Author:Tariq Ramadan
The essential introduction to Islam by a leading expert
Hardly a day goes by without mention of Islam. And yet, for most people, and in much of the world, Islam remains a little-known religion. Whether the issue is violence, terrorism, women's rights or slavery, Muslims are today expected to provide answers and to justify what Islam is - or is not. But little opportunity exists, either in the media or in society as a whole, to describe Islam: precisely the question this short and extremely accessible book sets out to answer. In simple, direct language it will introduce readers to Islam, to its spirituality, its principles, its rituals, its diversity and its evolution.
Tariq Ramadan is a Muslim Martin Luther
—— Washington PostOne of the most important innovators for the twenty-first century
—— TimeThe work of Tariq Ramadan will take its place in the annals of Islamic thought
—— Le Monde DiplomatiqueA compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control
—— GuardianMesmerising
—— Sunday TimesA harrowing, unforgettable tale.
—— Simon Shaw , Mail on SundayShattering, brave, angering account
—— The Bookseller‘How much can a single person endure? Traumatised, uprooted, abused – Farida continues to deal with the consequences of ISIS. Nevertheless, this memoir is full of hope. She is a very strong individual, she has the heart of a lioness. An amazing story that encourages us never to keep quiet or to give in’
—— Frank Heinrich, German Parliamentary Speaker on Human Rights‘Farida tells her story courageously and bravely as she describes how she resisted attempts to convert, marry and rape her, for so long in some cases that the ISIS henchmen actually left her alone’
—— Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung‘Farida shows the good and bad sides of religion… She criticises aspects of her own upbringing like certain religious taboos – such nuance is impressive’
—— HEUTE.de‘Her story highlights atrocities, but it is also a moving account of how friendship, love and the will to survive are mightier than any barbarism’
—— AnzeigerA stunning, heart wrenching narrative... Everyone should read this in order to get to the heart of the tragedy of the Arab world and the distortion of Islam being perpetrated by ISIS. Beautifully written in the voice of a teenage girl, this book gives more of an understanding of what is happening than political treatises.
—— Ahmed RashidThis powerful testimoney is ... as gripping as it is appalling
—— GuardianA compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control – and to the particularly terrible price it exacts from women.
—— Rachel Aspden , GuardianStarkly horrifying memoir.
—— Andrew Lynch , Sunday Business PostFarida Khalaf won her small but significant battle. Its happy ending notwithstanding, it's difficult to focus on positivity – but then, perhaps that's why this remains a vital read.
—— Hot PressA gut-wrenching and relentless experience...Farida's story needs to be told.
—— Catherine Philip , The TimesA powerful description of a world ripped apart... Farida tells a story that is testament to how toxic violence can be born of religion.
—— New StatesmanThis is a mesmerising study of human cruelty and a brave depiction of the monsters that arise when reason sleeps.
—— Oliver Thring , Sunday TimesIt’s a shattering, brave, enraging book but also a stirring story of survival.
—— Sunday ExpressAn unflinching account… This is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit… A catalogue of horror is made bearable only by her extraordinary courage.
—— Joan Smith , ObserverAlthough a harrowing story it is also an uplifting one as it is truly a triumph of the human spirit over terror.
—— Frank McGabhann , Irish TimesThis is a brave, harrowing but necessary book.
—— Colette Sheridan , Irish ExaminerFarida's story needs to be told
—— The TimesTruly a triumph of the human spirit over terror
—— Irish TimesThis is one of those rare volumes that offers astonishing insights into the human spirit
—— ObserverA compelling testament to the suffering of ordinary people caught up in violence far beyond their control
—— GuardianMesmerising
—— Sunday TimesTimely, excruciating and important.
—— Bookseller