'Islam 101: Ultimate Guide to Understanding Islam'
By: Javed Mohammed
(Paperback / 138 Pages / Pyramid Connections / ISBN: 0970126115 / $9.95)
Description: 'Islam 101' is a brief guide to understanding Islam. It addresses the beliefs and practices, as well as shatters some of the myths, especially those related to Jihad and the status of women. This book contains a sampling (of the translations) of the heart-filled passages from the Holy Quran and narrations of the Prophet Muhammad; the poetry of Rumi and the humor of Nasserusddin Mullah; plus the speeches of contemporary leader on Islam and those who have adopted this faith.
Verdict: Javed Mohammed, himself a Director of Marketing in a Silicon Valley startup and the author of 'Gems of Wisdom and Heart of Gold' is in need of your immediate attention. Mr. Mohammed wants you to understand the poetry of his faith through a collection of short essays and poems about Islam and Muslims. Containing information and eye-opening pacifiers to those not in the know, 'Islam 101' sets out to guide us from early days of Islam through to modern day with excerpts from the Holy texts, stories, poems and other such thought-provoking passages. Not to be confused with another book of the same title by Arshad Khan, which is purely a textbook, Mohammed's book truly does everything in its power to explain Islam from different viewpoints for the times that we live in. At times deeply descriptive, as if stomping the point home just in case, at other times lively and extremely easy on the eyes and mind, 'Islam 101' is just the right way to turn if you have endless questions related to this culture and all who dwell within it. And, to be truthful, in the times that we currently call our everday lives, 'Islam 101' is one mighty tool towards the rebuilding of faith, trust, love and understanding between Islam and America and one that can not be overlooked.
Reviewed By Steve Smith