Islam and the Future of Tolerance
A Dialogue
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4.4 • 41 Ratings
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
“A civil but honest dialogue…As illuminating as it is fascinating.”
—Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Is Islam a religion of peace or war? Is it amenable to reform? Why do so many Muslims seem to be drawn to extremism? And what do words like jihadism and fundamentalism really mean? In a world riven by misunderstanding and violence, Sam Harris—a famous atheist—and Maajid Nawaz—a former radical—demonstrate how two people with very different religious views can find common ground and invite you to join in an urgently needed conversation.
“How refreshing to read an honest yet affectionate exchange between the Islamist-turned-liberal-Muslim Maajid Nawaz and the neuroscientist who advocates mindful atheism, Sam Harris…Their back-and-forth clarifies multiple confusions that plague the public conversation about Islam.”
—Irshad Manji, New York Times Book Review
“It is sadly uncommon, in any era, to find dialogue based on facts and reason—but even more rarely are Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals able to maintain critical distance on broad questions about Islam. Which makes Islam and the Future of Tolerance something of a unicorn…Most conversations about religion are marked by the inability of either side to listen, but here, at last, is a proper debate.”
—New Statesman
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this slim volume, Harris (The End of Faith) and Nawaz (Radical) enter into a respectful exchange of ideas on Islam and its place in the world from perspectives of secularism and reform. Harris, maintaining his provocative persona, asks questions and tosses ultimatums in the direction of Nawaz, who deftly replies with well-reasoned and thoughtful responses that will inform and inspire. The book's brevity is refreshing in a genre too-often categorized by dense tomes. While Harris may direct the conversation, Nawaz is the one who gives it shape and provides the nuanced analysis that makes this book a worthwhile read on the state of Islam and religious tolerance in the world today. However, even more nuance would be welcome with regard to the many forms of Islamism, including those that support human rights and pluralism; some of Harris's critiques deserve more unpacking and less bombast. Those interested in a deferential and detailed dialogue about human rights, Islam, jihadism, and pluralism will find this book both enlightening and engaging.
Customer Reviews
Thoughtful and Needed
This conversation is so very needed in a time where disagreements cannot be discussed. To often, people live in their own dogmatic bubbles and refuse to have civil, adult dialogue. Harris and Nawaz are respectful, thoughtful, and blunt in their views on addressing the many controversies within Islam. The issues within Islam are very complex and these two gentlemen give the nuance needed. Easy, compelling read. A Must!!! On a side note, Apple, the price is ridiculous but I will not penalize the book.
An important book
An honest and inspiring discussion of arguably the most important issue of our time.
Loved it!
Sam is one of the few authors who I can't get enough of.