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Best Islam

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
A revised foreword and introduction A substantially extended epilogue that shares how Nabeel told his friend David of his decision to follow Christ, how his parents found out, and much more Expert contributions from scholars and ministry leaders on each section of the book, contributions previously included only in the ebook edition An appendix with a topical table of contents (for teaching from Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus ) An appendix tackling the objection that Ahmadi Muslims are not true Muslims And a sneak peek prologue from Nabeel’s forthcoming new book, No God but One: Allah or Jesus ? Nabeel Qureshi is a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
Reviews
"For myself, I was reliving the search I had pursued forty five years ago, when my embrace of existentialism had left me so empty and purposeless that I had to reconsider the claims of Christ, just in case they might be true. I found myself anticipating each next step in Nabeel's intellectual journey, as each critical aspect of the truth of Christianity was substantiated by his investigations. I even experienced to a degree Nabeel's family conflicts, though for me it was my mother's amazement and bitter disappointment with my choice after college of seminary instead of medical school."
"The dedication at the beginning of the book, read by the author himself, had me bawling like a baby. I was unaware of how much disagreement about doctrine that there is within different Muslim beliefs and Qureshi walks through them carefully and respectfully."
"I have to say that as a Christian, before reading this book, I had very little knowledge of the Muslim faith and how Muslim children are raised."
"Nabeel’s testimony, the description of his journey in life as a young Muslim and the crisis of faith he experienced all impacted me strongly."
"He pursues the documented evidence with the commitment that whatever he finds he will believe in the God that is truth - even if he finds that the teaching that was a part of his life since birth may or may not be truth."
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The Complete Persepolis
It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up. She now lives in Paris, where she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
Reviews
"I read it before I bought it."
"I thought Persepolis I was amazing because it showed a side to a young muslim girl that is rarely shown in American media, I was able to connect with the characters in the graphic novel."
"Persepolis was an excellent graphic novel, a mix of history, culture, and themes of growing up."
"The book cover design is beautiful with its pop of turquoise against the black and white."
"It is the story of any young person who is growing up feeling like an alien and trying his/her best to fit into society."
"Easy read."
"Satrapi brings her story of a young women caught between civilizations to life within this magical text. It shows the common feelings that all women feel as we go through puberty."
"I'm trying my best to make up for my American public school education by learning more about the history of the rest of the world, and I was hoping that a first hand memoir like Persepolis would be a helpful tool in that task. I would be afraid that kind of linear cogency might have been reductionistic and excluded the many facets of Satrapi's life that were not the headlines of the war."
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The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley
ONE OF TIME ’S TEN MOST IMPORTANT NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY In the searing pages of this classic autobiography, originally published in 1964, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and anti-integrationist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Black Muslim movement. The Autobiography of Malcolm X stands as the definitive statement of a movement and a man whose work was never completed but whose message is timeless. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me; the blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will.” —Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father. Its dead level honesty, its passion, its exalted purpose, will make it stand as a monument to the most painful truth.” — The Nation. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me; the blunt poetry of his words, his unadorned insistence on respect, promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline, forged through sheer force of will.” —Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father. I’m one of hundreds of thousands whose lives were changed for the better.” —Spike Lee “This book will have a permanent place in the literature of the Afro-American struggle.” —I.
Reviews
"From Watching his interviews and speeches on YouTube, I was able to match his words from this book to the voice I heard on the videos. A book as told by the Man himself in his own words without any tampering from the writer."
"The black man must be retaught , reeducated, and made to know he is a man like everyone else . Malcolm you were misunderstood , when you were doing was responding to society's treatment ."
"Especially now that we seem to be repeating a lot of the horrible rracist human habits that caused this country to implode during the 50's/60's."
"It takes the readers on a journey on Malcolm X's life, from the beginning until the end."
"About half way through I ran out of steam."
"AS OSSIE DAVIS COINED HIM , WHEN IT WAS ALL SAID & DONE. BROTHER MALCOMLM " WAS OUR SHINNING BLACK PRINCE " WHO DIDN'T HESITATE TO DIE FOR HIS PEOPLE !!!"
"To all muslims (especially muslims living in the west): I strongly recomend the reading of this book; maybe you will find in this martyr the inspiration that you've lacked 'till now to stand and study your faith."
"However, Penguin Modern Classics has reprinted this essential piece of literature anew-WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL EPILOGUE or Ossie Davis' contributions to the work. Anyone who has read the complete Malcolm X Autobiography in depth knows fully well that this is untrue, an absolute falsity and misrepresentation that can lead to dangerous miscalculations."
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Best Hadith

The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari: Arabic-English (English and Arabic Edition)
Generally regarded as the single most authentic collection of Ahadith, Sahih Al-Bukhari covers almost all aspects of life in providing proper guidance from the messenger of Allah. Then he worked in the University Hospital in Lahore, after that he traveled to England and stayed there for about four years, where he got the Diploma of Chest Diseases from the University of Wales. He stayed in the Ministry of Health for about 15 years, most of that period was in At-Ta'if, where he worked as the Director of El-Sadad Hospital for the Chest Diseases, then he moved to AlMadinah, where he worked as a Chief of the Department of Chest Diseases in the King's Hospital.
Reviews
"Great collection of ahadith from Bukhari."
"Great books to add to anybody’s collection, a must read for all!"
"One of the best things I have invested in my money."
"Adequate summary, but not as thorough as the full set."
"The small book is great for carrying around, especially since I needed it for class."
"I have chosen to purchase this book because it is a condensed form of the voluminous collection that is Bukhari."
"Excellent supplemental reading after the Noble Qu'ran!"
"The book is absolutely beautiful."
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Best History of Islam

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)
Islam expert Robert Spencer reveals Islam's ongoing, unshakable quest for global conquest and why the West today faces the same threat as the Crusaders did--and what we can learn from their experience. "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." "The courageous Robert Spencer busts myths and tells truths about jihadists that no one else will tell."
Reviews
"I already have a copy of the Quran in English, and a book that describes and praises Islam and its history."
"Every freedom loving individual should read this before it's too late."
"A great read."
"An absolutely fascinating and informative analysis of Islam and the true history about the Crusades, as well as the current looming crisis with Islam."
"Very good info."
"A very important look at an enemy we will have to face more and more."
"We have to do our own homework when it comes to learning the truth about history."
"I have recommended this book to everyone I know."
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Best Islamic Law

No Go Zones: How Sharia Law Is Coming to a Neighborhood Near You
How in No Go Zones a blind eye is being turned to polygamy, female genital mutilation, sexual assault, segregation, and even honor killings Why Muslim ghettos in the West aren't the equivalent of Little Italy or Chinatown, but a serious cultural and political threat How the welfare state actually funds and supports a Muslim subculture of resentment How to identify extremist mosques A matter of numbers: how mass migration could transform Europe into a Muslim-dominated continent within our own lifetimes The alarming speed at which No Go Zones are coming to America Compelling in its reporting, shocking in its detail, Raheem Kassam's No Go Zones is one of the most frightening true stories you will read this year.
Reviews
"As Kassam details, Europe has appeased Islamists who have taken over Islamic communities and created a state within a state, encouraging Muslims not to assimilate, spreading lies about the police and the citizens, and using the threat of violence and actual violence to instill fear in the locals to get what they want. Fear, guilt, and naivety has made the regressive left, political and media elites, submit to the radical Islamic right, to their Ultra Conservative Imams and religious scholars and self-proclaimed 'community leaders' who form and enforce the No Go Zones to enforce Sharia (Islamic law)."
"Much as I wonder at giving a 'like' rating to a book that expresses so much potential darkness for the future of Western Civilization, the author earned this evaluation."
"I, a West London boy who studied politics at the University of Westminister, arguably should not be the one telling these stories from the United States, or Belgium, or France, or Swedon. But the failure of the mainstream media to produce real reporting on No Go Zones has left me with no other choice but to bring this topic to light." -- page 235. Did you know that while Saudi Arabia has consistently refused to welcome Syrian refugees into their own country while at the same time they have pledged to build 200 mosques in Germany? Clearly there is something sinister afoot in Europe and unless we shift gears forthwith here in America the same sort of egregious problems will be coming to a town near you. As editor-in-chief of Breitbart London, Raheem Kassam has been aggressively and courageously covering these and a whole host of other troubling stories regarding the march of radical Islam through Europe and now to the shores of America."
"Many immigrants are fine, who could object to Hindu's or Sheikhs but one group refuses to assimilate and second and even third generations are do not speak English as their first language."
"Good Read, and a lot of information."
"Very informative book."
"Very informative book about shari moslem enclaves forming in Europe and the United States!"
"It's refreshing for somebody to actually be talking openly about this issue."
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Best Mecca in Islam

The Siege of Mecca: The Forgotten Uprising in Islam's Holiest Shrine and the Birth of al-Qaeda
Led by a Saudi preacher named Juhayman al Uteybi, they believed that the Saudi royal family had become a craven servant of American infidels, and sought a return to the glory of uncompromising Islam. Though most captured gunmen were quickly beheaded, the Saudi royal family responded to this unprecedented challenge by compromising with the rebels’ supporters among the kingdom’s most senior clerics, helping them nurture and export Juhayman’s violent brand of Islam around the world. The most formative event in the modern history of this secretive and at times morally disgusting petrocracy is vivisected by Trofimov to unsettling effect, and he reminds us of why anything that has happened or will happen there is a matter of great concern to the world.”. —Tom Bissell, author of God Lives in St. Petersburg and The Father of All Things.
Reviews
"The most common of them all was the story that the miscreant radicals who laid siege to the Kaaba were Shiites that were trying to claim Masjid Al Haram for themsleves. While reading this book everytime I stumbled upon an Islamic matters like history, rulings and an Arab customs, (and I am not claiming to be well-versed on these aspects but I could easily distinguish if just for instance an anecdote being attributed to the Arabs are fake or genuine) I could tell that the author really done some research and this book is really accurate which illustrates his knowledge on the subject that proves his resoluteness in incorporating the authentic details in his book. Though the boook titled itself as “The Siege of Mecca” but I think the most accurate title would be “The siege of Masjid Al Haram.’ Only a very small portion of the entire city was held hostage by the radicals, in fact the sorrounding hotels and other establishment adjacent to the Masjid was still occupied while the rest of the city was running business as usual. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand and want to have a broad knowledge on what really happened in November 1979 in Masjid Al Haram."
"He then explores its aftermath and illustrates the continuing violence and terrorism associated with the Wahhabi extremism in many countries across the Middle East including the assassination of the Egyptian President Anwar Sadat."
"Excellent book!"
"While I was vaguely familiar with the attempted siege of the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979, the details behind the takeover by Sunni's intent on overthrowing the Saudi Royal family and the ultimately "successful" subduing of the followers of Juhayman makes for a fascinating read and raises questions about the lasting impact of this event."
"I "read" this book via Audio Books."
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Best Muhammed in Islam

Ali: A Life
Jonathan Eig, hailed by Ken Burns as one of America’s master storytellers, radically reshapes our understanding of the complicated man who was Ali. Jonathan Eig’s Ali reveals Ali in the complexity he deserves, shedding important new light on his politics, religion, personal life, and neurological condition. Ali is a story about America, about race, about a brutal sport, and about a courageous man who shook up the world. "Finally Muhammad Ali has a biography as big, complex, and memorable as the man himself—or as close as any book can come. Eig in a knockout.” —Jane Leavy, author of Sandy Koufax and The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood “ Ali is a marvelous biography - deeply reported, illuminating, dripping with detail chapter after chapter—in every way worthy of one of the great figures of 20th century America.” —. David Maraniss, author of When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi "Finally, after so many works focusing on this fight or that, the whole man, the whole life, is presented here. Eig's richly impressive roster of interviews informs an authoritatively critical biography that is both punchy and sure-footed." It is an independent, insightful and masterful assessment of ‘The Greatest!’ Eig’s biography puts flesh and bone on Ali’s fuller humanity. An utterly absorbing and richly detailed account of the most charismatic and controversial athlete of the 20th century.” —Mike Silver, author of The Arc of Boxing. The author of acclaimed books on Lou Gehrig and Jackie Robinson, Eig weaves together Ali’s athletic feats, cultural significance and personal journey. Fortified by hundreds of revealing interviews, 'Ali' vigorously narrates the story of the man who transformed the landscape of race and sports . 'Ali' stirs together the sweet and the spicy, the gifts and the failings, the charm and the rage, the grace and the greed, the pride and the ego. "Eig's revelatory bio traces the late boxer's path from pariah to national treasure." “Drawing on interviews with Muhammad Ali’s friends, family, and colleagues—as well as recently discovered recordings from the 1960s and extensive FBI files—Eig tells the life story of the legendary boxer, political radical, and hero in all its complexity.” — Entertainment Weekly , Fall's 20 Must-Read Books. “Jonathan Eig’s masterful new biography of the champ is both captivating and highly relevant to the current discussions on race in America . Muhammad Ali was one of the most compelling figures in the 20th century, and Eig does ample justice to capturing his extraordinary and enduring legacy.” — Seattle Times. What makes Eig's book stand out is its broad scope, its detailed reportage and its lively, cinematic writing." "Eig’s book is a fine read on the great boxer’s life, taking him on as he was and always seeking the truth that hits closest to bone. It covers the tumultuous middle, and then the oddly sanitized and bland second half of the American Century, an era in which Muhammad Ali was among the biggest and brightest players on the stage — living a life that, far from signifying nothing, will in its outrageous grandeur and stunning humanity, stand the test of time." Locked on that purpose, Eig delivers a biography that reflects his subject well—complex but straightforward, human but legendary.” — Chapter 16 “An appropriately outsized—and first-rate—biography . "Eig skillfully utilizes resources unavailable to previous authors, allowing him to present other aspects of Ali . VERDICT: A must-read for Ali fans, followers of the sweet science in general, and those curious about the maelstrom of events that shaped a generation."
Reviews
"It is too bad that Ali didn't meet Ali earlier in his life when he needed someone to take care of his finances and also to take take if him. But Ali held to his beliefs even until the end when Being a Muslim was not appropriate."
"This book did an incredible job of weaving the most public persona of Muhammad Ali with intimate and personal stories that ushered us behind the scenes."
"fun book."
"The best non-fiction book I've read since Seabiscuit."
"Cassius Clay was an 8-1 underdog in his first fight with Sonny Liston in Miami in 1964; did Eig manage to beat the odds with his ALI: A Life?"
"As Eig so excellently lays out for us, Muhammad Ali’s best fibers offered us a magnificent wealth of substance to replicate and bind to our own psyches. Nevertheless, you’ll be drawn to Ali’s boundless bravery and kindness, reminded of the extreme excellence he displayed in the squared ring, and regaled with stories of his impish ways. Eig’s goal was not to humiliate, but rather to humanize and get it all out on the table, sort it, and reveal the incredibly positive net effect of a sometimes enigmatic Muhammad Ali. The author surely succeeds, as his work is meticulous (while not tedious to follow), presented in a relaxing (though not drawn-out) unfolding of events, smartly crafted (yet not pedantic), and heartfelt (but not sentimentally burdened). Eig fills in virtually all of the blanks, revealing a naked Ali…with some ugly scars, but a wondrous sparkle in his eye, and a warm heart and hand freely extended (sincerely, lovingly, often under the radar) to enrich the lives of so many individuals of all colors, and to meaningfully inspire and uplift a good chunk of a generation in need."
"One of the best biographies I’ve ever read. Ali Had so many things going on his life."
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Best Quran

The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary
Drawn from a wide range of traditional Islamic commentaries, including Sunni and Shia sources, and from legal, theological, and mystical texts, The Study Quran conveys the enduring spiritual power of the Quran and offers a thorough scholarly understanding of this holy text. This work solves the perennial problem of how to introduce students to the Quranic text, offering what is perhaps the closest one can get to an ecumenical exegesis of the Quran.” (Jonathan Brown, Associate Director, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim Christian Understanding at Georgetown University). By giving attention to a wide range of commentators the editors capture the diversity and depth of the exegetical ideas that have been brought to the Quran-- a useful resource.” (Peter Adamson, Professor of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich and at King's College London). Highly recommended as an unparalleled reference work for engaging the Quran in its many different aspects.” (Asma Afsaruddin, Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Indiana University Bloomington). One of this ambitious project’s greatest strengths is the breadth and variety of exegetical sources and methods that inform the commentary throughout --most impressive.” (John Renard, Professor of Medieval Islam at Saint Louis University). The translation is lucid and eloquent; the extensive commentaries offer continuous insight; the various essays cover virtually every aspect of the Quran. “The contributors guide the reader through the intricacies of the sacred text in a way that lays bare the superficiality, selectivity and inaccuracy of some modern interpretations of the Quran at a time when this is sorely needed.” (Karen Armstrong, author of Fields of Blood ). “This impressive tome-the fruit of a patient collective venture-offers an extraordinary panoptic survey of the history of tafsir: some forty traditional commentaries-ancient and modern, Sunni and Shi’i-have been summoned here… Special mention is due to the translators of the Qur’an for their often remarkable achievement.” (Dr. Michel Chodkiewicz, author of Seal of the Saints and An Ocean Without Shore ). Whether the reader is a novice to the Quranic text, longtime student, or scholar, they will find much to reflect upon in this extraordinarily valuable resource.” (Kristin Zahra Sands, Harlequin Adair Dammann Chair in Islamic Studies, Sarah Lawrence College). That it is accompanied by a learned commentary distilled from the highly varied classical, modern and contemporary exegetical traditions provides unparalleled access to a uniquely influential yet understudied scripture sacred to one out of four human beings.” (Todd Lawson, Professor of Islamic Thought, University of Toronto). “The publication of The Study Quran is a joyous occasion for all scripture lovers: a new English translation that celebrates the dignity and formality of sacred discourse, running commentary, and, as a very special signature, compelling and deeply instructive essays by fifteen of today’s leading scholars on Islam.” (Peter Ochs, Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies, University of Virginia). With clarity and comprehensiveness, the editors and translators of this magnificent volume have helped distinguish the true spirit of Islamic faith.” (Reza Shah-Kazemi, The Institute of Ismaili Studies). There is nothing quite like it in English: a single volume comprising an accessible translation, a survey of classical commentaries, essays by prominent scholars, informative appendices, and multiple maps. “A work of extraordinary significance, The Study Quran makes accessible in English Islam’s sacred scripture along with an array of material necessary to appreciate the nuances of the text. “Seyyed Hossein Nasr has assembled a magnificent team of younger scholars, not only competent in Quranic studies but suffused with Muslim faith as well, to open its reaches in the world today. “ The Study Quran will remain for many decades to come the key reference work in English for students of Islamic Studies and scholars of religion alike, as well as ordinary readers interested in the spiritual content, historical context and literary monument of the revelation of Islam.” (Dr. Leonard Lewisohn, Senior Lecturer in Persian, University of Exeter, U.K.). It will become the standard reference for anyone interested in traditional Muslim interpretation of the Quran.” (Carl W. Ernst, William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). We owe a great debt to Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, one of the intellectual giants of our time, and his team for bringing this labor of love to fruition.” (Hamza Yusuf, Co-Founder of Zaytuna College). “ The Study Quran ... will fuel a new understanding of Islam for anyone with a desire to grow beyond their own private religious paradigm.” ( Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice ). “Happily, the publication of this excellent new Study Quran … holds out the prospect of a better-informed body of Muslims, Christians and others able to discuss with clarity and precision what Islam is really all about.” ( The Tablet ).
Reviews
"Like fundamentalists of every flavor, radical Islamists come to their wars of ideas armed with proof-texts—those decontextualized bits of scripture that can be strung together in chains to justify whatever one happens to believe. Unlike the Bible, it contains very little sustained narrative, and the individual surahs (chapters) were not all revealed as discrete units, so each ayah has an independent context of original reception. The results are remarkable, and they have the wonderful added effect of limiting the ability of both adherents and detractors to manipulate the book’s meaning through uncritical prooftexting. In the 33rd Ayah of Surah 5 (The Table Spread), we read the following injunction: Verily, the recompense of those who wage war against God and His Messenger, and endeavor to work corruption upon the earth is that they be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off from opposite sides, or be banished from the land. since they embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet, then renounced it through their actions, a small minority have considered the verse to apply to apostates in general. It seems clear, however, that the severe punishments in this verse pertain specifically to those who commit various crimes brazenly and with exceptional brutality, violence and terrorization of innocent people. And for English-speaking Muslims who are not terrorists and radical Islamists (which is about 99.9% of the total), it provides a valuable tool for deepening faith and demonstrating the shallowness of the proof-texters who constantly attack them. In an interview with CNN shortly after the volume’s publication, the lead editor, Seyyed Hossein Nasr argued that “the best way to counter extremism in modern Islam is a revival of classical Islam.” That is a tall order for any single book, but I suspect that, if a revival of classical Islam ever happens in the English-speaking world, the revivalists will all carry copies of the Study Quran–and the revolution will be extensively footnoted."
"The pages, a tad thin, but as Simone interested in Islam in a very big way, I find this wonderful tome to be very helpful."
"It is a bit of a new translation with MUCH MORE commentary and printed on the thinnest paper possible, in other words, a long read but one I am definitely looking forward to finishing!"
"Very comprehensive Qu'ran with very in depth explanation of each verse."
"Beautifully put together."
"I am so happy to buy this book."
"I have one of my own and I purchased this one as a graduation gift for my daughter's friend."
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Best Islamic Rituals & Practice

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity
A revised foreword and introduction A substantially extended epilogue that shares how Nabeel told his friend David of his decision to follow Christ, how his parents found out, and much more Expert contributions from scholars and ministry leaders on each section of the book, contributions previously included only in the ebook edition An appendix with a topical table of contents (for teaching from Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus ) An appendix tackling the objection that Ahmadi Muslims are not true Muslims And a sneak peek prologue from Nabeel’s forthcoming new book, No God but One: Allah or Jesus ? Nabeel Qureshi is a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
Reviews
"For myself, I was reliving the search I had pursued forty five years ago, when my embrace of existentialism had left me so empty and purposeless that I had to reconsider the claims of Christ, just in case they might be true. I found myself anticipating each next step in Nabeel's intellectual journey, as each critical aspect of the truth of Christianity was substantiated by his investigations. I even experienced to a degree Nabeel's family conflicts, though for me it was my mother's amazement and bitter disappointment with my choice after college of seminary instead of medical school."
"The dedication at the beginning of the book, read by the author himself, had me bawling like a baby. I was unaware of how much disagreement about doctrine that there is within different Muslim beliefs and Qureshi walks through them carefully and respectfully."
"I have to say that as a Christian, before reading this book, I had very little knowledge of the Muslim faith and how Muslim children are raised."
"Nabeel’s testimony, the description of his journey in life as a young Muslim and the crisis of faith he experienced all impacted me strongly."
"He pursues the documented evidence with the commitment that whatever he finds he will believe in the God that is truth - even if he finds that the teaching that was a part of his life since birth may or may not be truth."
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Best Shi'ism Islam

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, beginning a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Book Description Narrative history at its most compelling, After the Prophet relates the dramatic tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between Shia and Sunni Islam. The question haunted me, and led me to the magnificent story of the struggle for leadership after Muhammad's death, an epic as alive and powerful today as when it first happened. That's why I wanted to bring Western readers inside the story, to make it as alive for them as it is in the Middle East, so that they can not only understand it on an intellectual level, but experience it--grasp its emotive depth and its inspirational power, and thus understand how it has survived and even strengthened, and how it affects the lives of all of us today. The subject was all the more irresistible to me personally since it brings together many of my deepest interests: the interplay of religion and politics, more intricately intertwined in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world; my own experience living in and reporting from the Middle East for Time magazine and other publications; my affinity for narrative nonfiction and for tracing the interplay of past and present; and my original training as a psychologist, which comes into play as I explore the story, the way it has endured, and how it is used today in politics, society, spiritual life, and, too often, war.
Reviews
"He has an incredible voice and reads the story in a very enjoyable way."
"I wonder if one can trust so much in a source that seems almost 'partisan' to one of the branches of Islam..., although I can only say, it is inviting to keep reading and searching for other opinions."
"Probably better than many devote Moslems would because the are simply too close to the subject matter and the figures involved are "larger than life"."
"Did not know much of the history after the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW so this narrative was very enlightening."
"Good, simple, short and to the point not 100% accurate but still worth reading."
"Quite objective."
"I have worked for years in areas of the world where the Sunni-Shia split is most glaring (Iraq, Lebanon, Syria), and have always been fascinated by the depth and longevity of a power struggle which today threatens to throw the entire region up in flames."
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Best Sufism

The Essential Rumi
The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry. Text: English. Original Language: Persian.
Reviews
"One of best book of great Rumi."
"In September of 2012, I created a photographic gallery of Rumi quotations and used a few of the quotes from Coleman Bark's book with direct permission from the author - I thought it was so cool that he emailed me back and was gracious about it. The translation is great but the content is very hard to put into context.... it's like reading about another person's dreams.... they make very little sense except a few moments in time when something clarifying and brilliant happens."
"Great poetry that inspires and is easily relate able to modern times."
"One of my all-time favorite books which I can and will read over and over."
"I read this book daily."
"I have had this in book form and I need something I can just carry with me anywhere I go."
"Coleman Barks is one of the best for bringing Rumi to the 21st century!..not literal translations from Persian, I've heard, but renderings that do capture the taste of Rumi's message."
"Wanted it to go to when I wanted/needed his wonderful words to center and quiet me."
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Best Sunnism Islam

After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam
Even as Muhammad lay dying, the battle over who would take control of the new Islamic nation had begun, beginning a succession crisis marked by power grabs, assassination, political intrigue, and passionate faith. Book Description Narrative history at its most compelling, After the Prophet relates the dramatic tragic story at the heart of the ongoing rivalry between Shia and Sunni Islam. The question haunted me, and led me to the magnificent story of the struggle for leadership after Muhammad's death, an epic as alive and powerful today as when it first happened. That's why I wanted to bring Western readers inside the story, to make it as alive for them as it is in the Middle East, so that they can not only understand it on an intellectual level, but experience it--grasp its emotive depth and its inspirational power, and thus understand how it has survived and even strengthened, and how it affects the lives of all of us today. The subject was all the more irresistible to me personally since it brings together many of my deepest interests: the interplay of religion and politics, more intricately intertwined in the Middle East than anywhere else in the world; my own experience living in and reporting from the Middle East for Time magazine and other publications; my affinity for narrative nonfiction and for tracing the interplay of past and present; and my original training as a psychologist, which comes into play as I explore the story, the way it has endured, and how it is used today in politics, society, spiritual life, and, too often, war.
Reviews
"Very well-written and overall historically accurate description of the Sunni-Shia split."
"He has an incredible voice and reads the story in a very enjoyable way."
"I wonder if one can trust so much in a source that seems almost 'partisan' to one of the branches of Islam..., although I can only say, it is inviting to keep reading and searching for other opinions."
"Probably better than many devote Moslems would because the are simply too close to the subject matter and the figures involved are "larger than life"."
"Did not know much of the history after the death of Prophet Muhammad SAW so this narrative was very enlightening."
"Good, simple, short and to the point not 100% accurate but still worth reading."
"Quite objective."
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Best Islamic Theology

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)
Islam expert Robert Spencer reveals Islam's ongoing, unshakable quest for global conquest and why the West today faces the same threat as the Crusaders did--and what we can learn from their experience. "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." "A much-needed antidote to the poisonous propaganda that compromises our current battle against jihadist murder." "The courageous Robert Spencer busts myths and tells truths about jihadists that no one else will tell."
Reviews
"I already have a copy of the Quran in English, and a book that describes and praises Islam and its history."
"Eye opening book on Islam."
"a must read if you are a news hawk and follow world events."
"Every freedom loving individual should read this before it's too late."
"A great read."
"An absolutely fascinating and informative analysis of Islam and the true history about the Crusades, as well as the current looming crisis with Islam."
"Very good info."
"A very important look at an enemy we will have to face more and more."
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Best Women in Islam

The Complete Persepolis
It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up. She now lives in Paris, where she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including The New Yorker, and The New York Times.
Reviews
"Having lived in Iran for 7 years right through the revolution and having been in touch with my wife's family in Iran ever since, nothing in the memoir really surprised me."
"I read it before I bought it."
"It is outstanding how the author was able to tell her life story with simple black and white graphics, and what an interesting and full life hers is."
"It has A unique style that suits most people, making it a great gift."
"I thought Persepolis I was amazing because it showed a side to a young muslim girl that is rarely shown in American media, I was able to connect with the characters in the graphic novel."
"Persepolis was an excellent graphic novel, a mix of history, culture, and themes of growing up."
"The book cover design is beautiful with its pop of turquoise against the black and white."
"It is the story of any young person who is growing up feeling like an alien and trying his/her best to fit into society."
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