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A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam
This book is a brief guide to understanding Islam. It consists of three chapters. The first chapter, "Some Evidence for the Truth of Islam," answers some important questions which some people ask: Is the Qur'an truly the literal word of God, revealed by Him? Is Muhammad SAWS truly a prophet sent by God? Is Islam truly a religion from God?
82 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 202
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895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 21, 2025
This was a unique pamphlet on the Islamic explanation of creation as a whole, the benefits Islam has to offer, and Islamic interpretation on various topics. The booklet gave the Quranic citation for each topic as evidence of its created through God sent through his Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The first section included the Quran's Evidence for the Truth of Islam on the creation of life and the human embryonic development, mountains, origin of the universe, the brain and cerebrum, seas and rivers, clouds, and other scientific miracle.
The second section was the Benefits of Islam to include the door of eternal Paradise, the salvation from Hellfire, real happiness and inner peace, and forgiveness of all previous sins. The last section General Information on Islam: what is the Quran, basic Islamic beliefs, how to become a Muslim, Islam and family, Islam and Jesus, Islam and Women, Five Pillars of Islam, and What Does Islam Say About Terrorism.
This was given to me in 2007 when I visited a mosque. The booklet was designed colorfully and clearly. The information is presented in a logical fashion and makes for an interesting read. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about Islam and Islamic interpretation on many questioned topics. Thanks!
The first section included the Quran's Evidence for the Truth of Islam on the creation of life and the human embryonic development, mountains, origin of the universe, the brain and cerebrum, seas and rivers, clouds, and other scientific miracle.
The second section was the Benefits of Islam to include the door of eternal Paradise, the salvation from Hellfire, real happiness and inner peace, and forgiveness of all previous sins. The last section General Information on Islam: what is the Quran, basic Islamic beliefs, how to become a Muslim, Islam and family, Islam and Jesus, Islam and Women, Five Pillars of Islam, and What Does Islam Say About Terrorism.
This was given to me in 2007 when I visited a mosque. The booklet was designed colorfully and clearly. The information is presented in a logical fashion and makes for an interesting read. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about Islam and Islamic interpretation on many questioned topics. Thanks!
November 23, 2015
I learned some new things from this book. Before reading, I didn't know much about the five pillars of Islam and my only exposure to the story of Muhammed was through a children's picture book in primary school, so I actually came away from this with more information than I get from most. That was a bonus.
But I get the feeling I could learn these things from many better books. And it still set out to "prove" some things that were, not surprisingly, never proved. The example quotes from the Qu'ran were frequently repeated and often irrelevant to the point being made.
At only 70-something pages, though, I read it in no time and, like I said, I now have a slightly greater knowledge of Islam than I did an hour ago.
But I get the feeling I could learn these things from many better books. And it still set out to "prove" some things that were, not surprisingly, never proved. The example quotes from the Qu'ran were frequently repeated and often irrelevant to the point being made.
At only 70-something pages, though, I read it in no time and, like I said, I now have a slightly greater knowledge of Islam than I did an hour ago.
Read
April 30, 2009Great book for anyone wanting to know more about Islam and it is very concise so you don't need to read volumes to get a great amount of information. It definitely shatters some stereotypes! One of the best dawah books I know of.
January 12, 2013
I gave this two stars, not because the book is necessarily bad or even because of errors riddled throughout the book. But mostly due to the expectations that people have of the book. It is a brief illustrated guide, yes. To necessarily understanding Islam? Not really. It isn't comprehensive enough to be a book about "Understanding Islam", but rather reads like a "Please tolerate us" manual.
If you truly want to understand Islam, then pick up the Quran and books of the scholars of Islam (not the books or websites of hate-mongers or propogandists) and read those. No one can truly understand any belief by relying solely on a book that has 70 pages.
If you truly want to understand Islam, then pick up the Quran and books of the scholars of Islam (not the books or websites of hate-mongers or propogandists) and read those. No one can truly understand any belief by relying solely on a book that has 70 pages.
October 25, 2014
Bad as hell. Not funny at all. Well, yes, it's funny. Proves that the Choran came directly from God by showing facts as in the holy book the embryo of the future Adam looks like a chewing gum already chewed... and provides to you a picture of both (embryo and chewing gum precisely beaten). So, it's impossible that 1400 years ago anybody had the means to know that, ergo La Ilaha illa Allah
Want to read
December 16, 2014كتاب الدليل المصور الموجز لفهم الإسلام باللغة الأنجليزية،
والذي يتحدث بصفة خاصة عن الإعجاز العلمي في الإسلام،
وأيضاً يُعنى بمفاهيم الإسلام وتصوره تجاه الفرد والمجتمع،
والمكاسب التي تتحقق لك حالة كونك مسلماً ملتزماً بتعاليم الشريعة الإسلامية.
هذا الكتاب تصدر قائمة الكتب الدعوية الموجهة لغير المسلمين في عظيم أثره،
لذا يحرص المتخصصون في التعريف بالإسلام بالبدء بإهداء ترجمة معاني القرآن الكريم بلغة غير المسلم
ثم يليه في قائمة الإهداء هذا الكتاب، ثم بقية الكتب الدعوية الأخرى.
والذي يتحدث بصفة خاصة عن الإعجاز العلمي في الإسلام،
وأيضاً يُعنى بمفاهيم الإسلام وتصوره تجاه الفرد والمجتمع،
والمكاسب التي تتحقق لك حالة كونك مسلماً ملتزماً بتعاليم الشريعة الإسلامية.
هذا الكتاب تصدر قائمة الكتب الدعوية الموجهة لغير المسلمين في عظيم أثره،
لذا يحرص المتخصصون في التعريف بالإسلام بالبدء بإهداء ترجمة معاني القرآن الكريم بلغة غير المسلم
ثم يليه في قائمة الإهداء هذا الكتاب، ثم بقية الكتب الدعوية الأخرى.
December 14, 2011
A nice way of explaining things. The first section seemed more like it was trying to convert than inform the reader, so points off for that. And the cover is extremely tacky. But otherwise it was all right.
November 4, 2023
3/5 stars. Physical book. I wanted something brief, but informative to learn about Islam. This book was not terrible, but not great. The first chapter tries to make suppositions about how Muhammad was illiterate, but was given scientific knowledge from God. The chapter was not very convincing and the sources weren't, either. The second chapter discusses the benefits of Islam and some more information about Muhammad and the miracles he performed. It also drew some parallels from Christianity, but discussed the differences. The last chapter was the most informative and gave information on Islam and their basic beliefs. This book was a good starting point, but it was not sourced strongly. The author seemed more worried about converting readers, rather than giving sound, empirical information. I will continue to look for other books that are more subjective.
July 8, 2024
Very quick read and overview of Islam. It is accurate that it is brief. As a starter it's not overwhelming as there is so much to learn about Islam. From there there are other books you can read. Recommend if you're just learning about it.
August 5, 2024
Un libro molto breve e semplice, ma per una persona curiosa e nuova all'argomento ha tutti gli elementi introduttivi e chiari.
Read
February 26, 2025Idk why I read this but slay
October 26, 2025
Currently amidst my explorative phase of regions and religions that are not well covered by Euro-Anglo educational systems. As luck would have it, my mom got this years and years ago in Istanbul and found it again while we were house cleaning.
Perfect timing as I started exploring Islam to better understand the hostility towards it and how certain regimes utilise certain parts of their religion to demonise them. Plus, all the other context that gets glossed over due religious elitism and historical conflicts.
So, after devouring this book and checking most sources, a lot has been learned.
This is basically a glorified pamphlet which makes it case for Islam and as every Abrahamic religion, there's some insanity and glaring biases. The presentation of the book itself is well enough but because of my issues with religions in general, I will now air my grievances in overly long manner. You've been warned.
In theory, all of the A-three are peaceful and propagate values that are universal and well-meaning. However, there is always an exclusive, key verse that announces that this religion and only this one is THE one and every other is false for this God and viewing of it is the correct one. This is the where the issues start.
Its this certainty and elitism that the Qu'ran mentions in Surah 112:1-4 which the book highlights.
Old Testament does the same in Isaiah 45:5 and 45:21 and of course the first Commandment says the same thing, that there is only true God.
Interestingly, whereas Christianity morphed, split and adopted throughout the years with numerous translations and interpretations, Muslims primarily worship the eternal, unwavering and correct form of the Qu'ran. And to circumvent any potential misinterpretations or disagreements, no translation of the Qu'ran is the Qu'ran. Only the original Arabic form that was shown to Muhammad is the true Qu'ran per Sunnah 15:59.
Of course, after his death, there was a schism and multiple sacred sources, like the sunnah.
These are "safe-proof" because they are "reliably tranlsated" by Muhammad's companions.
Additionally, Muhammad went over all the Qu'ranic verses once per year with angel Gabriel and two times in his last year of existence to ensure the Qu'ran is perfect which is the belief today shared by all Muslims.
Let's now focus on the scientific aspect of the Qu'ran which the book covers in its first chapter. I've never seen or heard these claims prior so it was very interesting reading about how the Qu'ran talks about embryonic development, mountains, the invisible barriers between large bodies of water, origin of the universe, clouds and the cerebrum.
It is at this very first chapter that I immediately understood how this book will function and Islam and its proponents as a whole.
To legitimise the Qu'ran and its teachings, I've seen Muslims berate and lessen the amount of knowledge that was available in the 7th century to prove that indeed the word of God is final and that the illiterate, humble and kind Muhammad received this divine knowledge way before modern science found a way.
In case of the embryo, per Surah 23:12-14, man was created by clay being extracted and turned into a drop before becoming an "alaqah" which is a leech-shaped thing, a suspended thing and a blood clot before becoming "mudghah", a chewed substance.
Thusly, the Islamic embryologists claim that the Qu'ran perfectly describes how we come into this world because these shapes are similar enough to the embyro and how it morphs.
This is false and has been disputed and there are more elements like Gabriel waiting before claiming what gender the foetus shall become that further dispute the "science" behind this. As proof, the book lists some scientists and accentuate their successes in their respective field and quote them.
The issue is that these quotes basically disregard historical context and previous advancements in science prior to Muhammad and state that there is now way this illiterate, humble prophet could've known this so this must be God's work and proof that he exists because these statements are true.
If you are a scientist and quote any form of religious text or lean on it, I will immediately disregard your opinion as I have with these names the book referenced.
I've also checked out a discussion between two Islamic embryologists and PZ Myers which showed their bias and how they skew certain words to fit their narrative.
They also, troublingly, disregarded the historical context and underplayed the Arabic tribes and their knowledge that existed prior to Muhammad.
Aristotle, Galen of Pergamon and ancient Indian kingdoms all undertook these topics and a lot of the scientific claims of the Qu'ran were visible and easily distinguished if you could read or discuss with people who did.
Also, the book slyly disregards the number zero and that the Indians discovered it and instead attribute it to Muslim scholars, this irked me but I understand because of the racism and targeted propaganda from the 20th century as well as before that demonises Islam.
Still, some troubling surah exist, biggest ones for me being 3:91 and 6:27 which condemn the non-believers to Hellfire and eternal suffering as this life exists only to worship Allah. Christianity does the same by the way but the phrasing is a tad different. Same shit really.
Fundamentally, the idea that women and man are the same and you should take care of your parents and never resort to racism are great and valid.
Some of these the Qu'ran mentions per surahs 49:13, 17:23-24. But some of these values, like the equality of women are not in the Qu'ran but in Hadiths that came later which are also considered sacred and something to worship.
The issue is that this is relevant only if you, again, worship the "only true God".
And the way one becomes Muslim, the shahada is very clever. You publicly exclaim your loyalty to the "one true God" and you are absolved of ALL your previous sins. That is if you truly mean what you said. Plus you MUST believe that the Day of Judgement is true and is imminent per God's promise in the Qu'ran.
Much is made of the afterlife in the Abrahamic three and all are amazing tools to control and further their agendas.
During times of strife, wars and violence (aka forever), the promise that your suffering will be remedied by living forever in Heaven is an amazing way to get more people for your cause.
This is why Islam and Christianity spread as wide as they did while Judaism remained very strict and even more elitist which is showcased in how one becomes a Jew. It's a complex, rigid system of tests while Christianity and Islam require much less effort and purge your previous sins which secures you a safe spot in their versions of Heaven.
As an atheist, I am fucked and destined for eternal Hellfire (surah 3:85, 3:91 which the book mentions) or the first circle of hell (per Dante) or Hell after being finally judged per the Bible.
Shit like surah 51:56 or psalm 150:6 and others alike pisses me off to no end.
But, even though I am against the three and note the violence that has been done in their name and continues to, one does not need to abide by these words to a tee. Some would argue that this does not make you a proper (insert name of the member of the religion here) but like Al-Qadar says, freewill exists but is under scrutiny by God. You will be judged at the end of the day.
Super interesting stuff and very glad I read this, even though the book skews some things to present Islam in a better light but that is no fault of Islam as each of the A-three does this.
Two stars for the presentation and fluidity of the text.
Perfect timing as I started exploring Islam to better understand the hostility towards it and how certain regimes utilise certain parts of their religion to demonise them. Plus, all the other context that gets glossed over due religious elitism and historical conflicts.
So, after devouring this book and checking most sources, a lot has been learned.
This is basically a glorified pamphlet which makes it case for Islam and as every Abrahamic religion, there's some insanity and glaring biases. The presentation of the book itself is well enough but because of my issues with religions in general, I will now air my grievances in overly long manner. You've been warned.
In theory, all of the A-three are peaceful and propagate values that are universal and well-meaning. However, there is always an exclusive, key verse that announces that this religion and only this one is THE one and every other is false for this God and viewing of it is the correct one. This is the where the issues start.
Its this certainty and elitism that the Qu'ran mentions in Surah 112:1-4 which the book highlights.
Old Testament does the same in Isaiah 45:5 and 45:21 and of course the first Commandment says the same thing, that there is only true God.
Interestingly, whereas Christianity morphed, split and adopted throughout the years with numerous translations and interpretations, Muslims primarily worship the eternal, unwavering and correct form of the Qu'ran. And to circumvent any potential misinterpretations or disagreements, no translation of the Qu'ran is the Qu'ran. Only the original Arabic form that was shown to Muhammad is the true Qu'ran per Sunnah 15:59.
Of course, after his death, there was a schism and multiple sacred sources, like the sunnah.
These are "safe-proof" because they are "reliably tranlsated" by Muhammad's companions.
Additionally, Muhammad went over all the Qu'ranic verses once per year with angel Gabriel and two times in his last year of existence to ensure the Qu'ran is perfect which is the belief today shared by all Muslims.
Let's now focus on the scientific aspect of the Qu'ran which the book covers in its first chapter. I've never seen or heard these claims prior so it was very interesting reading about how the Qu'ran talks about embryonic development, mountains, the invisible barriers between large bodies of water, origin of the universe, clouds and the cerebrum.
It is at this very first chapter that I immediately understood how this book will function and Islam and its proponents as a whole.
To legitimise the Qu'ran and its teachings, I've seen Muslims berate and lessen the amount of knowledge that was available in the 7th century to prove that indeed the word of God is final and that the illiterate, humble and kind Muhammad received this divine knowledge way before modern science found a way.
In case of the embryo, per Surah 23:12-14, man was created by clay being extracted and turned into a drop before becoming an "alaqah" which is a leech-shaped thing, a suspended thing and a blood clot before becoming "mudghah", a chewed substance.
Thusly, the Islamic embryologists claim that the Qu'ran perfectly describes how we come into this world because these shapes are similar enough to the embyro and how it morphs.
This is false and has been disputed and there are more elements like Gabriel waiting before claiming what gender the foetus shall become that further dispute the "science" behind this. As proof, the book lists some scientists and accentuate their successes in their respective field and quote them.
The issue is that these quotes basically disregard historical context and previous advancements in science prior to Muhammad and state that there is now way this illiterate, humble prophet could've known this so this must be God's work and proof that he exists because these statements are true.
If you are a scientist and quote any form of religious text or lean on it, I will immediately disregard your opinion as I have with these names the book referenced.
I've also checked out a discussion between two Islamic embryologists and PZ Myers which showed their bias and how they skew certain words to fit their narrative.
They also, troublingly, disregarded the historical context and underplayed the Arabic tribes and their knowledge that existed prior to Muhammad.
Aristotle, Galen of Pergamon and ancient Indian kingdoms all undertook these topics and a lot of the scientific claims of the Qu'ran were visible and easily distinguished if you could read or discuss with people who did.
Also, the book slyly disregards the number zero and that the Indians discovered it and instead attribute it to Muslim scholars, this irked me but I understand because of the racism and targeted propaganda from the 20th century as well as before that demonises Islam.
Still, some troubling surah exist, biggest ones for me being 3:91 and 6:27 which condemn the non-believers to Hellfire and eternal suffering as this life exists only to worship Allah. Christianity does the same by the way but the phrasing is a tad different. Same shit really.
Fundamentally, the idea that women and man are the same and you should take care of your parents and never resort to racism are great and valid.
Some of these the Qu'ran mentions per surahs 49:13, 17:23-24. But some of these values, like the equality of women are not in the Qu'ran but in Hadiths that came later which are also considered sacred and something to worship.
The issue is that this is relevant only if you, again, worship the "only true God".
And the way one becomes Muslim, the shahada is very clever. You publicly exclaim your loyalty to the "one true God" and you are absolved of ALL your previous sins. That is if you truly mean what you said. Plus you MUST believe that the Day of Judgement is true and is imminent per God's promise in the Qu'ran.
Much is made of the afterlife in the Abrahamic three and all are amazing tools to control and further their agendas.
During times of strife, wars and violence (aka forever), the promise that your suffering will be remedied by living forever in Heaven is an amazing way to get more people for your cause.
This is why Islam and Christianity spread as wide as they did while Judaism remained very strict and even more elitist which is showcased in how one becomes a Jew. It's a complex, rigid system of tests while Christianity and Islam require much less effort and purge your previous sins which secures you a safe spot in their versions of Heaven.
As an atheist, I am fucked and destined for eternal Hellfire (surah 3:85, 3:91 which the book mentions) or the first circle of hell (per Dante) or Hell after being finally judged per the Bible.
Shit like surah 51:56 or psalm 150:6 and others alike pisses me off to no end.
But, even though I am against the three and note the violence that has been done in their name and continues to, one does not need to abide by these words to a tee. Some would argue that this does not make you a proper (insert name of the member of the religion here) but like Al-Qadar says, freewill exists but is under scrutiny by God. You will be judged at the end of the day.
Super interesting stuff and very glad I read this, even though the book skews some things to present Islam in a better light but that is no fault of Islam as each of the A-three does this.
Two stars for the presentation and fluidity of the text.
March 13, 2011
There is much that has been written about Islam and Muslims in the past decade, sadly most by non-Muslims with an agenda. This, however, is an excellent introductory book into Islam. It provides the reader with glimpses into the Qur'an (the holy text) with scientific data to support the information presented. One example is the discussion in the Qur'an on embryonic development. The second half of this book provides answers to such questions as "What Does Islam Say About Terrorism?" (p. 59). A good introductory book for new Muslims or anyone interested in learning about Islam and Muslims from a Muslim's perspective.
November 12, 2012
While the title is a bit misleading, it's still a wonderful book. It isn't so much a guide to Islam as random bits of trivia and frequently asked questions regarding Islam (still fascinating).[return]I absolutely love the anecdotes it cites from the Qu'ran. I highly recommend this book, but ignore the title.
February 19, 2016
من اسهل الكتب التعريفية عن الاسلام و هو تقريبا مترجم الى جل لغاات العالم ..
كتاب اطلعت عليه عند انخراطي في الجمعية التونسية للتعريف بالاسلام .. معلومااته بسيطة و شاملة لكل المجالات تقريبا .. من اهم الكتب التي تعطى للمهتدين الجدد ..
على كل من يريد الانخراط في الجمعية او يريد التعرّف على انشطتها هذا رابطها على الفايسبوك :D
https://www.facebook.com/info.islam.t...
كتاب اطلعت عليه عند انخراطي في الجمعية التونسية للتعريف بالاسلام .. معلومااته بسيطة و شاملة لكل المجالات تقريبا .. من اهم الكتب التي تعطى للمهتدين الجدد ..
على كل من يريد الانخراط في الجمعية او يريد التعرّف على انشطتها هذا رابطها على الفايسبوك :D
https://www.facebook.com/info.islam.t...
January 23, 2009
Literally a very very brief intro to Islam. Hardly any illustrations though. I felt like whoever translated this did i backwards and therefore caused some confusing about how the book goes...i'm suggesting starting at the end of the book and go backwards haha
December 29, 2015
This book does not have a lot of illustrations and a lot of the science proofs mentioned by this book are not very accurate. It gives quite a biased view of religion which, as a Individual seeking religion, puts me off of religion.
March 19, 2009
basic knowledge about Islam, included scientific proves that compatible with Quran.
July 9, 2012
I used to have a written review for this book, but due to Sheeple-zealots either telling me I'm damned or trying to convert me to Islam I have deleted it....
July 25, 2011
Good beginning understanding of the thoughts behind the lslamic faith.
September 1, 2012
A short to the point book on Islam with some scientific points in the Qur'an.
November 1, 2012
A nice book, very brief, covering many aspects (scientific - spiritual - general introduction), not meant to cover a complete view over each discussed subject.
April 21, 2013
This book is very informative. It answered many questions in detail that my husband did not.
November 30, 2015
This book is the one of the reasons of why I'm a Muslim today.
March 3, 2024
Subhanallah, dieses Buch war wundervoll, ging Mega schnell tolle Informationen und wieder mal ein Beweis dafür, dass der Islam der richtige Weg ist und dass der Koran Gottes Wort ist✊🏼
June 2, 2014
Good for learning their point of view on certain issues.
February 4, 2025
This book was passed to us while at Friday lunch in Casablanca, by the owner of the small couscous restaurant where we were eating. He said the book contained scientific evidence that Islam was the only true faith. My friends avoided the challenge but I accepted the loan.
The result, as you can expect from these premises, was not good. Poorly printed and badly translated, this short book is a mix between Nostradamus and oversimplified religion: some of the Quran surahs, plus some lyrical hadiths, if interpreted in a particular way, could convey a meaning that could potentially match some scientific facts not yet discovered in Muhammad's times. How could it possibly be that Muhammad described the foetus during gestation with a word that also meant 'chewing gum', if he couldn't have known that a piece of strawberry chewing gum, chewed in a very precise way, could acquire the exact shape of a foetus? It's clear that he knew more about the foetus than the common man, so it's therefore obvious that God spoke with his voice, and the Quran are God's words.
Other pieces of scientific evidence presented in the book are of similar consistency, such as the "factoid" that no one could ever imitate the beauty of any Quran's surah is proof of its divine essence. Just nonsense. I am not against faith, and there are multiple ways to convey religious faith which are fine, without recurring to delirious "science". You may believe that Christ healed a leprosy-ill man without assuming that he prescribed dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine to the poor sod two millennia before those medicines were approved by the WHO.
The book also lists a few Western scientists who said something at a conference of Muslim scientists in Saudi Arabia. I wonder if they include these references in their quotation indexes. Really not worth the reading.
The result, as you can expect from these premises, was not good. Poorly printed and badly translated, this short book is a mix between Nostradamus and oversimplified religion: some of the Quran surahs, plus some lyrical hadiths, if interpreted in a particular way, could convey a meaning that could potentially match some scientific facts not yet discovered in Muhammad's times. How could it possibly be that Muhammad described the foetus during gestation with a word that also meant 'chewing gum', if he couldn't have known that a piece of strawberry chewing gum, chewed in a very precise way, could acquire the exact shape of a foetus? It's clear that he knew more about the foetus than the common man, so it's therefore obvious that God spoke with his voice, and the Quran are God's words.
Other pieces of scientific evidence presented in the book are of similar consistency, such as the "factoid" that no one could ever imitate the beauty of any Quran's surah is proof of its divine essence. Just nonsense. I am not against faith, and there are multiple ways to convey religious faith which are fine, without recurring to delirious "science". You may believe that Christ healed a leprosy-ill man without assuming that he prescribed dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine to the poor sod two millennia before those medicines were approved by the WHO.
The book also lists a few Western scientists who said something at a conference of Muslim scientists in Saudi Arabia. I wonder if they include these references in their quotation indexes. Really not worth the reading.
April 5, 2023
here is a muslim trying to prove the quran has science facts that people in muhammad's time could not have known. the quran says a mountain is a peg that anchors the surface of earth to a deeper layer. just like a tent peg anchors a tent to the ground. somehow muhammad thought the earth is like a carpet and mountains are big tent pegs that stop the carpet from moving around. isn't that sad? quote "15:19 And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance." end quote. on page 12 of this guide to islam there are science illustrations that had their original text replaced with captions talking about roots and pegs. this is pretty dishonest but confirms the fact that muslims will lie to make islam look good. also sad because muslims are using modern science they don't understand and are as science ignorant as someone living in muhammad's time. science tells us mountains are like icebergs. a mountain is part of earth's crust floating on top of the layer called the mantle which is floating on magma. the underside of a mountain is called a root but it doesn't anchor the mountain to the mantle. the root is a side effect of the continents colliding and forcing a mountain to pop up.
August 8, 2024
This is a hilarious little book. At a glance it seems anthropological, or scientific, or at the very least, attempting to be unbiased. (Yes, I would you like to understand more about Islam! Teach me!) But it's really just a dolled-up street pamphlet.
The first, and biggest, section of the book dives right into how Islam is Real and True and Based. It doesn't even bother so much with explaining Islam as it does defending it. My favorite section is how a stray line in the Quran talks about hitting a person in their forehead, which predicts the future discovery of cognitive mapping because that's where the prefrontal cortex is. Like, Okay.
The final chapter starts to get close to utility, but is short and weak.
I think this is a handy book if you are already a follower of Islam and want to try and wedge a few more pieces of faux-science into your conversations with non-believer coworkers, but otherwise, nah. No thanks. This doesn't help me understand Islam at all. I'm sure any true scholar will have a myriad of better texts that help with understanding Islam and its rich history, but this ain't it.
The first, and biggest, section of the book dives right into how Islam is Real and True and Based. It doesn't even bother so much with explaining Islam as it does defending it. My favorite section is how a stray line in the Quran talks about hitting a person in their forehead, which predicts the future discovery of cognitive mapping because that's where the prefrontal cortex is. Like, Okay.
The final chapter starts to get close to utility, but is short and weak.
I think this is a handy book if you are already a follower of Islam and want to try and wedge a few more pieces of faux-science into your conversations with non-believer coworkers, but otherwise, nah. No thanks. This doesn't help me understand Islam at all. I'm sure any true scholar will have a myriad of better texts that help with understanding Islam and its rich history, but this ain't it.
August 31, 2024
It’s hard to be objective writing this review. It’s a book that effectively says: the truth is so obvious and if you don’t believe it you’re clearly going to burn in Hell. I give it more than one star because buried in the half-truths and propaganda are actually interesting things to know about the faith. I will admit that I also struggle to believe the message of peace as this is, per the back flap, a publication of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who I don’t feel model the peace and harmony that I actually do believe are espoused by this faith tradition. It would like Spain under the Inquisition publishing works about how good and loving Christianity is.
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