Why I Am a Muslim

By Asma Gull Hasan

Book Overview

The press has been filled with information and misinformation about the true nature of Islam. Hasan represents what is left out of the daily newspapers and explains why being a Muslim is not merely a matter of birth, but it is a matter of choice.In the wake of 9-11, the activities of Osama Bin Laden and Hamas, and the most recent Gulf War, the western press has been filled with information and mis-information about the true nature of Islam. Is it a feudal misogynist belief system that is a threat to Western values? Is it an ideology of oppression? Or, is it a religion that is as varied as Christianity; a "big tent" that includes not only bomb-throwing ideologues, but also those committed to an authentic spirituality that embraces many of the values shared by the mainstream in Europe and America?Why I am a Muslim is an attempt to grapple with these issues. Part memoir, part polemic, it represents the side of Islam that is left out of the daily newspapers. For Hasan, being a Muslim is not merely a matter of birth, but it is a matter of choice.In seven chapters, she presents seven reasons why she is committed to Islam and why it is a viable spiritual option for anyone.1. Because I was born Muslim.2. Because Islam gives me a direct relationship with God.3. Because Islam has a rich mystical tradition in Sufism.4. Because Islam allows and expects me to make mistakes.5. Because Islam is ethnically diverse.6. Because Islam is a woman's religion.7. Because being Muslim makes me a better American (and being American makes me a better Muslim).

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0007175337
• ISBN13: 9780007175338
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Element Books
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Understanding Islam and Muslims

This book gave me a clear and honest glimpse into Islam and the Muslim world. I work with a Muslim boss and this book answered questions for me that I could not find answers to. It gave me a clear and academic explanations of the Muslim mindset. The book has very good viewpoints about Islam, that are helpful to me as a Christian to understand Islam and Muslims. This book is the best book I have found about Muslims and who they are. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to find out about Islam in-depth and about Muslims. I applaud the writer for such good work.

Why I am a Muslim...

I bought this book after seeing Asma speak in LA. I learned so much from her talking. She is smart, funny, very pretty and enjoyable to listen to, and the book is GREAT!There were mostly Muslims in attendance at the event, and they all responded enthusiastically. It was clearly a positive reinforcement for the community. Refreshing to see a relaxed, self-assured Muslim woman. I look forward to more books by Asma.

Wonderful Book!!

I loved this book!! Not only is it an easy read, it is a comprehensive look at Islam from a real life, pragmatic point of view.If you want to learn about the REAL Islam without all the political nonsense and extremist bulls**t, this is the book for you.One of the best books on Islam I have ever read!!!

Great Book!!!

As a non Muslim, I am interested to know what Islam is really about without the politics and extremist rhetoric.This book educated me on how Islam is really practiced by Muslims around the world. The Muslims I know are like this author, not the ones on the news, so it is great to see this message out there.I would highly recommend this book!

Everyone should read this great book.

This is the one book on Muslims and Islam that should be read by everyone throughout the world. You not only learn the true value of her Islamic faith, but discover the beauty, grace and the love of her faith and life itself she shares with her readers. It was not only a journey of joy, but a great learning experience.The chapter on "Sufism" is one that made a great impact on me personally; especially the section entitled "Finding God Within." The richness along with the mysticism is so real and peaceful that it made me both happy, and at the same time cry in delight. The love that is paramount to the Sufi's is a love that fills Ms Hasan's heart for it is so abundantly clear in her magnificent writing. Islam offers non-Muslims principles that can be used in our daily lives, which Ms Hasan makes so evident in a terrific book. She has made a positive and lasting impact upon my life, as well as increasing my understanding of the truth of Islam. I simply cannot recommend it enough.