No god but God

The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam

By: Reza Aslan

Narrated by: Shishir Kurup

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Though it is the fastest growing religion in the world, Islam remains shrouded by ignorance and fear. What is the essence of this ancient faith? Is it a religion of peace or war? How does Allah differ from the God of Jews and Christians? Can an Islamic state be founded on democratic values such as pluralism and human rights? A writer and scholar of comparative religions, Reza Aslan has earned international acclaim for the passion and clarity he has brought to these questions. In No god but God, challenging the "clash of civilizations" mentality that has distorted our view of Islam, Aslan explains this critical faith in all its complexity, beauty, and compassion.

Contrary to popular perception in the West, Islam is a religion firmly rooted in the prophetic traditions of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Aslan begins with a vivid account of the social and religious milieu in which the Prophet Muhammad lived. The revelations that Muhammad received in Mecca and Medina, which were recorded in the Quran, became the foundation for a radically more egalitarian community, the likes of which had never been seen before.

According to Reza Aslan, we are now living in the era of "the Islamic Reformation". No god but God is a persuasive and elegantly written account of the roots of this reformation and the future of Islamic faith.

©2006 Reza Aslan (P)2009 Random House

A must to read

The author & reader provide a scholarly and spellbinding presentation on the beginnings, history and tenets of Islam while also making relevant and applicable to today & tomorrow. It helped clarify many of the current seemingly (to a non-Islamist) petty differences and conflicts within and beyond the Islamist world. A mind-opening book.

Great Book

Awesome and true details about Islam. I will read again. Everyone must read great book

Incredible

What a fascinating book from start to finish. I went into it with very little knowledge of the history of Islam and Islamic thought, and I'm astounded by how comprehensive yet accessible this book is. Highly recommend.

history not faith.

like other books written by this author this book is not for the faithful. Rather it traces back the history mythology and culture of the Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Quran from its Origins its history and the changes that came about through the centuries to bring it to where it is today. a very enlightening book certainly should be considered great literature.

Phenomenal.

A balanced and insightful history and analysis of Islam and its relationship with the West. Challenged many of my ignorant notions of the Prophet, the religion, the nation-states involved, and the reasons behind their tumultuous and violent histories.

I have much to think on and many questions to research after reading this book, and I am very grateful for the diligence, sensitivity, and sincere concern for truth that Alsan's book manifests.

Better than any political speaker.

You will need your full concentration on this one, alot to retain and process in any one chapter.

Great book for a non muslin

Nice introduction and background on Islam. I am Christian and it helped me a lot.

revelatory

loved Rezas breadth of coverage and relatively balanced approach. doesn't feel heretical at all. kudos

taught me Islam and Arabic culture are very differ

this book has only gained relavance over the past decade. the lessons taught in it are invaluable to any political mind of the modern era, especially those seeking to understand the most pressing issues of international relations.

I love it

This book enlightened me on what would become my religion. I can't thank you enough. Masha Allah