The Wisdom of Islam: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom of Islamic Belief

by Robert Frager

Book Overview

This introductory guide has been written especially for the enlightenment of Western non-Muslims by a Western convert to the Sufi order of Islam. Author Robert Frager asserts that, although many books... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764122541
• ISBN13: 9780764122545
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: B.E.S. Publishing
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.2" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

A Good Introduction to One of the World's Great Religions

After the tragedy of 9/11 I thought it wise to try and understand what motivated such an act of violence. As a non-Muslim I had only a fragmentary idea of the faith, only gleaning what little I did know from a few Muslim students with whom I had contact, some of whom had become quite Westernized. After first reading the Qur'an I found this very informative book by Robert Frager. Here Islam is reviewed from a Sufi prospective. While not deep, the essence of Islamic belief and the divisions within the religion are well summarized and I think that this is a very worthwhile exposition of the history and practice of Islam throughout the world for the non-Muslim. I hope that it will lead to an understanding of the Qur'an's teachings and of both the strengths and weaknesses of the practitioners of the faith on which the book is based. Like all other major religious faiths, Islam suffers from its extremists. In these people's view certain parts of the Qur'an are held up as more important than others, just as some Christians uphold some parts of the Bible and ignore others. Both the Qu'ran and the Bible have been used for evil and will continue to be so used as long as their readers are humans. Reading "The Wisdom of Islam" is a start to an understanding of the basic faith of Islam. Islam is, in fact, no more a violent religion than Christianity (people may forget or ignore the Inquisition, the Crusades, the witchcraft trials and the general intolerance of some Christians toward people who don't believe as they do.) It can be perverted to condone violence, very much as other faiths (and political systems) have historically been.

Wonderful reading!

I have seen a lot of books come forth about Islam and this was one of the best!

The best introduction to Islam

This book is the best introduction to Islam available. It is a large format book containing an excellent glimpse into this living faith and is filled with beautiful photography. I have read countless books on the subject and "The Wisdom of Islam" is, without doubt, the best book of its kind. Chapters include: The Five Pillars of Islam, The Messenger of God, What is the Qur'an?, The History of Islam, Sufism: The Path of Islamic Mysticism, The Mind of Islam, Women in Islam, and Islam Today. Anyone desiring an honest look into what Islam is really about should not hesitate to get this visually stunning and spiritually moving book. I highly recommend this exquisite introduction (get a copy and you'll see why I give this book such high marks).

A great introduction to Islam

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. I was moved by the first person accounts of Islamic practices like prayer, fasting, etc.We all HAVE to learn more about Islam, and this book is one of the best ways to begin

Experience modern, living Islam

This book is great place to begin to really understand what Islam is about. Many authors have written about the the history of Islam, the beliefs of Islam, the politics of Islam....etc.Dr. Frager captures a deep personal sense of what it feels like to follow this faith. The beautiful presentation enhances the obvious love and care reflected in the words of the author. This is a "must" read for anyone trying to understand what keeps drawing westerners to this faith in spite of the negative portrayals in the current press. The 1st hand accounts are deeply touching.