Well it’s a new year the holiday season is over. I’ve been busy studying islam and the Middle East.
I’ve been watching khutbas on YouTube.
I read “The Devil We Know”. A book on modern Iran. I learned that Iran and Shiites are becoming more and more influential. They are achieving this through organizations like Hezbollah.
I read “Islam” by Hans Kung. It was a general overview of islam. It was well written. I learned that Arabia has been exclusively Muslim for centuries. Islam is a truly great religion and Mohammad a truly great man. I thought the book would be critical of islam but rather it is an objective view.
I read ” the Turks Today” by Andrew Mango. Turkey is a modern secular country that fits the mold of “islamic humanism ” They do face challenges but I think Turkey could be an example for other Muslim countries around the world.
There have also been negative stories about islam in the news. The attacks in France and continuing attacks and atrocities by ISIS.
I condemn these attacks and share belief with Bahai faith that a religion is not valid unless it is peaceful.
I’m going to read more books in the coming months. I’ll try to post summaries or maybe some khutbas from local mosques. Peace be upon you.