despite the author's claims that the book intends to be an impartial review of the Quran and Hadiths, I came off with the feeling that he went for the jugular with this one! Not only did he find and identify discrepancies within the holy texts, he even reiterates them throughout the book, so as to drive his point home.
His points, however, are extremely valid and are backed up with references that can be examined. I did not examine them myself, though the vast amount of points he made alludes to them not being fabricated.
I would have rated the book higher if the book had less of an adversarial tone and had less repetition of the same points.
His points, however, are extremely valid and are backed up with references that can be examined. I did not examine them myself, though the vast amount of points he made alludes to them not being fabricated.
I would have rated the book higher if the book had less of an adversarial tone and had less repetition of the same points.
March 17, 2016
a very interesting read .. well worth it
April 25, 2017
The blind spot of the West in regards to Islam has been going on since the rise of the Muslim invaders in the 7th century. Muslims attacked and captured Jerusalem from the Byzantines even while they debated whether they were, in reality, a new cult of Christianity. There is little doubt that the ambivalence and uncertainty of the West has served Islam well in its many military campaigns over the last 1400 years.
Peter Townsend is attempting to arm us, protecting us from the misinformation and disinformation which have plagued our political institutions, most recently, from the fall of the last caliphate in Istanbul over a century ago. The Ottomans fell, probably more of a century long dwindle, when the sultan retreated from the path demanded by the prophet: conquer until all submit.
Questioning Islam is a valuable tool in the education of the culture. Townsend, rather than engaging in a polemic for the West, examines the claims and the basic documents of the Muslim faith itself. Without reference to other belief systems he looks at what teachings are basic to Islam and how the Muslim believer formulates his world view.
It is not pretty. The Qur’an is held out to be the faithful as the very words of the creator deity, pure and “perfect in (its Arabic) language,” complete in its conceit and execution, and unsullied in its transmission. However, despite an empire-wide effort to burn all deviant copies in the eighth century, the fundamental document of Islam is revealed to be a hodge-podge of plagiarized sentiments (primarily Jewish), self-serving and convenient “revelations” to benefit only Mohammad in his venereal pursuits, and a high degree of plain old-fashioned bloody-mindedness. It is enough to make an Arab blush, and apparently did. There are multiple examples where the companions of Mohammad wished to reduce, or at least limit, the rapine only to be urged back into the carnage by Mohammad.
Rather than being in the “purest Arabic” there are many words taken from the patois of seventh century trade. Some words are completely indecipherable, yet supposedly sent from God via Mohammad as the end and culmination of all wisdom. Whole sections are known to be missing due to the dietary indiscretions of a family goat. Instead of being the highest form of literature the Qur’an amounts to a rag-tag assemblage of political and self-serving edicts. It documents not so much eternal verities as it does the rise of Islam from a despised minority, requesting tolerance, to a military Ponzi scheme demanding submission or blood.
The hadiths, traditions, providing the basic framework of what is now Islam, are obviously critical in understanding the faith. It is an inconvenient fact that none of the hadiths were written down within two hundred years of Mohammad’s death. Moreover by that time, the great schism had occurred, dividing Islam into the Sunni and Shi’a traditions. Hadiths conflict with each other both with and without each community. Mohammad, held out to be a “perfect example of conduct,” can only be glimpsed via these hadiths and what is shows of him is grasping, vacillating, and sanguinary religious tyrant.
Questioning Islam is extensively documented, with long passages from the original documents reproduced within the endnotes. Author Townsend has done a remarkable job in organizing a difficult subject topically. This leads to some redundancies which may, at time, strike readers are being overdone. Despite that, it is a very fast read. This should be required reading for anyone who is exposed to Islam. Today, that includes us all.
Peter Townsend is attempting to arm us, protecting us from the misinformation and disinformation which have plagued our political institutions, most recently, from the fall of the last caliphate in Istanbul over a century ago. The Ottomans fell, probably more of a century long dwindle, when the sultan retreated from the path demanded by the prophet: conquer until all submit.
Questioning Islam is a valuable tool in the education of the culture. Townsend, rather than engaging in a polemic for the West, examines the claims and the basic documents of the Muslim faith itself. Without reference to other belief systems he looks at what teachings are basic to Islam and how the Muslim believer formulates his world view.
It is not pretty. The Qur’an is held out to be the faithful as the very words of the creator deity, pure and “perfect in (its Arabic) language,” complete in its conceit and execution, and unsullied in its transmission. However, despite an empire-wide effort to burn all deviant copies in the eighth century, the fundamental document of Islam is revealed to be a hodge-podge of plagiarized sentiments (primarily Jewish), self-serving and convenient “revelations” to benefit only Mohammad in his venereal pursuits, and a high degree of plain old-fashioned bloody-mindedness. It is enough to make an Arab blush, and apparently did. There are multiple examples where the companions of Mohammad wished to reduce, or at least limit, the rapine only to be urged back into the carnage by Mohammad.
Rather than being in the “purest Arabic” there are many words taken from the patois of seventh century trade. Some words are completely indecipherable, yet supposedly sent from God via Mohammad as the end and culmination of all wisdom. Whole sections are known to be missing due to the dietary indiscretions of a family goat. Instead of being the highest form of literature the Qur’an amounts to a rag-tag assemblage of political and self-serving edicts. It documents not so much eternal verities as it does the rise of Islam from a despised minority, requesting tolerance, to a military Ponzi scheme demanding submission or blood.
The hadiths, traditions, providing the basic framework of what is now Islam, are obviously critical in understanding the faith. It is an inconvenient fact that none of the hadiths were written down within two hundred years of Mohammad’s death. Moreover by that time, the great schism had occurred, dividing Islam into the Sunni and Shi’a traditions. Hadiths conflict with each other both with and without each community. Mohammad, held out to be a “perfect example of conduct,” can only be glimpsed via these hadiths and what is shows of him is grasping, vacillating, and sanguinary religious tyrant.
Questioning Islam is extensively documented, with long passages from the original documents reproduced within the endnotes. Author Townsend has done a remarkable job in organizing a difficult subject topically. This leads to some redundancies which may, at time, strike readers are being overdone. Despite that, it is a very fast read. This should be required reading for anyone who is exposed to Islam. Today, that includes us all.
May 29, 2017
Well written without hiding facts about Quran and Hadith. Unfortunately Islam is the only religion which is unable to make things clear for mankind who want peace. All other religions are not 100% perfect but normal human Instincts of the followers are almost same. Islam seems to be odd man out in this regard. Law of abrogation has to do overtime. Peace be upon mankind and universe.
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