Fastest-growing religion
The second-largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam is also the fastest-growing religion. In the United States, for example, nearly 80 percent of the more than 1,200 mosques have been built in the past 12 years.
Some scholars see an emerging Muslim renaissance as Islam takes root in many traditionally Christian communities.
Islam has drawn converts from all walks of life, most notably African-Americans. Former NAACP President Benjamin Chavis, who joined the Nation of Islam recently, personifies the trend.
"In societies where you have minorities that are discriminated against, I think they may find an appeal in Islam," said Waleed Kazziha of American University in Cairo.
Many moderate Islamic countries such as Turkey and Egypt are becoming more conservative.
Two decades ago, few middle-class Egyptian women wore scarves or veils on their heads. Now they crowd into special emporiums that advertise Islamic clothing.
The shift toward Islamic fundamentalism worries many in the secular world, a fear underscored when splinter groups target Westerners with violent attacks.
Islam vs. the West
But most scholars argue that the extremists are a very small minority and that most Muslims adhere to principles in the Koran that teach peace and tolerance.
"The Islamic world is like any other society we have known in history," said Kazziha. "You might say it has the good, the bad and the ugly."
Founded in 622 A.D., Islam is among the newer major religions. But to the non-Muslim world, it sometimes appears inflexible. Clashes between Islamic tradition and Western influence are sweeping the globe.
In Islam, contrary to Western beliefs, the rights of the community are considered more important than the rights of the individual. Women are seen primarily as caretakers of the home, and religion strongly influences schools, government and courts.
Many Muslims today are trying to find a balance between being members of a global society and maintaining ties to a religion that calls for strict adherence to the Koran.
A case in point is 35-year-old Hisham Hussein, a wealthy playboy who turned to religion and swore off alcohol after an automobile accident.
He is going to Mecca this spring. "The most important thing is to maintain the purity of the Hajj, to lead a pure life," he said.
CONTENT
Islam is the fastest growing religion in North America, and the world, with well over a billion followers. Since September 11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the ongoing war against terror, the world has seemed to be heading inexorably towards greater confrontation between Muslim and non-Muslim cultures. At a time when communities increasingly tend to view each other with suspicion, this book cuts through the morass of misunderstanding and misinformation to give a true and timely overview of the universality and light of the prophetic message of Islam. It explains its history and development, the distinction between the original message and the tra material but spiritual.
The book has timely correctives to many who still think that Muslims have a scant regard for women. It is not a book to be read just once.
Westminster Interfaith
