Recommended Books
Book of the Month by Hugh Goddard "This book investigates the history of the relationships between Christians and Muslims over the centuries, from their initial encounters in the Medieval period when the Muslims were the dominant group, through to the modern period when the balance of power seems to have been reversed.This much-needed overview of the Christian-Muslim encounter places the emphasis on the context within which perceptions and attitudes were worked out and provides a depth of historical insight to the complexities of current Christian-Muslim interactions on different continents."
 by Abdulaziz Sachedina "In our worries about the potential in organized religion for provoking conflict, we often hear Islam stereotyped as a 'religion of violence.' Professor Sachedina lays open to us a profoundly different view of Islam as more able than most religions to recognize and respect the faith of others. He works with fundamental theological concepts to reveal this pluralism at the heart of Muslim faith. We might wish that other faith traditions match the openness he demonstrates." --Raymond G. Helmick, professor of conflict resolution, Boston College
 by Dr. A.H. Mathias Zahniser "With a blend of scholarship, empathy, and personal piety, Zahniser helps Muslims and Christians look through the lenses of each other's sacred texts and their interpretations of Jesus, whom they both revere while differing concerning his mission and death. And with an ear to Muslim objections, he has broadened the areas of possible agreement by a re-examination of the sources, and then gone on to explain why Christians consider the death and resurrection of Christ so important as a demonstration of God's involvement in our human story. This book is a model of sensitive dialogue and apologetics that starts with common ground." --J. Dudley Woodbury, Fuller Theological Seminary
 by John Esposito This book is the product of a mammoth six-year study in which the Gallup Organization conducted tens of thousands of hour-long, face-to-face interviews with residents of more than 35 predominantly Muslim nations — urban and rural, young and old, men and women, educated and illiterate. It asks the questions everyone is curious about: Why is the Muslim world so anti-American? Who are the extremists? Is democracy something Muslims really want? What do Muslim women want? The answers to these and other pertinent, provocative questions are provided not by experts, extremists, or talking heads, but by empirical evidence — the voices of a billion Muslims. (from Amazon.com)
 The Prophet & the Messiah: An Arab Christian's Perspective on Islam and Christianity
Review (from Amazon.com) "In this evenhanded and conciliatory book Chawkat Moucarry calls Christians and Muslims to engage in genuine dialogue, urging them to relate to each other with true humility and respect. In a straightforward fashion he describes and compares the central doctrines of both Christianity and Islam, explaining key beliefs and debunking common misconceptions. Christians who read this book will learn much about Islam. Likewise, Muslims who read it will discover why Christians are convinced of the truth of Christianity. Sure to provide grist for informed discussions, this rare book is one that both Muslims and Christians can fruitfully study together."
 American Christians and Islam: Evangelical Culture and Muslims from the Colonial Period to the Age of Terrorism
Thomas S. Kidd
'In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, many of America's Christian evangelicals have denounced Islam as a "demonic" and inherently violent religion, provoking frustration among other Christian conservatives who wish to present a more appealing message to the world's Muslims. Yet as Thomas Kidd reveals in this sobering book, the conflicted views expressed by today's evangelicals have deep roots in American history. . . . American Christians and Islam is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the causes of the mounting tensions between Christians and Muslims today." from Princeton University Press Thomas Kidd is associate professor of history at Baylor University and resident scholar at Baylor's Institute for Studies of Religion. He is the author of The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America and The Protestant Interest: New England after Puritanism.
"Believing Women" in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur'an "With this book, Dr. Barlas has performed an invaluable service to Muslim women and their struggle both within and outside of the Muslim community. Passage by passage, sometimes even word by word, she confronts patriarchal exegesis of the Qur'an and reclaims an egalitarian reading. " (from a review on Amazon.com by Jennifer Zobair)
Muslims, Christians, and the Challenge of Interfaith Dialogue by Jane Smith Throughout the book, one hears the personal voices of these Muslim and Christian participants in the American interfaith dialogue .
While many of the encounters between Islam and Christianity over the past 14 centuries have been peaceful, Americans know little about the history of religious interaction beyond the Crusades or the fear Europe felt in the face of the invasions of the Turks. This volume is intended to educate Americans about the great diversity of Muslims in this country while illustrating how Christians and Muslims are coming together, not only to talk to each other, but to work together for the common good.
About the Author
Jane Idleman Smith is Professor of Islamic Studies and Co-Director of the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Hartford Seminary, Hartford CT. Her book Islam in America won a Silver Award in the Religion Category of Foreward Magazine's Book Awards
 A Christian Guide to the Qur'an: Building Bridges in Muslim Evangelism During our time overseas as PC(USA) mission co-workers, my husband and I enjoyed the hospitality of many Muslim people. Here at home we tried to return the favor by serving as a host family to Ahmad, a Jordanian student, and Rahilah, his wife. Rahilah was pregnant on September 11, 2001. Stunned by the events she was watching on television, she began weeping in distress. Ultimately, she miscarried their baby. After Ahmad had rushed Rahilah to the nearest hospital, the doctors and nurses took care of her but she was stung by their aloof manner. Did they think she and Ahmad were terrorists? Would she be safe in this country now? That fall and winter were tough for our friends. Rahilah always wore a head scarf as a sign of her piety, and both of them had heavy accents. Whispers and suspicion followed wherever they went. A clerk at a store refused to take Ahmad's money. A driver forced them off the road and demanded to see identification. People sometimes growled and muttered when Rahilah walked by. Rahilah and Ahmad responded with grace to the hostility they encountered. "I don't blame them," Rahilah told me. "When I saw those towers fall, my heart broke along with America's." I wrote Islam and Christianity to help young adults build bridges with Muslims like Rahilah and Ahmad. Bridges that allow us to journey from one side to another require a strong foundation. I hope this study guide inspires participants to deepen their own faith as well as to love and understand Muslims.
 The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life
by Ingrid Mattson "An insightful and authoritative introduction to the book at the heart of Muslim life, written by a well-known Islamic scholar." from the Duncan-Black MacDonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations atHartford Seminary Order book fromHartford Seminary or Amazon
 God's Crucible: Islam and the Making of Europe, 570-1215
by David Levering Lewis "This superb portrayal by NYU history professor Lewis of the fraught half-millennium during which Islam and Christianity uneasily coexisted on the continent just beginning to be known as Europe displays the formidable scholarship and magisterial ability to synthesize vast quantities of material that won him Pulitzer Prizes for both volumes of W.E.B. Du Bois." (from Amazon.com review)
 A Muslim Looks at Christianity: Essays on Dialogue (Faith Meets Faith Series)
edited by Irfan Omar Irfan A. Omar edits an outstanding collection of essays highly recommended for Muslim and Christian spiritual collections alike: they serve as a bridge between the two religions and represent the reflections and insights of a highly regarded scholar in Christian-Muslim dialogue. These are essays previously published by Ayoub and gathered conveniently from a range of sources under one cover, offering studies which vary from analysis of the roots Quar'anic thought to modern religious applications. Students who would better understand either religion or the dialogue between the two must have these writings, which represent both the foundations of intercultural communications and the essentials of spiritual communication between religious perspectives. (Review from Amazon.com)
 The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross: Insights from an Arab Christian
by Dr. Nabeel T. Jabbour "In "The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross" Dr. Jabbour invites us to journey with him and his friend Ahmad and Ahmad's sister Fatimah. Together they explore Muslims' grievances (both men and women), our own imbalanced prejudices and assumptions, as well as the cause (and solution) of radical Islamic fundamentalism. As we travel the road he unwraps the Gospel and explores the Muslim and Christian worldviews, presenting the person of Jesus in a more sensitive and effective yet Biblical way. The journey ends with hope and doable practical applications." (Reviewed by Edward Hoskins for Amazon.com)
 Mecca and Main Street: Muslim Life in America after 9/11 by Geneive Abdo "Geneive Abdo's work captures in great detail the immense hardships Muslim face in the post-September-11th world and offers hope for their success and co-existence in America. Her book shatters stereotypes about Muslims and teaches us that more understanding of Islam is needed for global peace." --Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists by Khaled Abou El Fadl (Muslim author & UCLA Law Professor) "Though the writing can be dry and portions read like a law school lecture, overall El Fadl's book is a fulfilling read for moderate Muslims concerned about conservative leadership and any non-Muslims who want to inform themselves about the extremists' misuse of Islam." (from Amazon editorial review)
 Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy
by Peter Gottschalk and Gabriel Greenberg The authors say that Islamophobia--a racistlike bias against Muslims based on stereotypes--is very real, manifesting in some cartoons that are obviously biased and others that appear on the surface to be more sympathetic.
 The Qur'an: A User's Guide
by Farid Esack Esack explores how the Qur'an came into being and examines its structure as a unique literary work. Blending faith, fact and an innovative approach, this is a concise guide to a major religious text, and invaluable insight into its role in the lives of Muslims. Farid Esack is an internationally known South African Muslim scholar, speaker and author. He is currently Brueggemann Chair in Inter-religious Studies at Xavier University, Cincinnati.
 Islamic Thought: An Introduction By Abdullah Saeed (Muslim author) Islamic Thought is a fresh and contemporary introduction to the philosophies and doctrines of Islam. The author traces the development of religious knowledge in Islam, from the pre-modern to the modern period. Exploring the influences of Islamic Art and Culture, and the Islamic texts of the Qur'an, and hadith, as well as Sufism, Islamic laws, and politics, Islamic Thought is ideal for anyone who wants to understand more about Muslims and the Islamic faith.
 Islam: An Introduction By Annemarie Schimmel (non Muslim author) "Schimmel is a trustworthy guide for those unfamiliar with Islam. She has devoted a life-time of study to it and condenses her considerable learning into this short and clear book. She is a refreshingly sober starting point given these overheated times. For those thirsting for a bit more in the way of an extended introductory survey of Islam, I would recommend 'Visions of Islam' by Chittick & Murata."
 The Case for Islamo-Christian Civilization
by Richard W. Bulliet (non Muslim academic) "[An] insightful book about Islam and Muslims that actually provides hope for the future.... this book is a quick, informative, and encouraging read." -- Publishers Weekly "A clearly written book, aimed at the general reader...requires a place on the library shelf" -- Library Journal "Presents a persuasive case for viewing Islam and the West... [a]brilliant new book" -- Emran Qureshi, Toronto Globe and Mail
"Seeks to bridge a gap between Islam and the West... His solution is to try to patch things up by emphasizing all that Islam and Christianity have in common." -- Daniel Lazare, The Nation
"As Bulliet writes... there is a far better case for 'Islamo-Christian civilization' than there is for a clash of civilizations." -- Washington Monthly
 Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation
by Eboo Patel (Muslim author) Patel relates how he suffered the racist taunts of fellow youth, and, in response, alternately rebelled against and absorbed the religion of his parents--Islam--but in his own way. Meanwhile, he continued to pursue interfaith work with vigor, not quite knowing his end goal but always feeling in his gut that interfaith understanding was the key. This autobiography of a young activist captures how an angry youth can be transformed--by faith, by the community and, most of all, by himself--into a profound leader for the cause of peace.
 Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization
by Akbar Ahmad (Muslim author) In response to the events of September 11, 2001, Ahmed, Islamic studies professor at American University in Washington, D.C., set out last year to visit Muslim nations in the Middle East, South Asia and Far East Asia. Accompanied the entire way by two non-Islamic American students and occasionally by others--including one American student who was Islamic--the Pakistani-born professor hoped to improve his understanding of the contemporary Muslim realm in all its diversity. Not so incidentally, Ahmed also wanted to shatter the stereotype of the U.S. as a warmongering, Islam-hating nation. The result is a fascinating account of how he and his students braved danger to build mutual understanding in Pakistan, India, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia and Indonesia.
 The Cambridge Companion to the Qur'an (Cambridge Companions to Religion)
Edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe (mostly western non Muslim academic authors) As the living scriptural heritage of more than a billion people, the Qur'an (Koran) speaks with a powerful voice. Just as other scriptural religions, Islam has produced a long tradition of interpretation for its holy book. Nevertheless, efforts to introduce the Qur'an and its intellectual heritage to English-speaking audiences have been hampered by the lack of available resources. The Cambridge Companion to the Qur'an seeks to remedy that situation. In a discerning summation of the field, Jane McAuliffe brings together an international team of scholars to explain its complexities. Comprising fourteen chapters, each devoted to a topic of central importance, the book is rich in historical, linguistic and literary detail, while also reflecting the influence of other disciplines. For both the university student and the general reader, The Cambridge Companion to the Qur'an provides a fascinating entrée to a text that has shaped the lives of millions for centuries.
 The Cultural Roots of American Islamicism (new book!)
By Timothy Marr (Non Muslim Academic author) In this cultural history of Americans' engagement with Islam in the colonial and antebellum period, Timothy Marr analyzes the historical roots of how the Muslim world figured in American prophecy, politics, reform, fiction, art and dress. Marr argues that perceptions of the Muslim world, long viewed not only as both an anti-Christian and despotic threat but also as an exotic other, held a larger place in domestic American concerns than previously thought. Historical, literary, and imagined encounters with Muslim history and practices provided a backdrop where different Americans oriented the direction of their national project, the morality of the social institutions, and the contours of their romantic imaginations. This history sits as an important background to help understand present conflicts between the Muslim world and the United States.
 Islam: Religion, History, and Civilization
By Seyyed Hossein Nasr (Muslim author) Finally, a good, up-to-date introduction to Islamic faith and history. Providing compelling analysis of contemporary Islam and its conflicts without overwhelming the reader with information, Nasr, one of the most admired Islamicists, introduces all the important movements and beliefs of Islam in broad, sweeping sections on the history of Islam, the schools of Islamic thought, and other topics. Whereas most introductions breeze past the diversity within Islam to focus on the common ground, Nasr proves himself equal to the challenge of distilling 1,400 years of faith and history by discussing and lauding Islamic diversity in some detail; for instance, he treats Sufism and Shi'ism in general and also historic and contemporary sects within those traditions. Even readers of Karen Armstrong's Islam (2000), by far the most popular introduction to Islam, will learn a lot here, although Nasr lacks the compelling narrative voice that makes Armstrong so popular. His is a deep, thoughtful, sympathetic introduction to the diversity and history of Islamic faith and practice. John Green Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
 The following books are all by Kenneth Cragg (Christian author):
Call of the Minaret (classic treatment of issues related to Christian-Muslim relations) First published in 1956, The Call of the Minaret remains one of the most acclaimed works in the field of Muslim-Christian relations. The author reveals that the Muslim call to prayer contains a summons for Christians and Muslims alike.  Muhammad and the Christian: A Question of Response
Following the success of his The Event of the Qur'an, first published in 1971 to critical acclaim, Cragg picks up where he left off to explore the "Christian" issues so evident in the Qur'an. This book aims to answer the perennial request of Muslims for "acknowledgment" of the Prophet Muhammad. The figure of Muhammad, whose precursors include figures such as Jesus, begs investigation by Christians as to Muhammad's relationship with Christianity. Kenneth Cragg's unique controversial study attempts to reconcile the importance of this Islamic figure with the very nature of the Christian faith. 
Jesus and the Muslim: An Exploration A sequel to the insightful Muhammad and the Christian, Bishop Kenneth Cragg explores the significance of the figure of Jesus in the Qur'an, Muslim poetry and Muslim devotion. A balanced and insightful investigation, Cragg not only explores the presence of Jesus in Muslim culture, but in the first Christian documents of this religious figure found in the New Testament. This unprecedented study will enthrall Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths.
 The Everything Understanding Islam Book: A Complete and Easy to Read Guide to Muslim Beliefs, Practices, Traditions, and Culture (Everything Series)
By Christine Huda Dodge (Muslim author) The Everything® Understanding Islam Book provides you with a complete and easy-to-read introduction to Islam, including: •The life of Muhammad the Prophet
•The Qur'an and the Sunnah
•The six articles of faith and other Muslim beliefs
•Islam's relationship to other faiths
•The five pillars of practice
•Muslim daily life
•Women and Islam Author Christine Huda Dodge, a Muslim convert since 1989, possesses a unique, foot-in-each-world perspective on Islam. With her complete comprehension of Islam from a scholarly point of view and her understanding of the kind of questions and issues that perplex Westerners, she is the perfect guide. This book--ideal for casual readers, students, and scholars alike--is authoritative, accessible, detailed, and celebratory. 
Islam By Isma'il R. A Faruqi (Muslim author) A primer for understanding Islam as a religion and culture. The author portrays the beliefs and practices of Islam and an overview of its institutions,culture,history and artistic expression as viewed by its adherents.
 Cross and Crescent: Responding to the Challenge of Islam (excellent guide to the issues related to Christian witness and Islam)
By Colin Chapman (Christian author) Are Muslims our neighbors? For increasing numbers of Western Christians, the answer to that question is yes.The crescent, an emblem of the Islamic faith recognized throughout the world, is gaining prominence in the West. As a result, we face an ongoing collision of Western and Islamic worldviews.We have all witnessed the violence and suspicion that can characterize these collisions. But what is the way of the cross? How can we Christians greet our neighbors with the love and thoughtful engagement that reflects the character of Christ and the truth of the gospel?Out of years of experience in working with students in Egypt, Lebanon and Cyprus, Colin Chapman presents a valuable overview of everyday Islamic faith and practice. He carefully outlines the cultural and doctrinal meeting points and points of departure between Islam and Christianity. And he lays the groundwork for us to love Muslims as we love ourselves.
 Islam in America (new book!)
By Jane Smith (Christian academic) Smith (Islamic studies, Hartford Seminary) writes a general introduction to Islam as practiced by American Muslims. Islam in America outlines the influences of a secular and materialistic Western culture, the keenly felt prejudices on the part of non-Muslims, and the misunderstandings between Muslims that often arise when they try to balance cultural expectations with the value system of the conservative Middle East. Of special interest is the chapter on African American Muslims and other smaller groups.
 Understanding My Muslim Neighbour
By Bishop Michael Nazir Ali (Christian author) Never has the need for mutual understanding between Christianity and Islam been greater as terror and war in the name of religion threaten the entire world. Michael Nazir-Ali draws on his experience of growing up in an Islamic country and his many years as a Christian minister in the West to answer the most commonly asked questions about Islam and its followers. These include: What are the essential beliefs of Islam? What does Islam teach about Jesus Christ? How much common ground is there between Islam and Christianity? Do all Muslims support the notion of jihad or holy war? What are the keys to mutual understanding?
This wise, sensitive and informed guide will be an essential resource for all churches and schools which serve culturally diverse communities and for individuals concerned to build bridges with their neighbours, not only locally but globally.
The following books are by John Esposito (non-Muslim academic author): What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam Georgetown professor Esposito has written an excellent primer on all aspects of Islam. The question-and-answer format allows readers to skip ahead to areas that interest them, including hot-button issues such as "Why are Muslims so violent?" or "Why do Muslim women wear veils and long garments?" In his answers, which are anywhere from a paragraph to several pages long, Esposito elegantly educates the reader through what the Qur'an says, how Muslims are influenced by their local cultures, and how the unique politics of Islamic countries affects Muslims' views. All three elements contribute to a fuller understanding of Islam.  Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam
Esposito methodically leads the reader through the complicated history of Islam. He explains the various conceptions of jihad, or holy war, ranging from internal movements for community reform to the modern explosive threat to all things external to Islam. One of the more useful elements of this account is the author's review of the seminal thinkers of the Islamic world whose writings have given rise to the real-world events we have come to know all too well. Though Esposito's conclusions are somewhat platitudinous, his strength lies in his vast knowledge and in his ability to render it in an understandable format for the rest of us. Allen Weakland
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