An updated and expanded edition of the bestselling and award-winning book
Islam is often obscured by a veil of unfamiliar beliefs, customs, and practices. We watch intriguing images of Islamic nations on our televisions. We hear words like Muslim and Jihad defined in conflicting terms. But we still don't understand. Now, more than ever, we need to join the thousands of Christians who have become friends and compatriots in reaching Muslim people for Christ. So who can explain this culture with clarity and precision?
Raised as Sunni Muslims by a leader in the faith, brothers Ergun and Emir Caner have lived the Muslim life. Now Christians, and highly respected theology professors, the Caner brothers are particularly qualified to present an unprecedented insider's look at Islam.
Newly updated and expanded from its original edition, Unveiling Islam is a sympathetic yet uncompromising presentation of the entire scope of Islam-its practices, ethics, and beliefs, including the primary differences between Christianity and Islam. The authors then present a practical strategy Christians can use to open a productive dialogue with Muslims.
Ergun Mehmet Caner (Th.M., Southeastern Seminary; Th.D., University of South Africa) is dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and professor of theology and church history at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his seventeen years as a pastor and now as an educator, Dr. Caner has lectured on apologetics, world religions, and theology in eleven countries and has been interviewed on CNN, The 700 Club, the BBC, and elsewhere. He is coauthor of many books on global apologetics.
Emir Fethi Caner (Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington) is president of Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia. An award-winning and best-selling author, he speaks regularly on apologetics, world religions, and theology around the world and on such media outlets as NPR, PAX, and Billy Graham's Decision Today radio program. His past experience includes pastoring, overseas missions, and church planting.
Foreword 11
Preface: A Man of Granite 13
Acknowledgments 21
Introduction: Chilling Words in a Frightening World 23
Chapter 1 Security, Politics, and Jihad 29
Chapter 2 Muhammad: The Militant Messenger 38
Chapter 3 The Story of Islam: A Trail of Blood 65
Chapter 4 The Qur'an: "Mother of Books" 81
Chapter 5 Sunnah and Hadith: The Other Books 93
Chapter 6 Allah: Names of Terror, Names of Glory 102
Chapter 7 Fundamentals: The Five Pillars 120
Chapter 8 Women: Love, Marriage, and Property 132
Chapter 9 Salvation: Mathematical Righteousness 142
Chapter 10 Holy Days: A Calendar of Islamic Community 152
Chapter 11 Islamic Sects and Splinters 161
Chapter 12 The Illusion of Religious Liberty: Terrorism from Within 172
Chapter 13 The Bloodshed of Jihad 181
Chapter 14 Clash of Cultures: Christianity Through the Eyes of the Typical Muslim 199
Chapter 15 Jesus According to the Qur'an 211
Chapter 16 Inside the Muslim: Earning a Hearing and Winning a Soul 222
Chapter 17 That Camel Just Won't Hunt: Collateral Damage in the Culture Wars over Islam 234
Chapter 18 Freedom and the Conscience of the Nation: A Not to the Gipper 245
Appendix A Topical Index to the Qur'an 261
Appendix B Free Will, Fatalism, and the Qur'an 266
Appendix C Christianity and Islam: A Comparison of Beliefs 268
Appendix D Glossary of Arabic Islamic Terms 272
Index 276
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2006
When I first started thinking about reverting to Islam, I read this book thinking that I would get a better feel for Islam. I must say I was sorely disappointed. It is written by two brothers who converted to Christianity. They are arguing against a religion that they don't believe in and yet trying to make it seem like they are a part of Islam. Don't be fooled. This is not a book to explain Islam.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 15, 2006
As a religious study professor, I would have to completely disagree with this bias and very untrue view of islam. I have came to know islam as a very kind, peaceful religion after all my studies. Many have written reviews in favor of the book, which completely shows the wrong side and is completely wrong! It's the most disgusting lying form of literature out there.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 23, 2007
i mean really this book is far from true
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 8, 2004
Mohammed was a great military man. He was able to take what the Nestorians taught (a heretical form of Christianity that was exiled into Persia) and add to the story to create Islam. Since there are different sects of Islam there (of course) are differing opinions as to the peacefulness of the religion itself. However, this book shows that there is a major difference in the fundamentals of Christianity and Islam. Islam's foundation is violent, whereas Christianity's is not.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 15, 2004
If you don't know a lot about Islam, you'll end up believing everything in this book. It distorts what Islam really is by using clever ways to assoiciate the traditions of Arabs with Islam. Muslims, like Christians and Jews, have not been perfect in following thier religion. Arabs still tend to follow thier old customs and traditions rather than follow the clear sophisticated rulings of the glorious Quran. I urge Muslims not to read this book UNTIL you have an in depth knowledge of Islam and believe strongly in your faith. Otherwise, you'll be decieved. The authors of this book are simply looking for financial gain(and they have been succesful). They know that Christiand and Jews(who have limited knowledge of Islam) will believe in whatever they write cause after all, 'they are former Muslims'. This is most definitely not an honest protrayal of Islam. 'The Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam' is an excellent book about Islam(written by a convert to Islam).
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 27, 2003
why read this book when you can pick up the Koran and read about Islam directly from source? Need guidance then there are plenty of books that will explain the philosphy and teachings. This book however only serves to support those that already have prejudiced views and want them reinforced under the guise of 'balance' when in truth this books lacks any at all.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 20, 2013
The book does not provide an insider's view, but a biased view against this religion. The writers seemed to change their faith because they misunderstood it not because they could explain it.
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Posted December 6, 2010
Excellent, well documented, eye-opening truth we aren't being taught; exposed by those who have lived it and left Islam.
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Posted November 19, 2006
This book is a must read - especially for those thinking about becoming Muslim - or those who believe it it a 'religion of peace'. You must know the truth before it is too late!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 21, 2006
It amazed me first of all how real this book spoke out. Yes, islam can be a very nice place if you had some things changed.Some of the people there are peaceful and very nice. However, when i went there to visit they attacked me becuase of my beliefs. They told me i shouldnt be able to wear shoes that made noise,have a boyfriend,or go to school. A man told me whats the point if all you are here for is to be used sexually for your husband? That kind of attitude is whats shocking... I am giong to travel agian to each middle east country and writing a book about it. who knows maybe my voice will come out soon in a book! Christina
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Posted August 17, 2005
If one seeks knowledge about a specific religion, the primary source must be considered before all others. The only way true awareness will be reached is through non biased information. Anybody who follows the Qur'an understands fully the severity of slander & wrong doing. One of the most important pillars of Islam teaches people to help those who are less fortunate. I was born & raised in the US w/ fair knowledge & some guidance toward Christianity. My mother an ave. cauc. raised on a Midwest farm & my father an immigrant from the Middle East. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity in my life to observe & learn BOTH views of different cultures, religions, morals, & values. I do know that walking into a book store prior to Sept. 11th '01 any person could find a fair amount of literature (non biased references) on Islam most of which were kept respectfully on the top shelf w/ the Qur'an, always in the RELIGION section of the store. I am currently searching in the social science section, on the bottom shelf, w/ the Qur'an which is located in a completely different section of the store as religion. We are all individuals w/ our own minds to develop & should learn from positive thinking. Negativity doesn't serve any purpose...only influences the mind, weakens the heart, & sickens the health of people. My husband is a muslim immigrant from another country who to this day amazes me w/ his gentle heart...never yells or uses obscene language,frowns upon gossip,always at my side when I'm ill,gifts of flowers & simple treasures are given to me often. I don't ever have to worry about him leaving me at home to go & indulge using alcohol or drugs. He has taught me the importance of modest attire to respect all people, not just him (as many ignorant opinions state). He encourages me to call my parents each day & show them respect. Our child is the one you'll see out there running up to hold doors for the elderly & anxiously waiting to help w/ shopping bags & chores. I am the one who chooses to raise our child teaching awareness excepting EVERYONE no matter what! Still to this day I pray for those who judge my family & I, along w/ many misunderstood muslims to one day be at PEACE w/ God & accept positive spiritual energy! The many negative occurances in my life have been developed into goodness & love as God intended.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 25, 2005
Excellent book. One of the best I have read in the last 10 years. I was born and raised as a Muslim in Turkey. My parents are secular Muslim. Many scholars have been assassinated since they have revealed the dark and ugly side of Islam in Turkey. Our door was marked with paint since we refused to give ¿iane¿ (donation). Because most of these donations are conveyed to imams (clergy)but not the poor. This book is an excellent source to show the lacking spirituality to the religion of Islam. Caner brothers gently revealed the military expansion of Islam forcefull, brutal and unspiritual nature. As a matter of fact, Sufism, which is considered un-Islam, was simply a response to the brutality and the growing materialism in Islamic world. For many Muslims the sharia failed to satisfy their deepest spiritual longings and desires. Perhaps, this is why many Muslims have been choosing Christianity. Today orthodox Muslims are assassinating young and intellectual scholars whom writes against Islam. World does not here this. The very strength of Islam, in its reliance on a simple creed (inanc) and the five pillars (fundamental principle) of practice, proved to be the very weakness of Islam. This book so romantically explains this. God shake, can anyone explain me how is the Hajj (the fifth pillar of Islam which obligates you to pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Qadah at least once in a lifetime, for a Muslim the hajj is the ultimate act of worship'.) related to well being. How does it relate to morality? Could the motivation for the Fifth Pillar be wealth that would bring lots of it to Mohammed and his friends? Just to keep in mind that he was a businessman rather than a clergy (I¿m sorry I cannot say a prophet) and he married a rich widow! I strongly recommend this book.
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Posted November 7, 2003
Although the authors claim to have a sympathetic presentation of Islam (presumably based on their upbringing), their Christian bias is apparent to any objective reader. One has to ask how a Christian reader would respond to a critical look at Christianity written by a former Christian who has converted to Islam? Would such a polemical tome be deemed reliable? A better source of information about Islam would be an number of the books by M. M. Ali which take a moderate approach and offer true scholarship.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 20, 2003
Of the several books I have read about Islam, this is BY FAR the best. Written by former Muslims, now Christians, the Caner brothers are sensitive to both Islamic and Judeo-Christian faiths. All statements are well documented with Koranic, Hadithic, or Biblical references. Concise writing and superb organization reflect the authors' academic backgrounds. Every non-Muslim should read this outstanding book as a start for comparing Islamic and Judeo-Christian faiths. I rate this book 5-PLUS STARS!
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Posted April 3, 2003
their bizarre take on Islam makes me severly doubt that they can even speak arabic. people using this book as a reference will be laughed at by any half educated Muslim.
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Posted January 11, 2003
This extrememly important book presents a factual account of Islam. Thoroughly researched and well-documented, the authors' writing style is easy to read. This timely book is a must for everyone in this day and age. I will highly recommend this book!
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Posted September 27, 2002
After September 11 2001, this book could not be more appropriate or more timely. Many in the West are seeking an understanding of a religion that could so mercilessly and indiscriminately slaughter so many innocent people at a given moment in time. The religion is Islam. Islam, as the authors of this book declare, is often obscured by a veil of unfamiliar beliefs, customs and practices. The book `Unveiling Islam' is a very sympathetic yet uncompromising presentation of the entire scope and field of Islam, including it's practices, ethics and beliefs. Not least, it deals with in detail the primary differences between Christianity and Islam. Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner, were both raised as Sunni Muslims by a leader in a Mosque and have lived the Muslim life to the full. This crucial book by the Caner brothers, both esteemed and learned Professors in their own right, is a phenomenal work. The work shows extensive research and knowledge and is articulate and authoritative, with a deep understanding and comprehension of Islamic politics, theology, beliefs and mindset. This vivid analysis of Islam is by two former devout Muslims who are now Born Again Christians. The authors openly reveal that at this moment for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, men, women and children are being bullwhipped into submission, tortured, imprisoned, beaten, battered and broken. Homes are being burnt and families are being executed. Conversion from Islam to Christianity and faith in Jesus Christ often means being disowned, disinherited, expulsion, arrest and even death. The authors insist and expose that if you believe that persecution, torture and murder for belief and faith in Jesus Christ are things of the past, then you are sadly, badly mistaken. The authors dismiss the claim so popular today that `all religions are the same' and the Muslims and Christians worship the same God. They state that either Islam is correct in the assumption that "there is only one God, Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet" or that Christianity is correct when Jesus Himself says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no-one comes to the Father except through Me." They cannot both be correct and both Gods cannot be the same. Muslims overtly declaring that `Allah has no son' and Christianity declaring that `Jesus is the Son of God'. This book is not a diatribe filled with hostility against Islam. There is no hostility here at all. No hatred, only sadness and love and a desire to share the Truth that the authors have found. It is a genuine, honest attempt to portray Islam as it is and from a Christian perspective, by two learned Muslims who have been there and trodden both paths. The authors state that the events of September 11 2001, were regretfully only a very sad validation of Islam to those familiar with the Qur'an and the Hadith, and those familiar with the protocols of Jihad and the beliefs surrounding the worldwide expansion of Islam & the beliefs surrounding an Islamic martyr's eternity. There is so much detail here that it is not possible to cover it all in a review. Read it for yourself. We all owe it to ourselves to be aware of the entire context of what we face in the `war against terrorism' and those who sadly fight against the West in the name of Islam. I highly recommend this book.
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Posted July 6, 2002
An interesting and courageous book that focuses on the religion and its suggested worldview... not the people. To analyze Islam, look at its teaching (Qur'an) and its leader (Mohammed), not the Muslim people. To analyze Christianity, look at the Bible and Jesus Christ, not its fallible believers. The book is an honest attempt to do this and is well documented. Why am I not surprised to see a review (below) from an anonymous diversity trainer, who claims the book is inaccurate, distorted and deceptive? I would plead that one read the sources (Qur'an and Bible) and investigate the lives of the leaders (Mohammed and Jesus) before hurling out allegedly tolerant invectives in a review.
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Posted July 10, 2002
These two professors have written a wonderful, well researched, and scholarly book about Islam, simply to present truth. Reared as Muslims by a devoted Islamic father, they present keen insight into the history and beliefs of Islam. Doing the unthinkable as Muslims, they found a personal loving God through faith in Jesus Christ. Their story is absolutely amazing, and their objective is to teach Christians how to win the hearts of Muslims through the love of Christ. A Muslim who abandons Islam is despised, hated, and rejected by other Muslims. While the Christian faith welcomes open questions, examination, investigation and scrutiny of it's teachings, those practices can get you killed in the Islamic religion. Unquestioned devotion and acceptance of Islamic teaching is the model for Muslim followers, and the suppression of free minded inquiry into the Muslim faith is exactly why this book will be denounced by Islamic devotees. Truth and freedom always come with a high cost, and the authors of this book have clearly shown a willingness to pay the price. I hope our nation's leaders will read this work, and what an amazing, up-to-date book for these times!!!
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Posted August 31, 2002
While some others might say that this book is a twist of Islamic teachings, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Throughout the book the authors reference where they are getting their information and allow the skeptic to simply look it up for themself. What more needs to be said? This book puts in plain terms exactly what the true teachings of Islam are.
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Overview
An updated and expanded edition of the bestselling and award-winning book
Islam is often obscured by a veil of unfamiliar beliefs, customs, and practices. We watch intriguing images of Islamic nations on our televisions. We hear words like Muslim and Jihad defined in conflicting terms. But we still don't understand. Now, more than ever, we need to join the thousands of Christians who have become friends and compatriots in reaching Muslim people...