This book by Shaykh Abdur-Rahman ibn Nasir as-Sa'di is a valuable work, matchless in its genre for elegance and clarity, and well timed. There is a real need for the subject, because the wave of atheism and materialism has been strong enough to sweep many people away.
What Distinguishes the Method
The author presents the atheists' arguments fairly before answering them.
That is rarer than it should be and it is the reason the book works. A refutation that misrepresents its opponent convinces only people who already agreed — and a reader who recognizes his own position being distorted stops reading.
Setting the argument out as its holders would state it, and then testing it, is the only approach that can persuade anyone.
Tested Against Reason
The second notable choice. The arguments are examined on grounds an unbeliever can accept, rather than answered by citing scripture he does not regard as authoritative.
Quoting a verse to someone who denies revelation settles nothing. Showing that a position is internally inconsistent is a different kind of argument, and it is the one this book makes.
Its Author
Shaykh As-Sa'di (1307–1376 AH) was among the most respected scholars of his era and the teacher of Shaykh Ibn Al-'Uthaymin. His concern throughout everything he wrote was clarity.
Who It Is For
Muslims encountering these arguments — at university, online, or from family members — and anyone whose own faith has been unsettled by them. Also useful for da'wah with skeptical readers.
Related Reading
