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    Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward
    Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward
    Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward
    Audiobook4 hours

    Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward

    Written by Nabeel Qureshi

    Narrated by Nabeel Qureshi

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    From New York Times bestselling author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus Nabeel Qureshi—a former Muslim—come his deeply personal, challenging, and respectful answers to the many questions surrounding jihad, the rise of ISIS, and Islamic terrorism.

    San Bernardino was the most lethal terror attack on American soil since 9/11, and it came on the heels of a coordinated assault on Paris. There is no question that innocents were slaughtered in the name of Allah and in the way of jihad (meaning warfare against the enemies of Islam, in this case).

    But do the terrorists' actions actually reflect the broader religion of Islam? The answer to this question is more pressing than ever, as many Muslim refugees are still migrating to the West, seeking shelter from the violent ideologies of ISIS, Al-Qaida, and other radical Islamic groups.

    Setting aside speculations and competing voices, Qureshi explores the answers to difficult questions like:

    • What is Islam, and is it a religion of peace or violence?
    • Is there a clear definition and doctrine of jihad?
    • How are we to understand jihad and radical expressions of Islam in relation to our Muslim neighbors and friends?
    • Why is there such a surge of Islamist terrorism in the world today, and how should we respond?
    • How does jihad compare with Old Testament calls to warfare?

    In Answering Jihad, bestselling author Nabeel Qureshi answers these urgent questions from the perspective of a former Muslim who is deeply concerned for both his Muslim family and his American homeland.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZondervan
    Release dateMar 8, 2016
    ISBN9780310531432
    Author

    Nabeel Qureshi

    Nabeel Qureshi was an accomplished author and highly sought-after global itinerant speaker. Ever the seeker of truth and knowledge, he obtained an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, an MA in Religion from Duke University, and an MPhil in Judaism and Christianity from Oxford University. Nabeel’s zeal for ministry and education was surpassed only by his passion for life and love for his family. His books include the award-winning memoir Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, No God but One: Allah or Jesus?, and Answering Jihad.

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    Reviews for Answering Jihad

    4.5/5

    125 ratings20 reviews

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    • 5/5
      A great way forward for such a time as this, to reach the world with truth and compassion.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      My favorite part is the honesty of the author and the understanding of both views and how he came to believe in our living God.
    • 5/5
      Nabeel himself reads this book for us. He speaks in a compassionate tone, asking listeners to thoughtfully engage with, rather than avoid or attack, Muslim neighbours. I appreciated his approach that catechises us into the basics of Muslim hermeneutics and how politics and the rise of the internet have changed Islam forever. He also discusses right and wrong Christian responses to Muslim-perpetrated violence, including the retaliation of the Crusades and loving, non-violent service.
      I also learned why the situation is much more complex than Jihad-fearmongers and Jihad-deniers assert: Islam has a complex layer system of interpretation: The Qur’an, the Hadiths, the Commentators, the Imams. When the top 2 layers that build on the Qur’an and Hadiths diverge in interpretations, that is why some Muslims subscribe to violent jihad and some do not - and that itself is a scale, not a binary.
      It is well-researched using Muslim and non-Muslim sources to understand Jihad, written right at the peak of power of ISIS/Daesh. Still relevant considering the Taliban’s reoccupation of Afghanistan.
      Would recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand the mechanics of Jihad, to engage respectfully with their Muslim friends and neighbours.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful! Answering so many questions. Excellent for understanding more of Islam. Respectful and honest. Very informative.
    • 5/5
      As usual, Nabeel opens his heart while offering useful information. I liked a lot his reflections about our interaction with muslims. Praise The Lord for the things He enabled Nabeel to make while he was still with us. We will certainly meet in heaven
    • 5/5
      The author gives inside information that clarify misconceptions and informs true facts about Jidah.
      Great book.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely love this book, Nabeel had an incredible way of sharing the truth with an immense amount of love. I highly recommend this book.
    • 5/5
      It made me think about my faith and how I can get closer to God
    • 5/5
      Important book, a gift, for all Christians taking their faith seriously.
    • 1/5
      i don't want the audio book. I want to read the book online. I downloaded, starting reading it and now it's gone. Not happy!!! 0
    • 5/5
      It probably should be named Learning about Jihad. It gives the history of Islam and Jihad. It makes you think. It doesn’t give policy answers, but personal ones instead. It gives a side we normally don’t see in these discussions: someone who can see both points of view.
    • 5/5
      Would have given it a 4.5 stars. Nabeel is well versed in both Christianity and Islam, both ancient and modern history. Bringing the issues from the root up gives us the realistic picture of what becomes modern Jihad movements. Finishing the book gives us a frame of mind to think and respond rightly, at least at the first step.
    • 5/5
      I would recommend any and all of the books that this author has produced. I've read/listed to two and they are full of insightful materials that provide much needed information to not only help with understanding of Islam but will encourage and build a stronger relationship of your faith by listening to the struggles and process of the author in evaluating his faith and response to Islam,.
    • 5/5
      This is a high quality book, providing rare insights and a deep dive into the beliefs and reasons behind radical Muslims and much more.
    • 5/5
      The author masterfully examines the scriptures of Islam and Christianity in an attempt to compare and contrast the acts of violence attributed to both religions. As a Muslim background believer, Qureshi gives valuable insights into pivotal differences between the worldview of modern Christians and modern Muslims. A must read resource for those wanting to engage their Muslim family, friends, neighbours and classmates while honouring Yahweh as the one true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    • 5/5
      This is one of the most cogent and clear expressions of the central contradictions in Islam that it both commands tolerance AND it commands shocking violence. The author lays out the failures of both the "Islam is a religion of peace" proponents and the "Radical Islam is Islam" reactionaries. He explains why these misapprehensions occur--- even within the Muslim community --- and lays out not a solution, but the beginnings of an approach to Jihad. Well worth the time, especially in the author's own voice.
    • 2/5
      The author is a Christian who was converted from Islam. While he is knowledgeable about Islam and has researched jihad, his final conclusions are faulty. I appreciated his exposition of Islamic history but found myself disappointed with his proposal of Christianity as the solution to Muslin radicals.
    • 5/5
      [Answering Jihad]: A Better Way Forward by [[Nabeel Qureshi]] is a clear and informative analysis of what jihad means from an Islamic perspective and how Christians can best respond to it. The author, reared as a Pakistani Muslim, came to a crisis in his faith after studying the original passages of the Quran and the associated hadiths, oral traditions from that time. He faced a decision: apostasy, apathy, or radicalization. He became a Christian.Dr. Qureshi, more than any other writer I've read, explains lucidly and convincingly how many Muslims are radicalized over the internet by groups such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Boko-Haram. He structures his book in the form of eighteen questions about jihad, with chapter length answers to each.Dr. Qureshi closes the book with a comparison of God and Jesus from a Muslim and Christian points of view and with recommendations on how Christians should best respond to jihad. The answer is with the love, compassion and courage of Jesus.
    • 3/5
      In the preface to Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward, Nabeel Qureshi writes that he never wanted to write a book on jihad, because it is such a charged topic. Qureshi is a former Muslim who describes his conversion to Christianity in his memoir, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. After the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015, the increasing Syrian refugee crisis, and responses to a blog post he wrote entitled "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" Qureshi writes:The feedback I received confirmed a growing suspicion in my mind: There is too much confusion, too much misdirected anger, too much misinformation, too little balance and too little grace to remain silent any longerThe book is structure into eighteen questions, such as "What is Islam?," "What is Jihad?," "Is Islam a Religion of Peace?" and ending with "What Does Jesus Have To Do With Jihad?" In the process of answering these questions, Qureshi discusses and examines many foundational Islamic principles and the history of Islam. The study reveals that violence and warfare are foundational to the traditional Islamic faith. Yet, Qureshi addresses his topic carefully and with compassion. At no point does he disrespect the Islamic faith.For those unfamiliar with Islamic teachings and beliefs, this is a good introductory book that answers many of the most frequently asked questions clearly and concisely. Qureshi effectively uses the Islamic texts and the life of Muhammad to support his answers. He attempts to be objective, and I feel he is largely successful. However, he does not try to hide his Christian beliefs, and his solution to jihad is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Qureshi is careful to say that "Islam is not Muslims, and Muslims are not Islam." There is a great deal of diversity among Muslims in the specifics of what they believe and practice. He writes:On one end of the spectrum, many assume that if the Quran teaches something then all Muslims believe it. That is false. Many Muslims have not heard of a given teaching, some might interpret it differently, and others may frankly do their best to ignore it.He also calls for caution in judging Muslims. This is especially important as we continue to see violent attacks and the 24-hour news cycle fans the flames. He writes, "At the same time, we must be careful not to slide down the slippery slope of assuming every Muslim is a threat. Of the thousands of Muslims I have known in my personal life, only one has become radicalized to the point of explicitly supporting violence, and none have actually undertaken violent jihad."I want to point out that Qureshi was raised in a small Muslim sect called Ahmadiyyat that many Muslims will argue are not "real Muslims." Therefore, some will argue he can't speak on any topic regarding Islam with any authority. He addresses this openly in the appendix to this book and argues why Ahmadiyyat is indeed part of Islam. He states early in the acknowledgements that he studied briefly under David Cook an Islamic studies professor at Rice University. He addresses the fact that he is a Christian and is passionate about this topic. He says he cannot be completely unbiased, as no one can truly do that, but he attempts to be as objective as he can using what Islam says about itself through its texts and history. He also clearly states that this book is not meant to be an in depth study of Islam or jihad, but a primer attempting to answer common questions.
    • 5/5
      I chose to read, Answering Jihad A Better Way Forward by Nabeel Qureshi to gain insight and understanding into the Islamic religion and how it affects the citizens of the United States of America. I was not disappointed. This book is written for a very broad audience, as the author clearly states, and as such it is not meant to be a comprehensive study into the complexities of the Islamic religion, but rather to provide the reader with a sketch of the current climate within our nation as it relates to Muslims. This book falls within the Christian genre, but it is an important read for Christians and non-Christians alike. Dr. Nabeel Qureshi manages to deliver a courteously thoughtful work on a very intense and highly charged subject. As I pondered how to review this book, I immediately thought of the words in 1 Peter 3:15 : "Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy." Throughout the book, the author delivers answers for his choice to leave the Islamic religion and convert to Christianity. He communicates these answers so eloquently and also reveals a deep level of unquestionable authenticity. Answering Jihad provides a broad outline of the fundamental teachings of the Islamic religion according to the Quran. In a concise question and answer format, the flow of this book could not be any better. It uncovers that the "average American Muslim agrees that the Quran and hadith are the ultimate basis of their faith," but that "many have not critically read the traditions." The author, who was raised as a devout Muslim in the United States asserts that many Muslims throughout the world "would be surprised to find violent, offensive jihad shot through the foundations of Islam." The important fact that there are an expansive number of Islamic fundamental teachings and therefore wide variances of how Islam is practiced is a significant point to absorb as you digest the book.Dr. Qureshi expresses his opinion that we should not be defining Islam as the "practice of Muslims", but rather Islam should be defined as the "teachings of Muhammad". This simple statement alone brings a lot of clarity to the confusion and chaos of terminology and generalizations that are thrown around on a daily basis within the varied media outlets. Keeping that in mind, he goes a step farther to explain that the personal and peaceful practice of some Muslims, does not mean that Islam is a religion of peace. In fact, those that are concerned by the "increasing frequency and scale of Islamist terrorism" need to comprehend that there is an Islamic reformation currently taking place and it is built upon the life of Muhammad (the named prophet of Islam) who was born in 570AD. It is an "attempt to raze centuries of traditions of various schools of Islamic thought and return to the canonical texts of the Quran and Muhammad's life." He shares that radical Muslim organizations are very clear that their goal is to reform Islam. Islam follows the Quran and the final chapter is the "the Disavowal", which deny any treaties of peace that came before it. It is also the final and most violent chapter "commanding Muslims to fight and subdue non-Muslims." Each chapter within this book, Answering Jihad ~A Better Way Forward provides so much information to the casual learner of this subject, that after reading it, I find myself with a plan to reread it. While Dr. Qureshi has written it for the "wider audience" (not history, theology and political majors...in other words), I still found myself feeling quite ignorant. His vast array of knowledge and references leaves my head spinning, but definitely in a good way....if that's possible.This book is eye opening. The level of transparency and the potential for open dialogue that may be generated is immeasurable. His call to learn the truth about Islam and maintain compassion for Muslims through a life lived proactively rather than in a reactionary stance is clearly presented. This is one man's perspective, however the collection of data to support his stand is quite persuasive. At the very least Qureshi's invitation may pave the way for an increased awareness into our world's present state of affairs. Whether you agree or disagree with Nabeel Qureshi's conclusions, I can assure you that after reading this book, you will have a greater level of insight into the growing concerns surrounding terrorism in our time.Dr. Qureshi is the author of three books: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity (Zondervan, February 2014), Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward (Zondervan, March 2016), and No God But One—Allah or Jesus (Zondervan, August 2016).I would like to thank ZONDERVAN publishing through the BookLook Blogging program for this free review copy of Answering Jihad by Nabeel Qureshi. It was a privilege to read this book and provide an honest summary of my reading experience. I was not required to write a favorable review, but simply to give a genuine opinion.