Letters to My Elders in Islam

by Jerald F. Dirks

As a 1993 convert to Islam, Dr. Dirks uses an informal letter-writing format to raise a number of important issues. The topics covered are varied, both in style and content. Some letters are light, humorous, and tongue-in-cheek, while others are of the utmost seriousness (e.g., so-called honor killings, spousal abuse, and terrorism). While a firm believer in Islam, the author does not hesitate to cast a jaundiced eye from time to time at the faults, foibles, and shortcomings of the Muslim community in America and around the world. Other topics include Islamic education, politics, world affairs, and the sociology and psychology of being a Muslim in America. Addressed primarily to Muslims living in America, the book should also be of considerable interest to anyone who is interested in Islam or in the Muslim presence in America.

Genres: Islam

420 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Dr. Jerald F. Dirks received his Bachelor of Arts (philosophy) from Harvard College in 1971, his Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 1974, his Master of Arts (clinical child psychology) from the University of Denver in 1976, and his Doctor of Psychology degree in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1978.

In 1969, he obtained his License to Preach from the United Methodist Church, and he was ordained into the Christian ministry (deaconate) by the United Methodist Church in 1972.

He converted to Islam in 1993 and completed his sessions program certificate in Islamic studies from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in 1998.

Dr. Dirks is the author or co-author of over 60 published articles in the behavioral sciences (primarily in psychosomatic medicine), over 140 published articles on the Arabian horse and its history, and over 220 published articles and formal presentations on Islam, comparative religion, and private Islamic education in America. He has lectured widely on Islam at American colleges and universities.