Why I Am a Salafi

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Reference, History, Middle East Religions, Islam, Philosophy
Cover of the book Why I Am a Salafi by Michael  Muhammad Knight, Soft Skull Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Muhammad Knight ISBN: 9781619026315
Publisher: Soft Skull Press Publication: August 1, 2015
Imprint: Soft Skull Press Language: English
Author: Michael Muhammad Knight
ISBN: 9781619026315
Publisher: Soft Skull Press
Publication: August 1, 2015
Imprint: Soft Skull Press
Language: English

The Salafi are a revivalist Sunni Muslim movement misunderstood by most Americans, and even many Muslims. The New York Times’ first reference to Salafis as a distinct group appears in 1979 after a band of armed men seized control of the Great Mosque in Mecca. After 1979, there is not another mention of Salafis in the Times until 2000, in an article on links between Yemeni radicals and Osama Bin Ladin. In 2013, an article appeared in USA Today labeling Salafis as Sunni Islam’s “most radical sect” and declaring them “the most anti-Western” of any Islamist group. Today, Salafism is widely implicated in the rise of ISIS.

Knight-an acclaimed writer who has explored his own evolving religious beliefs in a range of novels, memoirs and essays-uses this mislabeling as yet another opportunity to engage those corners of Islamic tradition that others might dismiss as absurd or dangerous.

Why I am Salafi examines problems of interpretation, practice, and community, illustrating why terms like orthodox or progressive, Sufi or Salafi often fail to convey the reality of Muslim experience. Knight’s analysis includes examination of his own complex religious journey, having converted to Islam at sixteen, studying at a madrassa in Pakistan at seventeen, to

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Salafi are a revivalist Sunni Muslim movement misunderstood by most Americans, and even many Muslims. The New York Times’ first reference to Salafis as a distinct group appears in 1979 after a band of armed men seized control of the Great Mosque in Mecca. After 1979, there is not another mention of Salafis in the Times until 2000, in an article on links between Yemeni radicals and Osama Bin Ladin. In 2013, an article appeared in USA Today labeling Salafis as Sunni Islam’s “most radical sect” and declaring them “the most anti-Western” of any Islamist group. Today, Salafism is widely implicated in the rise of ISIS.

Knight-an acclaimed writer who has explored his own evolving religious beliefs in a range of novels, memoirs and essays-uses this mislabeling as yet another opportunity to engage those corners of Islamic tradition that others might dismiss as absurd or dangerous.

Why I am Salafi examines problems of interpretation, practice, and community, illustrating why terms like orthodox or progressive, Sufi or Salafi often fail to convey the reality of Muslim experience. Knight’s analysis includes examination of his own complex religious journey, having converted to Islam at sixteen, studying at a madrassa in Pakistan at seventeen, to

More books from Soft Skull Press

Cover of the book My Brain on Fire by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Live Nude Elf by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Different Every Time by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Oh Pure and Radiant Heart by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book The Anxiety of Kalix the Werewolf by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book How the World Works by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Iris Has Free Time by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Seeing As Your Shoes Are Soon to be on Fire by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Kara Was Here by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Cool for You by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book The Seed Collectors by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Broken Glass by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Curb Service by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Something Bright, Then Holes by Michael  Muhammad Knight
Cover of the book Dreams of Sex and Stage Diving by Michael  Muhammad Knight
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy