LEADER 00000cam  2200325 i 4500 
001    ocm00000007 
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005    20141231195857.0 
008    140207s2014    mdu      b    001 0 eng   
010    2014004827 
020    9781442223271 (cloth : alk. paper) 
020    1442223278 (cloth : alk. paper) 
040    DLC|beng|erda|dSKYRV|dCoLwJCPL|dSKYRV|dUtOrBLW 
042    pcc 
082 00 297|223 
092    297|bZAF 
100 1  Zafar, Harris,|d1979- 
245 10 Demystifying Islam :|btackling the tough questions /
       |cHarris Zafar. 
264  1 Lanham :|bRowman & Littlefied,|c[2014] 
300    xiii, 204 pages :|bmap ;|c24 cm 
336    text|btxt|2rdacontent. 
337    unmediated|bn|2rdamedia. 
338    volume|bnc|2rdacarrier. 
504    Includes bibliographical references and index. 
505 0  Begin with the basics -- Demystifying the origins of Islam
       -- Demystifying jihad -- Demystifying shariah -- 
       Demystifying Islam's view of religious freedom -- 
       Demystifying Islam's view of free speech --Demystifying 
       women's rights in Islam -- Demystifying Islam's view of 
       Jesus Christ -- Demystifying the sects of Islam. 
520    In the wake of 9/11, Zafar, a blogger, speaker, and 
       teacher, found himself invited to explain Islam to non-
       Muslim audiences in a climate of fear and misinformation-
       at the age of twenty-two. Now a national spokesperson for 
       Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, he addresses common 
       misunderstandings about Islamic faith and culture. 
       Following an introduction to the basics of Islam, Harris 
       covers, chapter by chapter, the major areas of confusion 
       for Westerners, from the realities of shariah law to the 
       relationship between Islam and Christianity. Harris does 
       not remain entirely neutral; he's not afraid to criticize 
       distorted perceptions of Islam from Western pundits and 
       politicians advocating xenophobic agendas, nor Middle 
       Eastern and other political groups and extremist factions 
       for using similar distortions to justify violations of 
       human rights. This book is less of a spiritual 
       introduction than it is a cultural one, and an excellent 
       starting point for people navigating interfaith 
       relationships or working to improve understanding and 
       representation in organizations and public discussion. 
       Publishers Weekly An intelligent, daring, and much-needed 
       contribution to the debate about Islam in the modern 
       world. Harris Zafar has written a remarkable book. -- Reza
       Aslan, author of Zealot and No god but God This book is an
       important contribution to an enlightened and public 
       conversation about Islam in our time. Harris Zafar has 
       written a very informative and accessible interpretation 
       of Islam for English-speaking readers. I recommend this 
       book to those who are interested in learning about Islam 
       and Muslim communities today. -- Ali Mirsepassi, New York 
       University Harris Zafar's book, Demystifying Islam, is a 
       clear and important statement by a recognized Muslim 
       leader on his faith's engagement of a diversity of issues 
       and concerns of great consequence in the twenty-first 
       century. Orthodox Christians will certainly disagree with 
       Mr. Zafar's perspectives on such matters as the identity 
       and work of Jesus Christ and his mission. However, we 
       should heartily welcome this courageous and irenic Muslim 
       voice, as Zafar champions civic virtue that promotes the 
       well-being of all peoples. Demystifying Islam is a 
       significant contribution to the global conversation on 
       peace, freedom, and justice in a world mystified and 
       threatened by geopolitical and religious tensions. -- Paul
       Louis Metzger, Multnomah University Harris Zafar is an 
       insightful and often inspiring writer who leaves readers 
       feeling richer for having spent time with his work. -- 
       Omar Sacirbey, Correspondent for the Religion News Service
       Harris Zafar's book is both enlightening and informative. 
       Demystifying Islam aims to deflate misconceptions of Islam,
       breaking them down to their essence and offering honest 
       reasoning and historical context behind their existence. A
       great resource for practicing Muslims as well as those 
       looking to gain a better understanding of one of the 
       world's major religions. 
650  0 Islam. 
650  0 Islam|xDoctrines.