by Reza Aslan
First published 2006
From the deserts of Mecca to the halls of power, one man's journey uncovers the essence of the world's fastest-growing faith. Aslan navigates Islam's complex history, from the Prophet's radical egalitarian message to the schisms that led to Shiism and Sufism. As the modern world clashes with tradition, a fierce battle rages over Islam's future - between those who cling to archaic laws and those who strive to reconcile ancient teachings with democracy and human rights. Aslan's elegantly written account illuminates this pivotal moment in the "Islamic Reformation."
Genres: history, social-science, religion, non-fiction, islam, academic
Vibes: informative, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: informative-narrative
310 pages · Paperback · Random House Trade Paperbacks