Seeing through Muslim eyes

Islam: Religion, History and Civilization Seyyed Hossein Nasr. HarperSanFrancisco, 2003. 198 pages.

As September 11, 2001 has thrust the Muslim world before our eyes, and as Muslims are increasingly our neighbours, we Christians do well to get to know them. In a readable survey of the religion, history and civilizational contributions of Islam, Seyyed Nasr helps us do this. A Muslim with a “traditional and spiritual” perspective, Nasr depicts Islam in a way that western non-Muslims may both learn about Islam and glimpse the world through Muslim eyes.

Nasr writes with fine balance. He appreciates non-Muslim scholars who approach Islam with objectivity and sympathy. While critical of Western economic and political influence, he refers favourably to Christianity. He also acknowledges shortcomings within the Muslim community, such as the failures of key leaders throughout history. Regarding modern Muslims, he criticizes both the “modernists” with their western rationalism and the “fundamentalists” with their inexcusable violence. However, on the spread of Islam, he highlights the peaceful Sufi propagation and remains silent about military conquests. On Islam’s decline from 1700 to 1950, he focuses on external Western conquest and omits the Muslim world’s internal decay.

This gentle survey of Islam as seen through Muslim eyes is a first-rate introduction. Given the author’s traditional and peaceable posture, and his solid understanding of the Western mind, the book builds a valuable bridge to Western Christians from the Muslim side.

John Derksen is a member of River East MB Church, Winnipeg.