Additional information
by Ahmed Lotfy Rashed (Author)
Why This Matters NOW
- "Why do you Muslims pray five times a day?"
- "What happens to people who do not believe in God?"
- "Why are so many Muslims quoting their holy book in the name of violence?"
- "What are the authoritative sources of knowledge in Islam?"
- "Why do your clerics condemn Judaism and Christian traditions?"
These days, Islam is no stranger to controversy. There are many questions, fears, and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. I believe these books can answer questions, build bridges, and promote understanding.
Since 2009, I have facilitated interfaith dialogues with many different people. The conversations in these books are real. Some are curious, some are concerned, some are hostile, some are academic, and some are soul-searching. My hope is that this can be a small step towards better understanding and harmony.
What Makes This SPECIALWhile there are many books that teach Islam, preach it, criticize it, or academically explain it, my focus in these books is different.
I have compiled the best and most interesting conversations over the course of my outreach and interfaith work. These transcripts showcase everyday people -- from angry and concerned to inquisitive and supportive -- asking real questions and getting straight answers about Islam.
This is the first book in the series, covering a variety of conversations from 2009 to 2011. In this book, you will learn about:
- Faith, Sex, and Marriage in Islam
- How a Muslim Should Respond to Criticism
- Jihad and Freedom in the Modern World
- How the Qur'an Informs a Muslim's Faith
- Islamic Worship, Prayer, Charity, and Pilgrimage
- Salvation and Tolerance in Islam
- Muslim Culture and Modernity
- Understanding Islamic Law
- Etiquettes of Visiting a Mosque
- God's Grace and Free Will
- Are Islamic Rulings Static or Dynamic?
- How Can Islam be Called a Religion of Peace?
- Can Muslims and Christians Ever Live in Harmony?
To be clear, my purpose is simply to provide accurate information on my faith - to set the record straight - nothing more; nothing less. This can only happen if you, dear reader, are willing to listen to our side of the story. One of God's gift to humanity is the gift of speech. It is by dialogue that we can come to greater understanding and peaceful relations.
If you read this far, congratulations You are a 95% match for this book's ideal reader profile. That means you are 95% likely to find this book informative, insightful, and actually fun to read. So go ahead and get your copy now. Go on. . . you can always return it if you don't like it;)
May peace be with you,
Ahmed Lotfy Rashed
Author Biography
Ahmed Lotfy Rashed was born in Egypt and raised in Maryland. He studied physics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. While there, he was on the Speakers Bureau for the Muslim Students' Association. He continued his education in Pennsylvania, earning his Masters' Degree at Bryn Mawr College.
During his three years of graduate study, he served as Public Relations Officer for the Muslim Students' Association. It was at this time that Ahmed started talking about Islam at various churches, temples, and schools. He became known for his informal and approachable demeanor. His ability to break down complex religious and historical contexts for audiences earned him high reviews. He also taught math and science at the local Islamic School. In addition, he led the Youth Committee of the local mosque in Villanova. Soon after graduating, he married and found employment in Boston as a research engineer.
Since coming to Boston in 2004, he has been an active volunteer at several mosques in the Greater Boston Area. He has been the head instructor for the local Islam101 class since 2006. Also, he has been a volunteer for WhyIslam.org since 2009. He has presented Islam at schools and churches, and he has hosted visits to several major mosques in the area.
Ahmed continues to work and live in the Greater Boston Area with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he likes to read about comparative religions, Islamic law, Islamic history, and military history. He also has a weakness for fantasy and science-fiction novels - a problem of which his wife is still trying very hard to cure him.
