ARCHIVE - AUGUST 2016 - If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran

[Teri]

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week Four

(view spoiler)[Chapter 12 – Jesus, Mary, and the Quran – 214 - 228

This chapter focuses on what the Quran says about the prophets of God. According to Akram, there are five major prophets: Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad. The theme of sacrifice for God is also discussed, using the story of Mary as an example. Akram then discusses the story of Jesus and the Islamic view of Jesus as a prophet, not the son of God, the way Christians believe. The author and Akram discuss the differences between Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and each religion’s thoughts. Akram believes that it is God’s plan to have differing views and free will, otherwise he would have made everyone the same.


The Presentation of the Virgin Mary by Titian (1534-38, Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice).

Chapter 13 – Beyond Politics – 229 - 239

This chapter begins by explaining the difference between the noun Islam and the verb islam. The verb islam in the Quran mostly means to submit or surrender oneself to God. Likewise there is a difference between Muslim and muslim. The chapter wraps up with Akram discussing how Muslims and non-Muslims should be friends. That Muslims can only bring non-Muslims to Islam through friendship.


An aerial view of Mecca, with the Grand Mosque at center, on September 25, 2015.

Chapter 14 – The Pharaoh and His Wife – 240 - 258

This chapter focuses on the difference between justice and peace. According to Akram, the Quran teaches that it is better to have peace than to have justice. He also believe that you should obey the law of the land as long as it does not interfere with your worship. The politics of Greece and Egypt are covered. Freedom is also discussed. What freedom means to Americans vs. what it means to Muslims.


Maadi, Cairo

Chapter 15 – War Stories – 259 - 271

In chapter 15 we learn about modern wars fought in the name of Islam by Muslim extremist and jihadist. Akram feels that the Quran tells Muslims not to fight but be peaceful and focus on Allah. The word / term jihad is discussed in detail.


Statue of Liberty Between Twin Towers, World Trade Center at Sunset, New York City.

Chapter 16 – The Last Lesson – 272 - 289

The theme to chapter 16 is death. Akram states that all that we do in our lifetime ends in death. Death is a universal occurrence, common to all men and women. The author and Akram share their experience of losing a parent.


Mohammad Asad (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Freedom

(view spoiler)[This week we will get in to some in depth conversation about some Islamic tenets. We touch on the themes of freedom and faith, as well as death and the hereafter.

1. What does freedom mean to you?

2. Do you think people make sacrifices to be happy or are we “slaves of desire”?

(hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 12 – pages 214 - 228

(view spoiler)[1. On page 217 –Akram mentions the Vince Lombardi quote, “The difference between a successful person and others was not a lack of strength, or a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” What does thirs statement mean to you?

2. On page 217 the author states, “I’ve often engaged most fully with American culture by stepping back and looking at it from a distance.” Do you find that you can see more clearly when you distance yourself from something?

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Hello all! I started this book today and have finished the first week's reading so I'm going to dive right in with the associated questions. This is my first discussion participation within the group. I think I have the rules down but if I make any mistakes in format or anything please let me know!

My Answers to Week One Discussion Questions – Introduction – pages 1 – 25

(view spoiler)[

1. Have you, as a child, developed an interest, not knowing it would, one day, turn into a life-long obsession? Tell us about it.

Obsession is a strong word, but I have taken great interest in language and linguistics. This stems from elementary school French classes being one of my favourite subjects. I followed that through all 12 years of elementary and secondary school. As an adult it has led to me pursuing fluency in other languages, as well as taking an interest in word origins and archaic language.

2. Have you ever read Quran? If yes, what do you think of it? If not, would you like to? And if you don't want to, tell us the reason why. Have you read the Bible? The Torah?

I have not read any religious text in its entirety though I am familiar with many of the Bible's teachings coming from a Catholic-based educational background. I do not consider myself to be a religious person, but from a scholarly point of view I do see value in religious texts and consider their impact on particular cultures. For this reason I am very open-minded to reading them.

3. What is your opinion on the events and feelings developed following 9/11 and the relationship between Islamic world and the Non- Islamic world? Do you think religions and personal faiths are presented fairly to those who believe differently?

The post-9/11 culture of fear and hate is perpetuated by ignorance and a one-sided media portrayal of the Islamic world. Unfortunately, the majority of what we in the Western world see of Islam are skewed to the negative because sensationalism and tragedy is what is considered "newsworthy," and a climate of fear is being used as a political tool. Just as organizations such as the Westboro Baptist group or the Klu Klux Klan are not representative of all Christians, terrorist organizations such as ISIS are not representative of all Christians. It is natural to fear the unknown. That being said, we are coming up on 15 years since 9/11. That has been plenty of time for people to educate themselves on the realities of Islam and not just the fanatical side that is portrayed by the media, yet many people still remain ignorant. Books such as the one we are currently reading are ever more important in coming to an understanding about the true nature of Islam.

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

My Answers to Week One Discussion Questions – Chapter 1 – pages 26 – 37
(view spoiler)[

1. How much do you know about the teachings of Quran? Do you think it differs greatly from Holy Books of other organized religions?

At one point in my life, I was in a relationship with a man whose father is Muslim so I was exposed to a lot of the culture and have a general sense of the belief system, I confess that I do not know what portion of that actually comes from the teachings of the Quran. I am interested to see how that plays out further along in the book.

2. Did you know there were more than 8000 women scholars in the history of Islam? Have you ever heard about any of them?

That I did not know. Islam in Western media is portrayed as a very oppressive environment for women. I would not have expected there to be female scholars. Though when you consider that there are well over 1 billion Muslims in the world, 8000 does not seem a very large number at all.

3. Are you familiar with Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi and his work? What do you think of him, based on what you've read so far?

I am not familiar with the work of Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi at all, nor any other Sheikh for that matter. I don't really have a sense of him just yet, but as others have already mentioned, I like that he is open-minded enough to share his teachings and go through the Quran with a non-Muslim. I am interested to hear more of his thoughts in the coming chapters.

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

My Answers to Week One Discussion Questions – Chapter 2 – pages 27 – 36

(view spoiler)[

1. Did religion play a prominent role in your upbringing? Do you think it affected or still affects your life and in what way? Do you consider a religious upbringing to be positive or negative for a person?

My family was never particularly religious, but I was baptized as an infant, went through all the Christian sacraments, and did grow up in a Catholic school system. As an adult, I am now an Atheist. I was never really able to reconcile religion with my personal science-based view of the world. I don't think that a religious upbringing in itself is positive or negative for a person inherently, but there are extremes in all religions that might not necessarily yield the best outcome. There can be a certain climate of elitism, an "our way is the one true right way" mentality that I personally never agreed with. As a once-Catholic, one thing that really bothered me was that we went through the sacrament of Confirmation, confirming that yes we accept the Catholic faith as our personal belief system when I was in the eight grade, but not a single discussion on other religious viewpoints occurred until a grade 11 World Religions class. That seemed backwards to me. I have taken it upon myself to educate myself on other cultures and ways of thinking, but not everybody does. It's definitely a factor in the climate of fear and hate we're living in now. Education breeds understanding which by definition limits ignorance. There is far too little proper education on different, non-Western worldviews.

2. Have you traveled extensively (or still traveling)? Do you think traveling has any effect on the development of a person? What kind? Have you ever lived in a completely different cultural environment for an extended period of time and how did you feel?

I have not been able to do very much travelling in my life so far but not for lack of wanting to. I consider myself to be a very avid "armchair traveller" visiting many parts of the world via books and trying to digitally immerse myself in cultures through other means such as documentaries and Youtube videos, or learning to cook cuisine a particular culture might be known for. I like to keep track on a map of all the places I've "visited" in this way.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Week One Discussion Questions – Chapter 2 – pages 37 – 48

(view spoiler)[

3. How well do you think you are informed about the events happening outside of your country, especially in countries where Islam is a dominant religion? Do you think that the media is giving a truthful picture of what is happening today in the world?

I think I am perhaps more informed than the average Joe about the happenings of the Islamic world but only because I try and seek out perspectives from non-traditional news sources. The media is very slanted in portraying only one side of events and most of the time it is the more unsavoury bits because that's what "sells". Even the more liberal mainstream news outlets tend to focus on playing up emotions rather than non-biased, fact-based coverage.

4. "If someone runs over a dog belonging to an American, he will be prosecuted, but if an American cook runs over the Shah, the head of the state, no one will have the right to interfere with him."
How do you feel about this quote?

I need to think about this one a bit more before I answer fully, but I do agree with what was previously said along the lines of America being seen as "untouchable."

(hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Week Four Discussion Questions - Freedom

(view spoiler)[1. What does freedom mean to you?

It means being able to decide for myself on what is best for me, and to live by my own inner moral compass, and not the one dictated by convention and society.

2. Do you think people make sacrifices to be happy or are we “slaves of desire”?

Not an easy question to answer. I think that people nowadays are looking more and more to satisfied their own personal needs, rather than those dictated by society, but when you label it a "slave of desire", it sounds so wrong, and it shouldn't be. We should be happy in anyway we can, otherwise spending 60, 70, 80 years in this life might be awfully dull and dissatisfying. A lot of people are still making sacrifices in order to fulfill a role given to them by someone else. (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 12 – pages 214 - 228

(view spoiler)[1. On page 217 –Akram mentions the Vince Lombardi quote, “The difference between a successful person and others was not a lack of strength, or a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” What does this statement mean to you?

Oh, I've experienced this very thing many times in my live and still do, and I can honestly say that the statement is true. Many times in my life I was just to lazy to do something, even though I knew I had the means. But, people are also often hindered by their own inability to believe in themselves and it stops them from accomplishing something.

2. On page 217 the author states, “I’ve often engaged most fully with American culture by stepping back and looking at it from a distance.” Do you find that you can see more clearly when you distance yourself from something?

Definitely. If you get in the middle of something or are personally very invested, your judgment can get clouded by emotions, but when you step aside, your view clears. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Ashley wrote: "Hello all! I started this book today and have finished the first week's reading so I'm going to dive right in with the associated questions. "

Welcome Ashley! I look forward to reading your inputs. You are doing a great job and I am so glad you jumped right in. These threads never close, so even if you're behind, we keep the discussion going!

Response to Ashley - Introduction

(view spoiler)[Great comments. You are very right, this is an important read and I hope that many people will read it. As you mention, the media distorts so much and people don't stop to truly learn about other people and cultures that are different than their own. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Ashley wrote: "My Answers to Week One Discussion Questions – Chapter 1 – pages 26 – 37"

Response to Ashley - Chapter 1

(view spoiler)[I'll be interested how you like the Sheikh (Akram) as you move along the book. He is a very interesting person and has a unique perspective. Gives for some very thought provoking discussions.

I think many of us were surprised to learn about the 8000 women. I suspect there are many more Muslim women that we should learn about. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Ashley wrote: "My Answers to Week One Discussion Questions – Chapter 2 "

Response to Ashley - Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[You bring up a good point on worldview. I have God-Daughters that are home-schooled. One of their classes is a Worldview class. They learn about other cultures and religions. They've been to several places of worship of other religions (Synagogues, etc.) and met with their leaders. I think it's good to expose children to other cultures and religions. It fosters understanding and tolerance, something we seem to be sorely lacking these days.

I love your armchair traveling. What is your favorite place to have "visited" so far? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Week Four Discussion Questions - Freedom"

Samanta - Freedom

(view spoiler)[I smile at your comment about slave of desire sounding wrong. I agree we need to be happy in whatever makes us happy. Every generation has their "thing". Right now it seems to be technology. But do you think people can go too far with their desires? i.e. make bad decisions in a moment to have what they want but maybe what they can't afford or to ignore important things in life to be happy for a short time? Not questioning your thoughts, just playing devil's advocate. ;-) (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 12 – pages 214 - 228"

Samanta - Worldview

(view spoiler)[I have a feeling a lot of people can admit to having a lack of will in some things they do. I suppose it depends on how much you desire something and how important it is to you, whether you will be successful or not. But it is will and desire, I think that go hand in hand.

There is a term, and I want to say it's called to "sidebar" your own views to full appreciate someone else's worldview. Without removing yourself and your opinions, you can never really expand your own worldview. (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Teri - Devil's Advocate :)

(view spoiler)[You are not playing devil's advocate when I'm questioning my own thoughts, or at least they way I formulated my opinion. :D
Yes, I do think that people can go too far to get what they want, but that is because we all believe that material things can make us happy. If I'm not mistaken, Akram says that, when marrying, we have to think in terms of material security rather than "desire". Does he also put love under the term "desire"? The world is as it is exactly because we seek happiness in material things. So no, I do not condone the pursuit of happiness by cheating people around you to get as much money as you can, buy an expensive car, and all the new toys available. It seems to me that Akram is seeing the union of two people as a contract, and how is that truly pious then. To me that is actually very "down to Earth" and not in any way related to God. (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Teri - Worldview

(view spoiler)[There is a term, and I want to say it's called to "sidebar" your own views to full appreciate someone else's worldview. Without removing yourself and your opinions, you can never really expand your own worldview.

I agree wholeheartedly with this. I confess that I can be pretty stubborn when debating an issue close to my heart, but I also tend to listen to other views on topics on which I was told to think in a certain way. Otherwise I wouldn't be reading this book, but just listen to my father who is a rather conservative Catholic and is not a fan of Muslims. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 13 – pages 229 - 239

(view spoiler)[1. How do you feel about Akram’s translation of Muslim / muslim in the Quran? According to Akram all people (Christian, Jews, etc.) who worship God are muslim. Do you think the word muslim is only seen as Muslim?

2. On page 232, Akram states “The reason people hate us is they believe we have come to this country to take…But we have to give.” How do you feel about this statement? Do you think that people perceive Muslims as takers?


‘Biryani’- cooked in a clay oven, over an open fire. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 14 – pages 240 - 258

(view spoiler)[1. Is it better to have peace or justice?

2. On page 249, the author says of Akram, “I understand when he says that politics is a corrupt environment. But if we leave politics only to the corrupt, we will have corrupt politicians all the time.” How do you feel about this statement? Agree / disagree?

3. On page 255 Akram says “True freedom means freedom from desire. True freedom means freedom of thinking. If your mind just follows your desires – how to make more money, how to eat more, drink more, have more things – it’s really worse than slavery.” Your thoughts?


Mohamed Morsi - former President of Egypt (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 15 – pages 259 - 271

(view spoiler)[1. What are your thoughts on Akram’s description of jihad? Is this very different than what you expected?

2. The Sheikh talked about how Muslims don’t study the Quran enough. That education is needed. He believes that today, Muslims tend to consult the “Sheikh Google” rather than consulting a trained Quranic scholar. What do you think? Do we see this trend with other people and in other areas of our society? Think about religion, medicine, history, etc.?


Daoud Khan abolished the monarchy in Afghanistan. He then proclaimed himself as the President of the Republic of Afghanistan in July 1973. (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Response to Chapter 13 Questions
(view spoiler)[According to Akram all people (Christian, Jews, etc.) who worship God are muslim. Do you think the word muslim is only seen as Muslim? Akram is referring here to the etymology of the word, i.e. "follower of God", as opposed to the current definition, i.e. "follower of Islam." I think his statement that all people who worship God are muslim, while it may literally be true given the origin of the word "muslim", strikes me as a little disingenuous.

2. On page 232, Akram states “The reason people hate us is they believe we have come to this country to take…But we have to give.” How do you feel about this statement? Do you think that people perceive Muslims as takers? Akram made this statement as an argument for sharing Muslim beliefs with others - I think he makes a good point. In the U.S. I see it more as fear of or aversion to the "other", stemming from a lack of knowledge or understanding combined with negative and frightening stories in the media. Also, I think we are learning in this book that there are many ways to be Muslim - like the other major religions, it's not a monolith. (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Response to Chapter 14 Questions
(view spoiler)[
Is it better to have peace or justice? Can there be peace without justice? Doesn't justice imply peace, fairness, equitable treatment? Unless by justice you mean retribution, in which case peace is better.

2. On page 249, the author says of Akram, “I understand when he says that politics is a corrupt environment. But if we leave politics only to the corrupt, we will have corrupt politicians all the time.” How do you feel about this statement? Agree / disagree? There has to be a middle ground between the total disattachment that Akram espouses and placing politics at the center of one's faith system. The Christian tradition teaches "Faith without works is dead." James 2:14-26
Holy Bible: King James Version by (no photo) Anonymous

3. On page 255 Akram says “True freedom means freedom from desire. True freedom means freedom of thinking. If your mind just follows your desires – how to make more money, how to eat more, drink more, have more things – it’s really worse than slavery.” Your thoughts? True, but it's easier to espouse this idea from a position of relative wealth and prosperity. (hide spoiler)]

[Michele]

Response to Chap. 15 Questions

(view spoiler)[ 1. What are your thoughts on Akram’s description of jihad? Is this very different than what you expected?

He seems to describe it as more of an internal battle rather than an external one. I can't say it wasn't what I expected, since I already know of this key difference between the literal and the more spiritual.

2. The Sheikh talked about how Muslims don’t study the Quran enough. That education is needed. He believes that today, Muslims tend to consult the “Sheikh Google” rather than consulting a trained Quranic scholar. What do you think? Do we see this trend with other people and in other areas of our society? Think about religion, medicine, history, etc.?

Oh yes, I see this a lot. A fair amount of "christians" have never read the Bible, cover to cover and yet will "cherry pick" out whatever verses they need to support whatever issue. This trend is though out the "culture wars" in the US. The Second Admendment is one example. Too many focus on the second half and ignore the first half. I am willing to bet we can find examples everywhere! (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Chapter 16 – pages 272 - 289

(view spoiler)[1. What are your thoughts on the afterlife? Do you believe in a true heaven and hell (i.e. hellfire) as described in the Bible and Quran?

2. On page 279, Akram describes a story of Muhammad Asad talking with a Bavarian Christian. In discussing the Holy Trinity, Asad asked the Bavarian to explain the concept. His description stated that you must have faith to understand. Asad replied “You tell me, ‘Believe in faith, and then you will understand it’…My religion tells me ‘Use your reason, then you will gain faith.’” What are your thoughts on blind faith, not just in religion but life? Have you made decision on pure faith that “things will work out?”


San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-era city in Mexico's central highlands, is known for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene and cultural festivals. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Donna wrote: "Response to Chapter 13 Questions"

Response to Donna - Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[Very good point, i.e. many ways to be a Muslim. I think, like many Christians believe, there are many ways to serve God, many ways to be Christian, many ways to be Muslim. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Donna wrote: " Response to Chapter 14 Questions"

Response to Donna - Justice

(view spoiler)[Yes, I did mean that in this case, justice means retribution. Can you have peace without retribution, getting even, etc.? Is peace to be equated with "having closure"? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Michele wrote: " Response to Chap. 15 Questions"

Response to Michele - Sheikh Google

(view spoiler)[As I was reading the part about Sheikh Google, I kept thinking of all the people that use WebMD instead of seeking a doctor when they really need it. Where it can be very informative, it should not be used to replace a doctor. Just as I think that people of all faith should have a scholar / priest / preacher / rabbi, etc. help to guide them when needed. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Four Discussion Questions - Wrapping Up the Week

(view spoiler)[1. How did you feel about Akram's explanations of Quran text on issues in this week's reading? Do you feel he was contradictory or was he solid in his stance? i.e. faith, politics, jihads, sacrifice, etc.

2. After reading these chapters, do you see more commonality between Islam and other faiths or do you see a sharper divide?

(hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Peace and Justice
(view spoiler)[My understanding is that justice is a major idea in the Islamic faith and I think there is a differentiation that is important between individual justice and national or communal justice. From my own observations and experiences, it seems that when, as individuals, we seek retribution or "evening the scale" when we are wronged, it rarely leads to peace or "closure." Rather, people seem to be more at peace when they are able to forgive and take some positive action (i.e. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Megan's Law, etc.). For countries or governments, peace (meaning an absence of violence) is sometimes achieved through retributions, although the peace often isn't lasting. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Donna wrote: "Peace and Justice
[spoilers removed]"

Response to Donna - Peace and Justice

(view spoiler)[Agreed and I like that you differentiated between individual and governmental justice. Religious would be lumped in with the country/governments as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Hi Everyone! We are wrapping up our August read this week with the Conclusion to If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran. I want to Thank everyone for such a great discussion. I hope others will join in as they get a chance to pick up this great read.

I look forward to our next read that will start on Thursday: The House of Twenty Thousand Books.

We will move from the discussion of Islam to a discussion of socialist literature and Jewish history. I hope you'll join me there!

by Sasha Abramsky

[Teri]

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week Five

(view spoiler)[Conclusion – Everlasting Return – 290 - 299

In the conclusion the author reflects on what she had learned from the Sheikh. His message was that life runs on a circle, a cycle of days with God at every point on the circle.


Yusuf in the Ashmolean (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions - Conclusion – pages 290 - 299

(view spoiler)[1. On page 291 the author states, “For the Sheikh, existence was a circle with God at its end, beginning, and every point in between. From Allah he has come, and to Allah he will return.” What did you feel was Akram’s message?

2. On page 293 Akram states “When a culture focuses on the outer aspects of a faith – like a headscarf – their religion just becomes about identity,…At the end of the day, people are carrying a dead body, with no soul.” What are your thoughts on this statement? Do people get too tied up in their physical identity instead of what truly make them happy?


The circle in Islamic culture (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Final Thoughts - Conclusion
(view spoiler)[On page 291 the author states, “For the Sheikh, existence was a circle with God at its end, beginning, and every point in between. From Allah he has come, and to Allah he will return.” What did you feel was Akram’s message?

This image resonated with me as well as the idea that earthly life can be seen as a straight line. The idea of the circle of life can be seen in ancient imagery such as the spiral imagery we saw in the stones at Newgrange, Ireland, which predates Stonehenge.

I enjoyed the book and the discussion, Teri. Your questions were thought-provoking and caused me to reflect even though I didn't always post my response. The book did hold some disappointments for me but I view it as a good beginning for further reading about Islam. I won't be with you for September's discussion as I'm starting another giant biography. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Donna wrote: "Final Thoughts - Conclusion"

Hi Donna ~ I'm so glad you could join us this month. I appreciate everyone's input and viewpoint. I appreciate your nod to the discussion questions. Not all books lead to great points of discussion but this one certainly did. Enjoy your giant biography! What will you be reading?

(view spoiler)[The circle is a symbolic reference for so many things in life. I like the idea, too, of earthly life being a straight line, perhaps with occasional bumps along the way. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions - The Book as a Whole

(view spoiler)[1. The Sheikh often told the author that it is important to read and learn. Has this book, Akram’s views, inspired you to read the Quran or other religious texts or to learn more about religion in general?

2. What most interested you about the Sheikh?


Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Teri wrote: "Donna wrote: "Final Thoughts - Conclusion"

Hi Donna ~ I'm so glad you could join us this month. I appreciate everyone's input and viewpoint. I appreciate your nod to the discussion questions. Not ..."

Along with HBC, I'll be reading Washington: A Life, after having just finished Alexander Hamilton.
and by Ron Chernow

[Teri]

Donna wrote: "Teri wrote: "Donna wrote: "Final Thoughts - Conclusion"

Hi Donna ~ I'm so glad you could join us this month. I appreciate everyone's input and viewpoint. I appreciate your nod to the discussion qu..."

Those are both on my list to read! I hope to join in with the Washington read.

[Teri]

Week Five Discussion Questions - The Book as a Whole

(view spoiler)[1. What is your biggest takeaway from the book?

2. What questions do you still have? What was left unanswered?


The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford (hide spoiler)]

[Ann D]

I'm sorry that I was traveling and not able to participate in the last part of the discussion. I have finished the book now and have enjoyed reading the comments.

I would not have read this book if I had not happened upon the discussion on The History Book Club at Goodreads, but I am very glad that I found it. I learned a lot about Mohamed and the core beliefs of Islam. I developed a lot of admiration for the Sheikh, who turned out to be surprisingly tolerant for a scholar who accepted the Quran literally.

This comment by author Carla Power pretty much sums up my feeling about studying other cultures.

(P. 300) "Our lessons were rites paying tribute to my belief that to be fully human is to try to understand others".

Thanks for leading the discussion, Teri.

[Carla]

Hi Teri and everyone else,

I just discovered that my book Oceans was your book of the month last month! I'm grateful--and sorry that I only just now found out about your discussions. Teri, thanks for posting such thoughtful questions...and everyone else, all my thanks for giving it your time and energy!

Warm regards,

Carla

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

Hello Carla - I am thrilled to see that you have posted. Teri has done a very good job.

Regards,
Bentley

[Teri]

Carla wrote: "Hi Teri and everyone else,

I just discovered that my book Oceans was your book of the month last month! I'm grateful--and sorry that I only just now found out about your discussions. Teri, thanks ..."

Thank you, Carla. I hope my moderation did your book justice. Thank you for writing it.

[Carla]

Bentley,

Utterly agree! She did a wonderful job handling the text itself, and her photos and linked articles added lots of angles to it....

Thanks again!

Carla

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give them any helpful info that they might have missed or did not understand. It is always great when an author participates and had we known of your interest - we would have notified you in advance so that you could have participated. You can just post your additional input right on this thread - I know it will be well received.

[Carla]

Hi Bentley at all---

Thanks! I'll have a look and pop in a few comments! What fun!

All best,

Carla



Bentley wrote: "You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give..."

Teri wrote: "Donna wrote: "Response to Chapter 13 Questions"

Response to Donna - Chapter 13

[spoilers removed]"

Bentley wrote: "You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give..."

Bentley wrote: "You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give..."

Bentley wrote: "You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give..."

Bentley wrote: "You are welcome Carla - if you have a chance - you might want to read what folks had to say about different segments and/or questions that they might have had and just post your impressions or give..."