ISLAM: A short history - Karen Armstrong Labels: Islam, Karen Armstrong, Muhammad, Muslim, Women
It is surprising especially with my busy schedule that I am able to complete a book within a week! That is an achievement.
This is no ordinary book. It is a short history of a religion misconceived by many.
I was hooked by the facts unknown to me and information that I’ve always wanted to know.
An example: Why are the Muslims categorised into Sunni Islam and Shii Islam? And are we further categorised into the different schools or Madhabs?
Karen’s attempt to give a better and clearer insight on Islam is a great remedy for those who looks at Islam at a negative light. It is true to its objective which is to be a thoroughly good guide and to be an antidote to prejudice.
And for your information, Karen Armstrong used to be Catholic Nun for seven years. Before you question the credibility of this book, in 1999, she received the Muslim Public Affairs Council Media Award. She was also recently invited by MUIS to come to Singapore to have a lecture with some of the Muslims scholars. The lecture was entitled, “The role of religion in the new millennium.”
I am not so much of a historian but the brevity of her book made it easier for a normal reader like me to appreciate history. And I am astounded by her humility and unbiased stand.
She may Not be a Muslim but she is imbued with the Islamic spirit. May Allah bless her for her courage in speaking so favourably about a religion that is so maligned and misunderstood at the moment.
ISLAM: A short history – Karen Armstrong is definitely a recommended read.
Some excerpts from the book:
“It is true that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was one of those rare men who truly enjoy the company of women. Some of his male companions were astonished by his leniency towards his wives and the way he stood up to him and answered him back. Muhammad scrupulously helped with the chores, mended his own clothes, and sought out the companionship of his wives. He often liked to take one of them on expeditions, and would consult them and take their advice seriously. On one occasion his most intelligent wife, Umm Salamah, helped to prevent a mutiny.”
“Emancipation of women was a project dear to the Prophet’s heart. The Quran gave women rights of inheritance and divorce centuries before Western women were accorded such status. Customs such as veiling and segregation of women in a separate part of the house were copied from the Greek Christians of Byzantium, who had long veiled and segregated their women in this manner; they also appropriated some of their Christian misogyny.The Quran makes men and women partners before God with identical duties and responsibilities.”
