Bernard Lewis evidently knows a lot about Islam and I am looking forward to reading some more of his work, in particular the prescient-sounding Roots of Muslim Rage (1991). However, this book is condensed and abbreviated to the point of arrogance. It is simply too short. Worse, in focusing solely on Islam, it fails to account for the long history of Western intervention and imperialism that shaped its grievances, an omission that is almost dishonest. Lastly, its conclusion, that we face an "Islamofascistic" threat as grave as the Third Reich or the Soviet Union is ridiculous. I quote:

“Today we face a third such totalitarian perversion… Their work is facilitated and even helped by the widespread mood of guilt and self-denigration in the West, often expressed in the form of multiculturalism and political correctness. The immediate target of their attack is the Western world, previously known as Christendom. If and when they dispose of that enemy, they will surely turn to the rest of the world, the house of unbelief, and therefore, of war.

If we are to survive this threat – and it is by no means certain that we will – it is important to understand, precisely and accurately, the source, nature, and purpose of the attack.”

Absurd, dangerous and ignorant ramblings. God save us from professors Emeritus. ( )

According to Bernard Lewis, one of the kindest compliments of his work was paid by the translator of one of his books that was published by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood: “I don’t know who this man is, but one thing is clear: He is either a candid friend or an honest enemy who refuses to deal in falsehood.” Whatever the views of the translator, he was a shrewd judge of the book’s author. Bernard Lewis (b. 1916) is one of the most distinguished scholars of the Middle East of the past century. In a field where so much verbiage is driven by ideology, Lewis’s work has always stood out for its uncompromising commitment to truth and disinterested historical inquiry.

Now in his 94th year, and with twenty-four books behind him, Lewis has co-written, with Buntzie Ellis Churchill (former president of the Philadelphia World Affairs Council) an introduction on the religion and culture of Islam. Islam: The Religion and the People is written for a general audience looking for an authoritative voice among all the claims and counterclaims about Islam. Take for example, the very name of the faith. Former President George Bush on several occasions stated that the word Islam means peace, for which he was roundly criticized by critics of the religion. But what is the truth of the matter? As Lewis and Churchill explain, “Like so many other things being said about Islam at the present time, this statement contains an element of truth, but no more than that…It [Islam] is rarely used in the context of peace and war, but rather in the sense of tranquility, safety, and surrender…It is in this sense, of total surrender to the will of God, that the terms Islam and Muslim have always been understood in the Islamic lands and communities.”

The other Arabic term for which the public arena has no shortage of definitions, is jihad, which, according to the speaker, means either moral struggle with oneself or armed struggle against the infidel. Which view is correct as understood by Islamic scripture and tradition? As Lewis and Churchill discerningly explain, “In the early chapters of the Koran, dating from the time when the Prophet was still the leader of a minority struggling against the dominant oligarchy in Mecca, the word is often used in the moral sense. In the later chapters of the Koran, dating from the time when the Prophet was a head of state and commander of armies in Medina, it usually has a more practical, even specifically military meaning.”

While Islam: The Religion and the People is aimed principally at readers needing a reliable primer on Islam, even experienced students of the religion will find their knowledge deepened by the authors’ carefully selected insights. Lewis never condescends to his readers, and even includes an introduction to the Arabic language and a helpful glossary of Islamic terms and topics. A true scholar and teacher, Lewis also aims at provoking his readers to think for themselves. To this end, he and Churchill include a number of traditional Islamic jokes through out the book as means of suggesting some of the traditional mentalities and tendencies in Islamic societies:

The Caliph al-Mansur, addressing, the rebellious population of Damascus said to them: “You should praise God that he has given you me as your ruler. Since I started to rule, God has removed the plague which had been afflicting you.”

A Bedouin who was present replied: “Allah indeed is merciful. He would not inflict both you and the plague upon us at the same time.”

The graceful writing and easy erudition that characterizes all of Lewis’s work make Islam: The Religion and the People a pleasure to read. It will likely become for some years the standard reference for global leaders in need of an authoritative understanding of Islam.

Published in Regent University Library Link, October 2009
http://librarylink.regent.edu/?p=224

Bernard Lewis, a professor at Princeton University, provides a concise overview of Islam and Muslims around the world. Dr. Lewis discusses the main tenets and different sects of Islam, as well as the history of the religion. He also points out that while most Muslims take the Koran literally or at least say they do, they have different ideas about how to treat non-believers, women, etc.

I found the chapter on women in Islam interesting. The author discusses topics such as marriage, honor killings, women’s role in society, and slavery. The pictures include a female student in a lab completely covered with a veil, and women with their faces covered at a graduation ceremony.

Other topics covered include dress for men and women, which varies by country, and Islam and the Economy. The section on the economy includes both the historical effect of Islam on commerce and business today in predominantly Muslim countries.

Dr. Lewis points out that radical Islam is a relatively recent phenomenon. Suicide bombings and terrorism do not have a basis in the Koran or traditional Islam. The leaders who do not condemn killings hurt the reputation of the religion. ( )

Bernard Lewis is Cleveland E. Dodge Professor of Near Eastern Studies, Emeritus, at Princeton University. Along with Buntizie Ellis Churchill served for twenty-three years as President of the World Affairs council of Philadelphia and a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. From their background this book takes us on what I would consider an introductory survey course of Islamic history. This very basic and brief introduction to the world of Islam gives those with no knowledge of the subject a very good starting point. And that is all the book promises according to the publishers advertising.

This small book seems timely now because the far West is now noticing what is transpiring, but this book was actually was needed decades ago. We have known for over a thousand years of the generational conflict that would exist between Islam and the West. Remember that this book is an introduction and sets the ground work for your further reading. It is a small and easy to read primer on on this complex society. For it would benefit the westerner to think of Islam in this light.

And the authors do cover a wide range of subjects quickly from the beginnings of Islam (much of the origins is left out) and how the different sects of Islam came into being. What we in the West see as two main sects have actually fragmented into more than that. But Islam is a tribal institution that leaves no facets of life untouched. From the religious, social, economic and political, they are all one. No separation of church and state exist (or at least is not suppose too).

They do cover one recent development in our modern times I found most interesting. And that was that Muslims were not to live in none Muslim lands. But now you can see the immigration of Muslims into Europe and America where they find their guiding principles of Shari'a are in conflict with the law of the land they choose to live in. The fact that they will not assimilate into the countries they choose to immigrate to causes this conflict. Which Lewis and Churchill's briefly explains in these pages. These conflicts with Shari'a become a source of problems and tension for he observant Muslims in non-Muslim lands. Whether you feel those immigrating should simulate to the culture they choose to move to or not, this section will give you some insight into what is happening.

This is an excellent book for anyone to start off to learn about Islam and to see where Islam, Christianity and Judaism have similarities and differences. And how these core beliefs cause basic misunderstandings. So forget what you have heard on the street or through the uninformed modern media and read this book to understand about Islamic motivations, beliefs, and customs. ( )