What does "jihad" mean to Muslims? Over the past year, a number of new books have come out about terrorism, jihad, and the Islamic "threat." Many of these authors do nothing more than display their ignorance of Islamic theology. These top picks, written by scholars of Islam, give a more accurate account of what Muslims really believe about this subject.
1. Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, by John L. Esposito
The September 11 attacks left us stunned and angry. We struggle to understand how religion could be used to justify the slaughter of innocents. Explore these issues with respected scholar John L. Esposito, professor of international affairs and Islamic studies at Georgetown University, and founding Director of the Georgetown Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.
2. The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality? by John L. Esposito
What does the rise of Islam mean for the West? What do Westerners need to know to understand its religion and politics--and its diversity? Should the West feel threatened? Originally published in 1992, this work has gone through several updates and is a balanced, timely read.3. Shattering the Myth: Islam Beyond Violence, by Bruce B. Lawrence
Islam is often portrayed, especially in Western media, as an alien, violent, hostile, and monolithic religion, whose adherents are intent upon battling nonbelievers throughout the world. Islam, Lawrence argues, is a complex, international religious system that cannot be reduced to stereotypes. The author is Professor of Islamic Studies and Chair of the Department of Religion at Duke University.4. Islamic Awakening: Between Rejection and Extremism
In this thoughtful and timely book aimed at the Muslim reader, renowned scholar Dr. Yusuf al Qaradawi not only criticizes religious extremism, but suggests remedies for it by using a deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. Dr. Qaradawi received his Ph.D. from Al-Azhar University, and now serves as the Dean of the College of Shariah and Islamic Studies at the University of Qatar.5. American Muslims: Bridging Faith and Freedom, by Muqtedar Khan
Topics include "The Attack on America and its Aftermath," "Reflections on Islam and Democracy," and "An American Muslim Perspective of the Muslim World." The author is Director of International Studies at Adrian College in Michigan, and earned his Ph.D. in International Relations, Political Philosophy, and Islamic Political Thought from Georgetown University.