Despite President George W. Bush's assurances that Islam is a peaceful religion and that all good Muslims hunger for democracy; confusion persists and far too many Westerners remain convinced that Muslims and terrorists are synonymous. In the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11; the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; and the recent bombings in London; an unprecedented amount of attention has been directed toward Islam and the Muslim world. Yet; even with this increased scrutiny; most of the public discourse regarding Islam revolves around the actions of extremist factions such as the Wahhabis and al-Qa'ida. But what of the Islam we don't hear about?As the second-largest and fastest-growing religion in the world; Islam is deemed by more than a billion Muslims to be a source of serenity and spiritual peace; and a touchstone for moral and ethical guidance. While extremists have an impact upon the religion that is wildly disproportionate to their numbers; moderates constitute the majority of Muslims worldwide. It is this rift between the quiet voice of the moderates and the deafening statements of the extremists that threatens the future of the faith.In The Great Theft; Khaled Abou El Fadl; one of the world's preeminent Islamic scholars; argues that Islam is currently passing through a transformative period no less dramatic than the movements that swept through Europe during the Reformation. At this critical juncture there are two completely opposed worldviews within Islam competing to define this great world religion. The stakes have never been higher; and the future of the Muslim world hangs in the balance.Drawing on the rich tradition of Islamic history and law; The Great Theft is an impassioned defense of Islam against the encroaching power of the extremists. As an accomplished Islamic jurist; Abou El Fadl roots his arguments in long-standing historical legal debates and delineates point by point the beliefs and practices of moderate Muslims; distinguishing these tenets from the corrupting influences of the extremists. From the role of women in Islam to the nature of jihad; from democracy and human rights to terrorism and warfare; Abou El Fadl builds a vital vision for a moderate Islam. At long last; the great majority of Muslims who oppose extremism have a desperately needed voice to help reclaim Islam's great moral tradition.
#612582 in Books Sallie Tisdale 2007-03-13 2007-03-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .72 x 5.31l; .53 #File Name: 0061146595320 pagesWomen of the Way Discovering 2 500 Years of Buddhist Wisdom
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wow; they were just like us!By Catherine AlelyunasLoved Tisdale's touch at presenting these women's lives in a light hearted; poetic way that illumines the teaching of each without having to play the Old guard feminist card! Feel so proud of my zen grandmothers' wisdom; grace and humor- not to mention their down to earth grit-after reading Women of the Way!16 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Recovered History for Buddhist WomenBy CustomerWomen who practice Buddhism generally notice; sooner or later; that nearly every Buddhist historical figure they study and read about is...not a woman. For some women this is disillusioning; heart-breaking; completely discouraging. Until recently; if she asked her teacher about it; he/she would likely say; "I know dear; it's too bad. There must have been great women teachers; but we just don't know who they were. Records weren't kept about them." Now; with this book; no teacher can say that; and women can begin to feel that they have ancestors too. Sallie Tisdale did an immense amount of historical research - her biographies and stories are based on solid fact - and then she took the brave step of "re-imagining" these women's lives - some of them unspeakably hard - so we can feel them as living; breathing women. Her re-imagining is also based on solid historical knowledge. She brings the women alive. I found myself in tears as I read may of the stories.I'm only sorry she chose not to footnote her work - it would have helped the skeptics to realize the historical accuracy of her biographies; provided a great resource for others; and helped to separate the "re-imagining" from the more solid material. I've been doing research on many of these women myself; and I'm realizing that really only the emotional material; or the background; is imagined. There is a solid basis for every story or dialog in the book.A readable; entertaining; beautifully written; and important book.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. seeking inner peaceBy Dr. Wilson TriviñoMen have had such a dominate place in the world and get all the recognition. However in Woman of the Way: Discovering 2500 Years of Buddhist Wisdom by Sallie Tisdale; the author has taken a look into writings attributed to women. She gives them the credit due in the tenets in Buddhism.The book covers a broad range of ideas that have a common thread and are often forgotten. It does not really matter the sex of who evoked these words but nice to learn that women have always been behind the scene leaving a mark on making the world a better place.
