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The Complete Infidel's Guide to the Koran
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The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran exposes how the Koran incites hatred and violence and is anti-democratic, anti-freedom, and intolerant of any other ideology. Stripping out the obsolete debate, The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran focuses on the decrees toward Jews and Christians, how they were viewed by Muhammad, what “the infidels” have done wrong and what
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Paperback, 260 pages
Published
September 22nd 2009
by Regnery Publishing
(first published September 21st 2009)
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Start your review of The Complete Infidel's Guide to the Koran
Unlike many readers of this book, I have read the Koran. I did so some time after 9-11; I have first-hand knowledge of many of the things that Mr. Spencer points out. He does so very clearly and concisely providing examples both of the clear language of the Koran and apologists' spin-doctored versions of the verses.
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I was disappointed in this book. Whether it’s true or not hardly seems to matter; I was still disappointed.
Spencer hopes to introduce casual readers to the words of the Koran, and he has nothing good to say about it. He compares it to Mein Kampf. Here are some of the chapter titles:
The Muslims’ Worst Enemies: The Koran on the Jews
The Koran on Christians: They’re Not So Hot, Either
The Koran on Women: Crooked and Inferior
The Koran Teaches Nonviolence—Oh, and Violence, Too
Here’s the bottom line: If ...more
Spencer hopes to introduce casual readers to the words of the Koran, and he has nothing good to say about it. He compares it to Mein Kampf. Here are some of the chapter titles:
The Muslims’ Worst Enemies: The Koran on the Jews
The Koran on Christians: They’re Not So Hot, Either
The Koran on Women: Crooked and Inferior
The Koran Teaches Nonviolence—Oh, and Violence, Too
Here’s the bottom line: If ...more
Pretty much the introduction of this book says it all when the author says, "This guide will inevitably be branded as anti-Islamic, as well as bigoted, hateful, and Islamaphobic.....Whether the Koran really says what this guide claims can easily be verified. And if this guide accurately reports its contents that couldn't possibly be an act of hatred or bigotry."
That is the statement of the century. It is very easy to determine if this author is telling the truth, and having read the English tra ...more
That is the statement of the century. It is very easy to determine if this author is telling the truth, and having read the English tra ...more
Together with Ibn Warraq's "Why I Am Not a Muslim," this is a must read for non-Muslims who wish to understand the background, history, and possible results of the violent forms of Islam that are claiming power today. Well written and a fascinating (and frightening)read.
[NOTE: I forgot to add that I do have one problem with the author and his book: while his criticisms of islam do fit with my other reading, the author tries to sneak in support of conservative christian ideas. I tend to just igno ...more
[NOTE: I forgot to add that I do have one problem with the author and his book: while his criticisms of islam do fit with my other reading, the author tries to sneak in support of conservative christian ideas. I tend to just igno ...more
A thorough book. An interesting book. A biased book. A necessary book.
The author, Robert Spencer, makes no bones about the fact that he has an agenda: He wants to show people the TRUTH about Islam. Did he succeed? Well, yes and no.
Yes: I know much more about Islam than I did going in which was sadly very little. However, I'm exactly the intended audience for this book, i.e. someone who is interested in why so many people keep referencing the Koran as their motivation for killing.
No: The author s ...more
The author, Robert Spencer, makes no bones about the fact that he has an agenda: He wants to show people the TRUTH about Islam. Did he succeed? Well, yes and no.
Yes: I know much more about Islam than I did going in which was sadly very little. However, I'm exactly the intended audience for this book, i.e. someone who is interested in why so many people keep referencing the Koran as their motivation for killing.
No: The author s ...more
While not a complete compendium of Islam, for anyone who is interested in how the current conflict came about and how a group with the same God as Jews and Christians could want to kill you because.. well, God said so..(huuruph?)this is a great place to start.
I think any modern English speaking person is aware that most people do not follow their religion to the letter, bacon egg and cheeses and Saturday traffic at the mall -2 general examples. To pretend that there isn't a significant faction i ...more
I think any modern English speaking person is aware that most people do not follow their religion to the letter, bacon egg and cheeses and Saturday traffic at the mall -2 general examples. To pretend that there isn't a significant faction i ...more
Since I am an Infidel, I thought this book would be a good overview of the Koran for me. I have long intended to read the Koran itself, but lose my motivation for three reasons. First, the Koran is not a collection of chronological teachings, but provides bits and pieces of Muhammed's wisdom without context. Also, Islam teaches that the Koran is to be read only in Arabic. Finally, Islam accepts the Koran as incomplete without the illumination of the Hadith, which has no canonically agreed conten
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Some facets of this religion are incompatible with our form of government. The Mormons were willing to give up polygamy to live as Americans. Are Muslims willing to give up enough to live in peace with us?
Biased
A biased interpretation, very anti Islam. I am interested in learning more about a religion that has such an effect on our world today. I am not interested. In this man,s political rant. I would not recommend this to anyone.
A biased interpretation, very anti Islam. I am interested in learning more about a religion that has such an effect on our world today. I am not interested. In this man,s political rant. I would not recommend this to anyone.
A very good critical analysis of the Koran. Spencer illuminates the extent to which western apologists, including President Obama, have sanitized the contractory directives in the Koran. This books contributes well to a larger understanding of wold politics, including why Isreal will never be safe (Jews are called apes and pigs in the Koran), how Pakistan can simultaneously accept aid from the US and harbor/promote anti-US insurgents, and why Islamic totalitarianism continues as the greatest thr
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Apr 08, 2010
Nicole Marble
added it
It's hard to know how accurate or 'true' this explanation of the Koran is. The translator/author is neither sympathetic or empathetic towards the Koran. But the final chapter might be the most telling as the author chastises President Obama as 'naive' in attempting to have a dialog with Muslims. And proposes that all Muslims be excluded from the US as a matter of self defense.
In other words, this book has an 'agenda' - one I reject. ...more
In other words, this book has an 'agenda' - one I reject. ...more
Spencer himself believes his book will be branded as "anti-Islamic", "bigoted," "hateful," and "Islamophobic" because much of the information contained in his book in regards to how the Koran should treat infidels is very negative. He addresses these accusations of hate-mongering directly in his first chapter arguing that the accuracy of his guide account of the Koran's contents can be easily verified. And if Spencer's guide is accurate, than it can't be an act of "hatred" or "bigotry".
Spencer's ...more
Spencer's ...more
The title of this one threw me. I had so much fun reading the "The Complete Heretic's Guide to Western Religion: Mormonism" I thought this was similar. I am a fan of heresy. Not so much of 'infidelity' apparently.
This book reads like a religious argument. It seemed to me to imply: "My religion is true and non-violent while yours is untrue and violent."
I eventually had to look up the author's background to determine if I was reading it incorrectly. Apparently the author is well known for argument ...more
This book reads like a religious argument. It seemed to me to imply: "My religion is true and non-violent while yours is untrue and violent."
I eventually had to look up the author's background to determine if I was reading it incorrectly. Apparently the author is well known for argument ...more
I felt this book was both true and biased at the same time.
I did learn a lot about the contents of the Koran and though he said that he read the Koran so you wouldn't have to read this book just made me want to read the Koran so that I could really see what is written in it myself. He gives some viable comments and queries, sometimes I feel like I need a second opinion. It was an interesting read. ...more
I did learn a lot about the contents of the Koran and though he said that he read the Koran so you wouldn't have to read this book just made me want to read the Koran so that I could really see what is written in it myself. He gives some viable comments and queries, sometimes I feel like I need a second opinion. It was an interesting read. ...more
A lot of great insight in this book about the Koran, looking at all the different English translations and the variety of interpretations of Koranic teaching. Even looks at an Obama speech that quotes the Koran... I wonder if anyone told him the next line after the one he quoted? Basically he quoted a line of love thy neighbor... but the very next line is if HE is Muslim... Jews and Christians can suck a lemon.
Not what I expected. Well researched and documented, but narrow minded. Documented that the fundamentalist position is intolerant and inherently violent, then jumped to the conclusion that the fundamentalist interpretation is the only valid interpretation. I am glad I read this book (actually, listened to the audiobook), because it provided a different point of view than the one I previously held. But if this were the only point of view available, I think it would be terribly misleading.
I have to say that one of the main things I got from this book is how radically different Islam is from Christianity or any other religion. It seems strange that I see so many comments to the contrary here. Either these people read a different book than I did or they haven't actually thoroughly read the Bible as they seem to insinuate they have in their comments.
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Feb 03, 2011
Tony Derricott
added it
I listened to the audio book driving to and from work over a period of a number of days. It's 7CDs - 8 hours so it must have taken 2 or 3 weeks. Given that driving doesn't always allow you to pay full attention to the "book" I learned a number of things; mostly that the Koran doesn't seem that different than the Bible, nor Islam than Christianity. In the words of -- I think it was Jerry Maguire -- "Can't we all just get along?"
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Required reading for the 21st century
Spencer dissects the Koran without the lens of political correctness in this quick read. The notion that Islam is a religion of peace and only a few outliers hold radical views simply does not hold up in the light of the Koran's own suras and the even more extreme hadiths. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the importance of separating government and religion, which is wholly antithetical to Islam. ...more
Spencer dissects the Koran without the lens of political correctness in this quick read. The notion that Islam is a religion of peace and only a few outliers hold radical views simply does not hold up in the light of the Koran's own suras and the even more extreme hadiths. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the importance of separating government and religion, which is wholly antithetical to Islam. ...more
Great information that I am sure many people do not know. Pretty much clears up the confusion between why some say the Koran promoted peace and those that say it does not. Shows plenty of examples of how political leaders use out of context quotes to promote their beliefs about the Koran, and delves into the history, formation, and practices of the Koran.
I agree with many other reviewers on here that this book contains a lot of interesting and well researched information and is a good introduction to the Koran for the uninitiated, but that it is also extremly biased. If you read this try to get some alterantive opinions as well to hear the arguments from the other side as well before you form your own opinion.
I enjoyed this book very much. I was looking for a book that broke down the Koran in terms that I could understand. Although this book was written by Robert Spencer, who is not Muslim, it was quite interesting to hear his point of view. I suggest anyone who reads this book should intend to read a book on the same subject matter written from the perspective of a Muslim author.
Worthwhile read
The author does an admirable job that lays out key points of concern about Islam. His style is mostly irenic though at times his sarcasm is discernible. By far the most helpful aspect of the book is the use of Islamic sources, all of which are fastidiously noted. This makes the task of anyone who wishes to delve deeper on Islam much easier in finding sources.
The author does an admirable job that lays out key points of concern about Islam. His style is mostly irenic though at times his sarcasm is discernible. By far the most helpful aspect of the book is the use of Islamic sources, all of which are fastidiously noted. This makes the task of anyone who wishes to delve deeper on Islam much easier in finding sources.
Jul 28, 2011
Dovofthegalilee
added it
This is a very thorough book that refutes Islam with Islam and done so with scholarship and respect to its adherents. It's scholarly but not dry and a copy of the Koran on hand would be most recommended in conjunction.
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speaking as an "infidel" i thought it was a really balanced view of the Koran. Worth the time for sure
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Pretty interesting, light-hearted study of the Koran for Western readers, mostly underscoring the differences. I learned a lot about Islam I didn't know.
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This author and his books are quite famous and critisized both among Muslims (and this is understandable) and among Westerners (which want to break the Islam-related chain of violence and hatred). I would agree with the said Westerners previously; although, after reading the book, I have big reservations about it. In short, the author is very convincing and rational in his arguments, and I have nothing against them. However, I feel desperation now: it's very soothing to think about inevitable pe
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3,5 stars. A bit confusing at times but better than expected.
Pro
Firstly I have to explain why I think a critical book of Islam is better than an overly positive book about Islam. Lots of Westerners are now writing overly positive books about Islam and the Islamic history, but you can count critical writers on one hand.
Why is Karen Armstrong more misleading than Robert Spencer? Don't they just have biases in each their own direction? Well, it's not just about having bias. Some people hate books t ...more
Pro
Firstly I have to explain why I think a critical book of Islam is better than an overly positive book about Islam. Lots of Westerners are now writing overly positive books about Islam and the Islamic history, but you can count critical writers on one hand.
Why is Karen Armstrong more misleading than Robert Spencer? Don't they just have biases in each their own direction? Well, it's not just about having bias. Some people hate books t ...more
A must read for those that are concerned about the spread of the dangerous ideology and those who have been muslim apologists. This book exposes how the koran incites hatred and violence and is anti-democratic, anti-freedom, and intolerant of any other ideology. Stripping out the obsolete debate, it focuses on the decrees toward Jews and Christians, how they were viewed by muhammad, what the infidels have done wrong and what the koran has in store for them.
This book did little to answer the main questionI had on whether or not the Koran commands Muslims to kill all infidels. The author does not come off as a non biased source for answering such a question. To his credit he does quote the Koran hundreds of time and even gives the chapter and verse, but in the end, very few of my questions were truly answered to my satisfaction.
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ROBERT SPENCER is the director of Jihad Watch, a program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, and the author of seventeen books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The Truth About Muhammad. His latest book is The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Free Speech (and Its Enemies). Coming in November 2017 is Confessions of an Islamophobe
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“Now that we have seen what is in the Koran, let’s consider what is not in the Muslim holy book. Islam, being one of the “world’s great religions,” as well as one of the “three great Abrahamic faiths,” enjoys the benefit of certain assumptions on the part of uninformed Americans and Europeans. Many people believe that since Islam is a religion, it must teach universal love and brotherhood—because that is what religions do, isn’t it? It must teach that one ought to be kind to the poor and downtrodden, generous, charitable, and peaceful. It must teach that we are all children of a loving God whose love for all human beings should be imitated by those whom he has created. Certainly Judaism and Christianity teach these things, and they are found in nearly equivalent forms in Eastern religions. But when it comes to Islam, the assumptions are wrong. Islam makes a distinction between believers and unbelievers that overrides any obligation to general benevolence. A moral code from the Koran As we have seen, the Koran recounts how Moses went up on the mountain and encountered Allah, who gave him tablets—but says nothing about what was written on them (7:145). Although the Ten Commandments do not appear in the Koran, the book is not bereft of specific moral guidelines: its seventeenth chapter enunciates a moral code (17:22–39). Accordingly, Muslims should: 1. Worship Allah alone. 2. Be kind to their parents. 3. Provide for their relatives, the needy, and travelers, and not be wasteful. 4. Not kill their children for fear of poverty. 5. Not commit adultery. 6. Not “take life—which Allah has made sacred—except for just cause.” Also, “whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying”—that is, one should make restitution for wrongful death. 7. Not seize the wealth of orphans. 8. “Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight”—that is, conduct business honestly. 9. “Pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge.” 10. Not “walk on the earth with insolence.” Noble ideals, to be sure, but when it comes to particulars, these are not quite equivalent to the Ten Commandments. The provision about not taking life “except for just cause” is, of course, in the same book as the thrice-repeated command to “slay the idolaters wherever you find them” (9:5; 4:89; 2:191)—thus Infidels must understand that their infidelity, their non-acceptance of Islam, is “just cause” for Muslims to make war against them. In the same vein, one is to be kind to one’s parents—unless they are Infidels: “O ye who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for friends if they take pleasure in disbelief rather than faith. Whoso of you taketh them for friends, such are wrong-doers” (9:23). You”
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“You killed a Christian? Fine. But if the victim had been a Muslim. . . The rules for restitution for wrongful death are also illuminating for Infidels. The Koran (2:178) establishes a law of retaliation (qisas) for murder: equal recompense must be given for the life of the victim, which can take the form of blood money (diyah): a payment to compensate for the loss suffered. In Islamic law (Sharia), the amount of compensation varies depending on the identity of the victim. ‘Umdat al-Salik (Reliance of the Traveller), a Sharia manual that Cairo’s prestigious Al-Azhar University certifies as conforming to the “practice and faith of the orthodox Sunni community,” says that the payment for killing a woman is half that to be paid for killing a man. Likewise, the penalty for killing a Jew or Christian is one-third that paid for killing a male Muslim.1 The Iranian Sufi Sheikh Sultanhussein Tabandeh, one of the architects of the legal codes of the Islamic Republic of Iran, explains that punishments in Iran for other crimes differ as well, depending on whether the perpetrator is a Muslim. If a Muslim “commits adultery,” Tabandeh explains, “his punishment is 100 lashes, the shaving of his head, and one year of banishment.” (He is referring, of course, to a Muslim male; a Muslim female would in all likelihood be sentenced to be stoned to death.) “But if the man is not a Muslim,” Tabandeh continues, “and commits adultery with a Muslim woman his penalty is execution.” Bible vs. Koran “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves.” —Koran 48:29 “So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” —Matthew 7:12 Furthermore, if a Muslim kills a Muslim, he is to be executed, but if he kills a non-Muslim, he incurs a lesser penalty: “If a Muslim deliberately murders another Muslim he falls under the law of retaliation and must by law be put to death by the next of kin. But if a non-Muslim who dies at the hand of a Muslim has by lifelong habit been a non-Muslim, the penalty of death is not valid. Instead the Muslim murderer must pay a fine and be punished with the lash.”
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