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New Book Examines the Origins of Islam and How Fundamentalist Groups Have Misrepresented the Religion
Maher S. Mahmassani’s new novel, “Islam in Retrospect: Recovering the Message,” by Olive Branch Press, is an essential read for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The scholarly work provides a better sense of understanding to help readers easily grasp the foundation of the religion that is Islam.
The concepts presented are nothing new. The ideals laid out throughout the book, which include excerpts of the scriptures to better aid in explaining, are a refreshing reminder that the general population has forgotten the roots of what makes up the core beliefs of this faith.
In a time when ISIS, the Taliban, al-Queda and other fundamentalist groups are starting wars and committing acts of terror on both Muslims and non-Muslims, it is critical to examine the origin of Islam and how these groups have misinterpreted the religion to meet their own needs.
The work’s framework is made up of three components. Part one includes controversies around the Prophetic Tradition and a scope of Islam’s universality. Part two is composed of examining the secular nature and connection between Islam and the state. Meanwhile, part three reflects on human rights, gender equality, and the full benefits of religion.
The author, Maher Mahmassani, has written two books and many journal articles in Arabic, English and French, on topics from Islamic law, finance, investment, and family law. He earned his doctorate and taught law in Beirut at the Lebanese University Law School and the Arab University Law School. He resides in the U.S.
After finishing this must-read book, Arab America spoke with Mahmassani. He took eight to nine years of full time work in research and writing. “What experiences sparked you to write Islam in Retrospect?” we asked.
“Observations of certain actions and behaviors often described as being Islamic or required by Islam prompted me to research their true belonging to Islam…This is how, by way of example, concepts such as polygamy, slavery, male supremacy, the fear of God, total submission and many more got to be taken for granted as being true staples of Islam. Most disturbing were calls that keep coming up every now and then that Islam should be ‘updated’ to catch up with modernity. My research prompted me to identify the divine from the human in the search for the true Islam,” answered Mahmassani.
The book’s purpose is very well-timed and necessary; it points out a time when other religions, such as Christianity, also abused convictions for ill gains many times throughout history. “The progression towards modernity, i.e. from the darkest to the less dark then enlightenment, does not seem to follow any logical trajectory,” the author depicted. “To let Islam regain its vocation as an engine and leader of change…Only when Islam ceases to be associated with the state and for that purpose perceived as an identity, only then will its reins be released to lead progress,” he described as elements needed for Islam to be perceived as modern.
“You affirm that Islam’s message is perfect, yet most everything in life can be improved. Do you believe Islam can be improved in any way?” we asked.
“Yes, Islam is perfect and, unlike most everything in life, it cannot be improved because it is divine, the Holy Qur’an being the verbatim word of God. However, it is our own understanding of Islam that can – and most certainly should – be improved.
“That improvement can be done by ceasing to copy the acts of the early followers of the Prophet and, instead, following the lead of Prophet Muhammad in exercising rational judgment to interpret and re-interpret of the divine word in light of the then current cultural, scientific and political environment,” he provided with perspective.
“My main messages lies in the second and third parts of the book, and the first part is critical to understanding the arguments used to bring about the realities described in the second and third parts, namely the secular nature and the progressive nature of Islam,” he expressed in response to which of the three parts is the most critical to understanding.
Discussing Islam’s makeup of peace, justice and positive qualities instead of fear, the author offered “westerners who read might become more aware of the true Islam, but the perception of those who do not read will only alter when they observe a radical change in the East. The impact of what is taught in schools and what is preached in mosques is more powerful than anything written or in public conferences.”
“It is very important to always remember that Islam is not an identity but instead is the religion of diversity where it is not enough to tolerate the other but it is necessary to acknowledge, accept and interact with the other to create a better society, where no one is entitled to evaluate and judge the faith of the other,” Mahmassani is ultimately attempting convey this to all readers.
Rachel Partain
Arab America