A great many books about Islam are published now, some defending it and rather more attacking it. This one is short, and it makes two arguments.
The First: Doctrine Versus Practice
The book points out, briefly but precisely, how the major religions are alike and how they differ. The teachings largely remain in the doctrines. What changes — often in the name of liberalism — is what is practiced.
The example given is deliberately uncomfortable. Sexual relationships outside marriage are forbidden in every major religion. What actually happens is known to everyone.
That observation reframes the entire comparison. A religion is usually judged by the conduct of its nominal followers rather than by what it teaches — and by that standard almost no tradition survives scrutiny. Islam, the book argues, has not changed in its basic nature and function, because of the internal system that holds it in place.
The Second: Peace Is Not a Slogan
Under the influence of media coverage, many people see Islam as a dangerous faith, and religion of peace sounds to them like public relations.
The book's response is not to protest but to point at practice. Muslims are commanded to spread peace and to wish it on others. May the peace of God be with you is what a Muslim is instructed to say every single time he meets another person — not on special occasions, not as a formality reserved for fellow believers. That greeting is the most repeated sentence in a Muslim's life.
The Invitation
The book asks the reader to use his intellect, look at the reality, and consider the truth for himself. It does not ask him to accept anything on the author's word, and for a skeptical reader that is the right approach.
Who It Is For
Non-Muslims whose picture of Islam has come from the news. Colleagues and neighbors who have asked an honest question. Da'wah tables and campus societies. Short and inexpensive enough to give away freely.
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