The Book Review - No God But God

Tittle: No God But God : The Origin, Evolution and Future of Islam  (new edition, fully revised and updated)

Author: Reza Aslan

ISBN: 9780099564324

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Arrow Books

Year: 2011

First book review for this blog.

Reading in Feb 2012.

4.5 stars out of 5

SALAM

Not being exaggerating, this book truly is an important book about Islam in this decade.

This book start with preface to the updated edition. It give information about the condition of Muslims after the 9/11 tragedy. The author, Reza Aslan shares the aim about this book that initially published in 2005, and this new edition give rather different perspectives.

I like the way the writer, Reza Aslan shares his own story (prologue). About a quarrel happen in train while heading to Marrakech. It shows the connection between the writer and the book.

The book has 11 chapter that discussed entirely about the history and evolution and future of Islam. And it connects with one chapter to one chapter. He starts with the history of pre-Islam era and move beautifully to the time when Islam is spread by the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (peace be upon him) and the development over the time after his death then through our time where revolution of Islam is said to be established.

This 3 elements - history, evolution and future - are crucial to picture the Islam itself.

Actually, this is now a new perspective, rather than a precise perspective about Islam that just not a religion. Islam is a way of life. This is not a simple or easy topic to discuss about but Reza Aslan give excellent explanations and comparisons. And I like how he gives comparison between Islam and other religions. 

This book also give precise information about the Islam and faith. This book not only to change people perception about Muslim and Islam religion but also a wake-up call to  young generation of Muslim. I like the way he arise the issues about politic in Islam, about the Internet and advanced technology that gives such a big impact toward the revolution of Islam, about the Sufism, about the conflict in Middle East. These all eventually give major effect to this religion. 

This book ends with something for the Muslim to think about. It lays on the Muslim's shoulder to shape the future of Islam according to what Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (peace be upon him) had left. 

I like the way he write this book because at the back of this book, provide the note for deeper knowledge for the Western reader. So we know that this book not just aiming to Muslim at whole. He has his own credibility when provides the note and justify his explanations.

 " we must recognize the greater knowledge about Islam is not enough to alter perception of Muslim..... rather, it is solely through the slow and steady building of personal relationship that one discovers the fundamental truth that all people everywhere have the same dreams, aspiration, that all people struggle with the same fears and anxiety. "  - Reza Aslan. 

So grab this book and you will be illuminated by his writing.

Happy Reading! 








psst: This is special for me reading during this Maulidur Rasul.