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Jihad Watch reader Mike has alerted me to a reader review of my book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) at Amazon.com. Because it is indicative of a common tendency, I decided to post this extract here:
I found this book to be one of the most bigoted, hateful, historically distorted, and twisted tracts that I have ever read. I will not take the time to go into detail as the book just is not worth it...
This reminded me of an email I received awhile back from a close associate of a prominent Islamic apologist who enjoys some influence among the ignorant and easily led in Washington:
You have no idea what's going on with any of this -- and you WON'T because nobody who DOES know will be wasting their time telling you.
It further reminded me of Amir Taheri's article in the New York Post yesterday, which expansively claims that the jihadists have hijacked Islam without actually specifying how exactly they have done it, or what obvious Islamic doctrines they are transgressing.
All this is as commonplace as the air we breathe. Every day we hear that the jihadists are out of the mainstream, are twisting Islamic teachings, and so on, but at most all we get as an explanation of exactly how are bland affirmations that Islam forbids killing innocents, forbids suicide, allows for war only in self-defense, etc. -- all of which have been refuted many times over by jihadists, with the refutations remaining unanswered by peaceful Muslims.
The Amazon reviewer above later adds: "It is clear that one of the author's thinly veiled agendas is to disparage the 'liberal establishment' for ignoring and even aiding the 'Mohammedan menace.'" I still have the Word document of this book on my hard drive, and I just searched: the words "liberal establishment" and "Mohammadan menace" appear nowhere in the book. This is the kind of analysis that passes for criticism of my work: outright fabrications. Just once, I'd like to see someone who really thinks that my books are inaccurate explain in detail how that is so, with copious references to the Qur'an, Sunnah, and fiqh -- instead of just saying it isn't worth bothering.
But this is a much larger question than just my books. Western governments have invested heavily in the proposition that mainstream, "true" Islam is peaceful, and that the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Western countries accept the core values of Western pluralism. Yet this has been blind trust. No one has yet formulated an Islamic theology and jurisprudence that actually provides for these things, and definitively refutes the jihadists using Islamic texts. I do not believe it can be done, and I think that official Washington needs to be cognizant of that fact. From those who claim that it has been done I have only received airy affirmations that it isn't worth bothering to show me.
All right. One more time I am asking for anyone of good will to show me. Send me examples of Islamic religious scholars rejecting, on Islamic grounds, jihad violence against non-Muslims; rejecting the idea that Sharia law should be instituted in the Muslim and non-Muslim world; and teaching the idea that non-Muslims and Muslims should live together indefinitely as equals. Send me rejections of the ideas that women should not enjoy full equality of rights with men. Send me information that shows that those who write such rejections are not lone voices crying in the wilderness, with the wolves of Islamic orthodoxy ready to pounce upon them, but that they represent broad traditions within Islam and have large followings.
I'll be right here, at director@jihadwatch.org.
Posted by Robert at February 13, 2006 8:10 AM
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Heck, I would settle for a reformer who has a vision for the future and does not go on about Islam's great, mythic, tolerant, enlightened past.
Posted by: AnneCrockett![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 13, 2006 8:58 AM
Unfortunately, Anne, reform is not going to happen to Islam for years, if not decades, IF ever. I could explain how we could make it a reality, but I would most likely be censored again.
Posted by: Foehammer at February 13, 2006 9:12 AM
There are over 10,000 madrassahs worldwide teaching young muslim children that Islam is in a "total global war" against the West and all other religions.
These kids have been taught this and have grown up doing what? Believing it.
Extremism is on the rise because of that Islamic education system. Those kids have grown into adults and new kids are being trained. Older, more peaceful muslims are waning, dying off.
This is why "moderate" Islam is the Santa Claus of modern times.
Until we target and replace the main sources of this education funding, more blood and more violence will follow, no matter how loud the dhimmis cry that "moderate" Islam is about to "wake up."
"Moderate" Islam isn't sleeping, it's dead!
Posted by: Mussolini at February 13, 2006 9:41 AM
I still have the Word document of this book on my hard drive
You should keep it there. Disk space is cheap. A 250 GB external drive is nothing these days.
at February 13, 2006 9:46 AM
This should be reason enough for every visitor here to buy at least one more copy of that book, to make available to, or to send to, others who might be vague and confused, but seeking guidance, on the subject of Islam. And while you are buying another copy, or two, or three -- make it the present of choice this year, the gift that will keep on giving if it helps educate others (which in the end improves our common security, and makes less likely mistaken responses to miscomprehended menaces).
And while you are up and doing, why not visit the local library, and if Robert's books, or this book, are not to be found, carefully fill out a form requesting that the book(s) be made part of the permanent collection. Inter-library loan just will not do.
Posted by: Hugh at February 13, 2006 9:52 AM
I have been watching the reviews on Amazon.com about Robert's book since it went on sale. I even did a review myself very early on.
It has really been interesting to keep up with for the following reasons...
The reviews read more like comments on a website
Most of the negative reviews are by people who have not even read the book.
There is a large imbalance when people respond to question, "Was this review helpful or not helpful? In other words, if it is a negative review the numbers will read "5 out of 30 people found this helpful" If it is a positive review the response is "25 out of 30 people found this helpful" What that tells me is that people WANT to hear the truth and not the political correct BS anymore.
And lastly, this has got to be a record of some sort for Amazon as there are I believe over 200 "reviews" for this book.
Note to Robert...I heard you on KLIF 570 with Darrell Ancarlo last week. I read your website everyday and you didn't announce this interview, so it was a very pleasant surprise to hear him announce you! It was a great interview. Ancarlo did a good job of promoting jihadwatch.org too.
Posted by: infidella at February 13, 2006 10:28 AM
"Send me examples of Islamic religious scholars rejecting, on Islamic grounds, jihad violence against non-Muslims; rejecting the idea that Sharia law should be instituted in the Muslim and non-Muslim world; and teaching the idea that non-Muslims and Muslims should live together indefinitely as equals."
Well, I would say that Sheikh Palazzi defends that position. The question is that his position is currently irrelevant; and definitely is not the only one possible according to the (to say the least) contradictory exhortations in the Q'ran and Hadiths.
If it's possible, Islam will be reformed only after the utter military defeat of the salafists.
Posted by: Joel CatalĂ at February 13, 2006 10:55 AM
Looking at the reviews on Amazon, it’s amazing how many negative reviews there are and each of them use propaganda tools that Robert mentions in the book. Many of them are from Muslims (no surprise) and I decided to look at one to see when other reviews they might have left for other books and movies. I found one to be quite funny and typical. A Yemeni Muslim writes about PIG:
REVIEWER: YEMENIMAN
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades)
Stars (1 of 5) I am from Yemen and come to America to teach in Brooklyn school. It is people like the author of this bigoted book that have led me to hate America and Americans. Robert Spencer makes Islam look bad to all who read this book. He ignores all the good that is in Islam. Even if Robert Spencer refuses to accept to the truth of the Quran he should not spread hatred against those of us who do.
Instead of reading this book, watch the film Syriana. The film shows how America and the CIA are responsible for the terrorism that the right wing blames on Muslims.
LOL…
The Truth (with jokes) by Al Franken
Stars (5 of 5)
I am from Yemen. I come to America to teach at Muslim school in Brooklyn. I do not like America or the right wing Bush. Only Denmark is worse than America and it is no surprise that Bush supports Denmark. Bush and the right wing are waging war against Islam and this book shows how Bush and the right wing lie. It is very funny. Al Franken is Jewish but is still very funny. I agree with almost all the things he say. If all Americans think like Al Franken then the country would be a much better place.
Bush and the right wing must be stopped in their war against Islam. Bush and the right wing inflame and provoke Muslims. Rome did not last and America will not last.
Super Size Me - DVD
Stars (5 of 5)
I am from Yemen and teach in Brooklyn school. I do not like it here in America and do not like Americans. I saw this movie because it was recommended to me by Amazon after I rated Michael Moore film. Michael Moore is my favorite American.
Here we see how Americans get fat eating at McDonalds restaurant. If all the Americans get so fat they explode that would be a good thing for the World. Allah wills it.
Outfoxed - Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism DVD
Stars (5 of 5)
I am from Yemen and teach at a Muslim school in Brooklyn. I have lived in America long enough to know that I do not like this country or the people. I love this movie because it shows the right-wing bias of Fox news. Fox news is pro-Israel and bigoted against Muslims. It is also pro-Bush who is waging war against Islam. America and Bush inflame Muslims and then blame us for Jihads they provoke. Fox news allows them to do this.
Fahrenheit 9/11
Stars (5 of 5)
I am from Yemen and have lived in America enough to see that I do not like the country or its people. But I Like Michael Moore. He shows how dumb the President Bush is. President Bush is puppet of Israel and oil companies. The film makes me laugh at the anti-Muslim right wing. I wish the world could all see this film it is so good. Rome did not last forever and America will not last either. Islam will bury you.
The Trouble with Islam : A Muslim's Call for Reform in Her Faith by Irshad Manji
Stars (1 of 5)
Irshad Manji pretends to be Muslim, but in this book she shows that she is not. The book is just self-hatred and anti-Muslim bigotry. If she does not like Islam she should not call herself a Muslim. You just have to take one look at how Irshad Manji dresses to see that she is not a true Muslim. She dresses like a prostitute. There is no room for book like this at a time when there is so much bigotry against us.
This jackass is just the atypical muslim Robert spends time and time again warning us about. To think this clown actually has an Amazon account is sad. If anyone just bothers to go beyond one review and see what else they have to say about other books and media, you defiantely know where their allegiances lie
at February 13, 2006 11:08 AM
With few exceptions, the states [in the Muslim world] are marked by poverty, ignorance, and stagnation. It is full of discontent and frustration, yet alive with consciousness of its inferiority and with determination to achieve some kind of betterment.
Two basic urges meet head-on in this area, and conflict is inherent in this collision of interests. These urges reveal themselves in the daily news accounts of killings and terrorism, of pressure groups in opposition, and of raw nationalism and naked expansionism masquerading as diplomatic maneuvers.
This was posted in an article by Daniel Pipes on 2-13."www.danielpipes.org/article/3370".
This could have been written last week but no, 1946 is the year of origin.
at February 13, 2006 11:58 AM
Yes, tgusa, I read that government report now declassified. It is as accurate today as when it was written.
Which means to me that there is very little hope that the Muslim world will change for the better.
Actually, it is IMPOSSIBLE for it to change for the better as long as the Islamic Despots rule and brainwash their young.
Posted by: learjet0450 at February 13, 2006 1:41 PM
Hugh l have ordered two books through Chapters in Canada, had my brother one as well, a good friend of mine is a head librarian in a rural area, and l have requested a book. still waiting for that one.. seems to be on loan for quite a long time!
Posted by: Lulu at February 13, 2006 2:33 PM
Here's an invitation to you all. Many of you have enjoyed this book. Why not go to Epinions.com and review it? At least over there, they have a comments section so you can discuss the book with your readers. I'm not writing there at the moment- my brain injury makes it difficult to read and write well enough. However, there are a number of good writers who post here often. For those who are interested, here is the link for this book:
http://www.epinions.com/The_Politically_Incorrect_Guide_to_Islam_And_the_Crusades_
You'll need to open an account before posting your review. If anyone reviews this, why not post it in one of the comment threads here?
Posted by: libbysmom at February 13, 2006 4:54 PM
"You have no idea what's going on with any of this -- and you WON'T because nobody who DOES know will be wasting their time telling you."
Ok, taking this comment out of its context...
Maybe because what its all about is our civilisation been groomed for war.
Our leaders tell us Islam is a religon of peace, yet a lot of what we see, hear and read tells us the opposite.
Confusion combined with hate, the perfect mindset for war!
Posted by: StevenJ at February 13, 2006 6:22 PM
I am from Yemen and come to America to teach in Brooklyn school
Good God, we're really hard up for teachers, aren't we?
Posted by: Susanp at February 13, 2006 10:59 PM
God help Brooklyn!
Thankfully the Dodgers got out while the getting was good!
BTW-
Did this Yemeni reviewer say whether he tunneled out?
All the reviewers that try to oppose "The P.I.G. to Islam (and the Crusades)" use more buzz words than a hive of constipated hornets- trotting out the usual spavined jibes like: "bigoted", "hateful", "racist", "offensive", "distorted", "prejudiced", etc., etc. while forgetting to answer any of the critiques.
The gullible in the audience, who are nothing but a mass of waiting hot buttons to be pushed can be played like a cheap kazoo through this level of reflexive cliches, but the average Amazon reader will see through it. Because the get a sense of 'smell' about honest reviews as opposed to mere special pleading, sympathy begging, mock victim whining and obscurantism posing as outrage.
And ad hominem always sounds cheesy in a supposedly serious book review.
at February 13, 2006 11:17 PM
God help Brooklyn!
Thankfully the Dodgers got out while the getting was good!
BTW-
Did this Yemeni reviewer say whether he tunneled out?
All the reviewers that try to oppose "The P.I.G. to Islam (and the Crusades)" use more buzz words than a hive of constipated hornets- trotting out the usual spavined jibes like: "bigoted", "hateful", "racist", "offensive", "distorted", "prejudiced", etc., etc. while forgetting to answer any of the critiques.
The gullible in the audience, who are nothing but a mass of waiting hot buttons to be pushed can be played like a cheap kazoo through this level of reflexive cliches, but the average Amazon reader will see through it. Because they get a fine tuned sense of 'smell' about honest reviews as opposed to mere special pleading, sympathy begging, mock victim whining and obscurantism posing as outrage.
And ad hominem always sounds cheesy in a supposedly serious book review.
at February 13, 2006 11:18 PM
tgusa~you'll notice the year of the article was 1946. Before the cause of every trouble in their world (Israel) was created.
Posted by: Borg at February 13, 2006 11:19 PM
Type Key must like me, it keeps cloning me.
But enough already!
Posted by: profitsbeard at February 13, 2006 11:20 PM
profitsbeard, better to clone you than Naseem.
;)
at February 14, 2006 12:55 AM
libbsmom LOL
Posted by: learnmore at February 14, 2006 2:16 AM
I would waste my time reading this bias inaccurate book as it is writen by than farrightwing Islanistphrodic Christian who doesnot know what he is taslking about. In general most moslim I have are very nice peaceful people of than very peaceful religion compare to violation Christian.
Posted by: DefenderofIslam at February 14, 2006 8:58 PM
I meant to say I wouldnot wasted my time reading that rag of abook, it alot like that rag of than newpaper in NYC call New York Sun nobody with any brain read that paper at all, the NY Time is much better.
Posted by: DefenderofIslam at February 14, 2006 9:05 PM
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