BOOK REVIEWS
Does the solution to fixing Islam's current problems lie within the Quran itself? "A Worthy Muslim: Quranic Tools Needed to Overcome Oppression and Imperialism in Order to Institute Justice" is a treatise written by author Amir Makin, preaching that the solutions to the problems that the Muslim world experiences can be repaired - if Muslims would only look more closely at what the Quran truly states. With other controversial viewpoints, such as the potential claim that Islam is not in fact a religion, "A Worthy Muslim: Quranic Tools Needed to Overcome Oppression and Imperialism in Order to Institute Justice" is highly thought-provoking and recommended for community library Islamic studies collections as well as for any student of Islam looking for fresh insights.
Midwest Book Review
After taking some to read the book"A Worthy Muslim"I would say that it is a necessary book to get into mind of Muslims of African American descent. It offers insight into the inner workings of some one who has experienced masjid community life and has seen the up and down sides of it. Good work I can relate.Thanks for the opportunity.
Imam Mutawaf Abdus Shaheed
Masjid Al Mu'min/IRM Inc.
Knowing how to apply knowledge correctly is called wisdom.
To me, that is one of the best lines in this book. I am not Muslim, yet that fact was no hindrance in following this thought provoking book.
Being African American and female, my knowledge of Islam was mostly gleaned from news stories and sound bites from or about Louis Farrakhan and bin Laden. Although I knew, logically, that I was not getting the whole picture, I was not interested enough to investigate further.
That's why I'm so thankful for this book. The author explains the tenets of Islam and gives VERIFIABLE historic evidence to prove his points. He uses clear examples to state that true Islam does not tolerate prejudice or self grandiosness. He explains how greed and selfishness lead to oppression and injustice and how learning and applying Islamic principles could eliminate society's ills. And you don't have to be Muslim to understand, appreciate, or apply some of these principles.
Reading this book exposed me to just how much I DIDN'T know about Islam.
Thanks to the author for the word list with definitions. I never lost my train of thought looking up an unfamiliar word.
I found this to be a helpful guide to Muslim culture. It left me with lingering thoughts and some questions: Would a Muslim state or gov't as defined by the author be tolerant and accepting of other religions? What to do with leaders/citizens whose Islamic practices are different?
Reading more in IL
New Trend strongly recommends this book and urges readers to buy it and distribute it. We plan to publish a review later. It's a reminder that real Muslims still exist in this country and everyone has not sold out.
New Trend Magazine
Amir Makin, in his book A WORTHY MUSLIM, takes on the world's treatment of its citizens. He makes specific references to the present day, as well as times past. He talks of Malcolm X and how his trip to Mecca changed his outlook on life as well as his response to Islam and the African American fight for freedom. He also discusses how Moses managed, with the help of Allah, to get the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. David and his defeat of Goliath also fit tidily into this book. H. Rap Brown, now serving time in Florence, Colorado, in isolation, was unfairly convicted of a murder he did not commit.
His overall premise is if people were listening to what Allah said in the Quran, they would not be treating each other in the manner they do. They would not be abusive toward their fellow man. He also notes how Muslims have been demonized in the United States since 9/11. It is definitely an interesting book, and certainly caused me to stop and think of all the injustices that are going on it the world.
Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
This is a really interesting read, and as a Christian I appreciated the insight into Islam that the author Amir Makin provided.
While the author shares what the Prophet Muhammad said about how Muslims were told that they should seek knowledge from the time they are born until death, and that the great leaders of the faith made commitment to knowledge clear. That they understood that an 'effective leader had to be educated in religion, history, math, arts and science to train the community effectively for independence and growth' (page 6).
The author also shares that originally Muslims always seemed to live in peace amongst non Muslims. Its a good start for non Muslims who would like to know more about the faith as well as the Muslim culture.
Very interesting informative book.
Motherlode Beth (Sierras of California)
The information contained in this book shows how the familiar stories of the prophets can be used in a practical manner to address the problems we face in our day to day lives. This book is excellent for someone who is familiar with these stories from a biblical or a quranic perspective. It also sheds light on islams fundamental principles and practices and how they are expressed to improve ones self, family and community.
Charles Maddox
This was an excellent book, oriented towards building a true Muslim personality, the thing we need the most at this time we live in, I like the book very much, the topics are well chosen,as well as the verses from the Holy Quran that deals directly with the core of the topic, the only thing I've noticed is the lack of using more Hadiths witch I think could have enriched the book more, because it seems like the author has chosen to use more Verses of the Quran which is fine as long as he mentions that in the book introduction .but over all it's an excellent book and we ask for more like it. thank you
Imam Said Atif
