Destiny Disrupted

A History of the World through Islamic Eyes

By: Tamim Ansary

Narrated by: Tamim Ansary

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Until about 1800, the West and the Islamic realm were like two adjacent, parallel universes, each assuming itself to be the center of the world while ignoring the other. As Europeans colonized the globe, the two world histories intersected and the Western narrative drove the other one under. The West hardly noticed, but the Islamic world found the encounter profoundly disrupting.

This book reveals the parallel "other" narrative of world history to help us make sense of today's world conflicts. Ansary traces the history of the Muslim world from pre-Mohammedan days through 9/11, introducing people, events, empires, legends, and religious disputes, both in terms of what happened and how it was understood and interpreted.

©2009 Tamim Ansary (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Informative and thoroughly engaging....A must read." (Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner)

Knowledge is the path to compassion

This book helped me find hope that the seemingly inevitable war of the west with Islam can be diverted through the understanding of a mutual history. This mutually inclusive storyline is achievable ,and the path to peace is possible if we learn to understand were the "enemy"is coming from and how we helped "them" get here. Tamim helped me fill the blank spot in my own understanding of world history, and in doing so shown a light on the path to understanding the middle world. An important book for all seeking answers to the great questions posed by the current global clashes of the west with Islam. This book in know way defends terrorism or assumes that the "destiny disrupted" is the path history should have taken or still may take. It gives deep insight to the core of ideals and doctrines that have lead to the current horrifying situation. A must read for all (especially westerners) who hope and pray for a lasting peaceful solution to the problems presented in the current economic geo-political climate

Incredibly Important Information NOW!

Would you listen to Destiny Disrupted again? Why?

Yes, I would definitely listen to this title again. In fact, the book represents a reference item as I endeavor to gain a greater understanding of current events.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book is presented as a story. It describes the creation and destruction of empires, consequences of great wars, and the establishment of nations and national boundaries . Its a long story. But it is a story that is rich with "who are the...", "hows", "how comes", and "why's"; clarification about the Sunnis and the Shiites as well as many of the related theological beliefs. DESTINY DISRUPTED provides explanations that lay the groundwork for some of the behaviors that the world is experiencing today.

I found myself struggling to get through the early chapter and anxious to get back to the middle and later chapters.

Any additional comments?

I certainly feel enlightened after having listened too DESTINY DISRUPTED. I also feel like so many of the influential voices in the news and in our politics are without the history, the facts, and the nuances that are provided by Tamim Ansary in his book.

A fair commentary on Islamic thinking

the author flawlessly unravels the competing histories between the East and West that is an ongoing struggle.

More Like the History of the Middle East

What made the experience of listening to Destiny Disrupted the most enjoyable?

Listening was like setting on the porch with a friend that was there from the beginning of Islam.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tamim Ansary. Made Islam easy to understand and he was pretty balanced.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!!! Couldn't stop listening to this one.

Any additional comments?

This was a part of history you just don't get in school.

Great review of Islamic history

A very concise and informative book . Author has done a great job . An enjoyable read or listen. Author has stayed unbiased for the most part . I listened to the book twice . Highly recommend it to any student of history .

A must read masterpiece!

What a book! What a masterful storyteller. Mr Ansary weaves together a story much like a favorite uncle telling you stories of the past sitting in your living room while enjoying his tea. His slight accent makes the book feel so much more authentic and gives his voice the gravitas it deserves just by the sheer breadth of the task.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed listening to a rational, common sense, retelling of Islamic history by Mr Ansary. I have been telling my kids that this is a must read/listen book for every 2nd generation muslim that understands the English language and wants to gain a historic overview of Islamic history that is relatively unbiased and comprehensive in its scope.

Thought Provoking

Although I have not had the opportunity to check all the facts in this book (and never will for that matter), anything I researched checked out.

Because of the subject matter it is "pro" Islam, and "pro" Mohammed.But not overbearing at all.
Definitely gives new meaning to "There but for fortune go you and I."

Enjoyed the style MOST of the time. Occasionally, especially toward the end, the amount of detail was overwhelming. Narration was good.

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to see the world through anothers eyes. And maybe, most importantly, to those who don't.

A delightful surprise

What did you love best about Destiny Disrupted?

I listened to this book because I thought I OUGHT to do so--given the current world situation. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. And not only did it give me a better understanding of the history of Islamic world, but the contrasts with various countries in western Europe also help me better understand those countries--particularly with respect to the evolution of the concept of a "nation".

What about Tamim Ansary’s performance did you like?

I particularly liked the fact that Ansary both writes and speaks in a style that doesn't leaving you feeling he is pushing a particular agenda. And when his comments amount to speculation he carefully identifies them as such.

Insightful, Comprehensive and Simply Presented

The author does a great job of covering the history of Islam from a religious, political and social perspective. From early Arabia to modern day world. A great book for anyone looking to learn in detail the chronology of Islamic history and its parallels and intersections with European history.
Highly recommend this as a starting book, and can be used to dive into different topics, since after this book you'd have a good understanding of Islamic history and the Muslim people.

At last! An open and honest account!

I am a Christian who wants the truth, not rhetoric. The author is amazing. I wish he was my neighbor as I would be fascinated listening to him share his knowledge and his faith. There is a massive difference between "religion" and faith. Religion is a set of man made habits, faith is of the heart, mind and spirit. Faith is the trust of things unseen. This man gets it. We need more men like him, and he needs to write more books. I will stand in line to read ANYTHING he writes.