Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions about the World's Fastest-Growing Faith

Unabridged
Author: Robert Spencer
Narrator: Nadia May
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Islam
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Date: April 2003
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

Going beyond the shallow distinction between a "true" peaceful Islam and the "hijacked" Islam of terrorist groups, Robert Spencer probes the Qur'an and other sacred documents, as well as Islamic traditions and history and the present-day situation of the Muslim world, to find out why the world's fastest growing faith tends to arouse extremism.

A student of the religion for the last twenty years, Spencer brings a knowledgeable and critical sensibility to this brave, searching work. Cutting through the touchy and sentimental relativism of so much current discussion about the subject, he rigorously interrogates Islam.

Were Osama bin Laden and his followers perverting Islam when they claimed to find sanction in the Qur'an for their attack against the United States?

Does the explanation for the grim human rights record of Islamic countries lie in basic Muslim beliefs?

Can Islam create successful secularized societies that will coexist peacefully with the liberal, multicultural world of the West?

In this captivating, carefully researched book, Robert Spencer asks the hard questions about Islam and gives the hard answers, providing a profoundly needed antidote to the wishful thinking and willful distortions that have swamped the media since the September 11 attacks. As noted observer of the Arab world David Pryce-Jones says in his introduction, "In its own lively style, Islam Unveiled puts down a strong and significant marker to what lies ahead, as Islam and the rest of the world strive to come to terms."

Reviews (3)

Relatively fair overview

Written by Bob King on March 10th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

In general I found the book very informative, and I learned a tremendous amount about the history and nature of Islam - its legacies, its laws, its core beliefs, and its outlook on non-believers. The information about the Quran and the other texts of Islam was very interesting. One of the most important take-aways is that it is hard, and unwise, to generalize about Islam. It is a multi-faceted religion or, more accurately, way of life. It has its good elements and its very troubling elements. I had two isues ith the book. First, it continually compared Islam with Chrisitanity. I suppose its useful to be able to debunk those who try to equate the two, but the author spent too much time defending Chrisitanity. Second, I would have liked to get more information about Islam today vs. Islam of the past, or at least a better deliniation between the two. I want to understand Islam today and, while this book definitely helped me do that, I would have liked more current information.

Amazing Insight

Written by KJY from San Diego, CA on February 11th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Listening to this book was time well spent. The author provides outstanding insight to the religion of Islam, articulately compares it to Judaism and Christianity, and explains an various interpretations of the Koran. This book both amazed and frightened me. If you are seeking an explanation of why Islamic terrorists behave the way they do, listen to this book!

Islam Unveiled

Written by Jen B from Parker, CO on November 9th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is a very accurate accounting of Islam and behavior/mentality of its followers in my opinion. It also reveals disturbing practices that I didn't know about. The writer drew extensively from the Koran, which is read word for word abundantly. Very interesting, informative and a justification for concern.