This post is a tad early, as I have only read half of this book so far...
However, from my initial impression of this novel - it contains the most heart wrenchingly beautiful prose that I have read in a long time.
and it dismantles some of the negative stereotypes of Islam that have been created by the media.
"'This is not the true meaning of Jihad,' he spoke into the starless dark. 'Jihad is the holy war we have within ourselves. That is the meaning below the surface. Our internal struggle for purity...it is the war of ascendance over our bassal instincts. It has absolutely nothing to do with others. The only thing we can have control over is ourselves." (Gibb 56)
The extremist Muslims that you see on CNN manipulate the term Jihad to fit their political agendas, taking a peaceful document and twisting it to support their unprecedented violence.
Even Christians have taken the Bible and twisted it to condemn, accuse and radicalize a faith of Love. Check out the doc "Jesus Camp" if you want to find out Fundamentalist Militant Christians in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97NFNXk8aFc
Radicalism on either side of the spectrum sadly destroys the original message
no matter how pure or purposeful as it was - that is humanity's curse
Using radicalism in order to identify one's ego with an ideology or doctrine.
This is how war begins and is continually perpetuated....
Moderation is everything.
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