Mark A GabrielIslam and Terrorism (Revised and Updated Edition): The Truth About ISIS, the Middle East and Islamic Jihad

Islam and Terrorism is a very disturbing book that provides many insights into the motivations of Islamic terrorists, and how they are firmly rooted in the radical interpretation of Islam. It has challenged much of what I thought I knew, and provided me fresh perspectives on recent trends in terrorism. This is a book I would recommend to anyone seeking to understand the topic better.About the author and the bookThis book provides an inside view into Islam. Mark A Gabriel was an Egyptian and an Islamic scholar. He “started memorising the Quran at the age of five and finished when [he] was twelve years old”. He earned his bachelor, master and doctorate from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the most prestigious for Sunni Islam. Disillusioned by the violent side of Islam, he began questioning the basis of his faith and was tortured by Egyptian secret police. He later converted to Christianity and took on a new name. This allows him to speak more openly about Islam, but as a result he has also received many death threats. The book was first published in 2002, and updated in 2015 to include the latest developments such as the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS.Islam and Terrorism is organised broadly into three sections. The first 1/3 of the book summarises the interpretations and core beliefs of radical Muslims. The remaining 2/3 shows how these beliefs are rooted in the lives and example of Muhammed and his early followers, and traces the history of how extremist groups evolved, and their continual attempts to overthrow their governments to establish a caliphate and Islamic law. In the final chapter, the author also provides his proposal on the best way to counter radical Islam.Interesting things that I learned from this bookThis is not a comprehensive review of the book. I will summarise just a few of the points mainly from the first section that I found most insightful, and how current events that previously seemed strange now appear quite natural. For the remainder, I encourage you to read the book yourself.Islam is a religion of works, and martyrdom is the assured and direct path to paradiseThe author laments the Western media’s facetious fixation on seventy virgins in paradise as the reward for martyrdom. The true motivation is going to paradise at all, and avoiding hell. On the day of judgment, all infidels will go to hell and Muslims may go to paradise depending on the good works they have done in life. But even “if you live the best Muslim life you possibly can, you still have no guarantee of entering Paradise… There is only one guarantee – martyrdom.”Islam is both politics and religion, hence a Muslim’s loyalty is to Islam and not the state“Islam is a religion and a state. After Muhammed emigrated from Mecca to Medina, he set up a political government, established laws, and established Islam as a system of beliefs that covers every aspect of life.” As a physical manifestation of this, the mosque for Muhammad was not just a place of worship, but a headquarters for all his wars. “Muslims in general are very proud of the history of the caliphate in Islam. For thirteen centuries the caliphate united Muslim lands both spiritually and politically.” Radical Muslims (including terrorists) “want the caliphate back, and they ultimately want Islam to rule the entire world.” “To a committed radical who is fighting for his faith, the caliphate means everything and nationality means nothing. His nationality is now belief in Islam.”In Shariah (Islamic Law), earlier peaceful teachings are superseded by later teaching on jihadShariah is based on the Quran, which “is filled with contradictions.” This includes attitudes towards Christians, Jews, alcohol and women. “Islamic scholars had to determine, therefore, which verses to follow in the case of contradiction.” This was accomplished by the principle of abrogation [which is] based on the fact that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad at different times over a period of about twenty-two years… To solve a contradiction, they decided that newer revelations would override or abrogate previous revelations.” “The principle of abrogation is very strong. If a verse is abrogated, it is as if the earlier verse had not even existed.”“At first the messages that were revealed to Muhammad were peaceful and kind in order to attract people. But circumstances changed.” When Muhammad encountered opposition in Mecca, he moved to Medina and built up an Army, with which he returned to conquer Mecca. “Sixty percent of Quranic verses talk about jihad, which stands to reason because Muhammad received most of the Quran after he left Mecca. Jihad became the basic power and driving force of Islam.”Authorities have repeatedly tried and failed to destroy radical Islam.The author traces the roots of modern jihad to the 1920s when Ataturk established a secular state in Turkey and “overturned the Islamic succession system that had led the Islamic world for 600 years.” “Muslims reacted negatively” and the Muslim Brotherhood was started in Egypt with the goal of re-establishing the Islamic system. In the 1950’s an intelligent scholar, Sayyid Qutb, grew disillusioned with the paganism and idolatry of the world, and published a book Signs Along The Road that provides the philosophical underpinnings of today’s Islamic terrorist groups. The author equates him to Martin Luther (who broke away from the Catholic church and founded the Protestant church with a desire to be more faithful to the bible).The Egyptian government sentenced Qutb to death in 1965, imprisoned his followers, and tried to destroy all copies of his book. However, this only elevated his authority. New groups were formed building on his teachings, each more influential than the last, with an expanding geographic reach. As one group of leaders was imprisoned or killed, another took its place. These included Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, who was the author’s professor at Al Azhar. They also led to Al Qaeda and later ISIS.

A very readable and informative book. Then author explains the Islamic religion clearly.; He tells you the things the media dare not , being, as they are, obsessed with Political Correctness. This book helped me to understand the mind set of the Extremist. The Koran seems in some parts, to justify murder For example, in Surah 4:89 it is written, "Those who reject Islam must be killed". This book gives the reader a clear understanding as to how Jews and Christians are really regarded by muslims

A very informative book on the origins and mindset of Islamic terrorists. Still it bothers me a bit how obvious it is that the author is not a native speaker of English. This does not in any way diminish the value of the points he makes, but a closer proof reading would have been quite beneficial. This aside the book is very much worth reading as it is obviously founded in thorough knowledge of the subject dealt with.

This is the second book I read from Mark, which i liked but i prefer Jesus and muhammed. This is way too extremist and historical. If you are looking to understand Islam fundamentalism and terrorism based in the Quran this is the book for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a book which explains you the truth, a comparison between the gospel and quran, and why christianity is the religion of peace, Jesus and Muhammed is the book for you.

This is by far the best book I've ever read on Islam and its past, current, and expected impact especially on the Western civilization. The author, Mark Gabriel, stands out as the foremost authority I've ever read or heard. He's has been tested through trials that clearly only God could have led and kept him safe through. Every single true Christian should read this book if they read no others on Islam. But I'd also recommend "The Islamic Antichrist" and "Agent Storm" (the latter being a remarkable story of how a young Dane converted to Islam, became an Al Quida member, and finally came to the light realizing he was on the wrong path and became an agent for the CIA, British MI5, and the Danish secret service).

Do you want authentic insights of an insider's view of the seamless connection between Islam and jihad? It's right here!The author taught about the life of Mohammed and the culture of his time in the top Muslim University in Cairo. He knows more than almost anyone else about what Mohammed did and why he did it. He explains why ISIS and others like them are simply doing exactly the same as Mohammed encouraged his followers to do in the later part of his life. And he points out that 60% of the Qu'ran teaches about Jihad, including the teaching that the only SURE way of entering paradise is to die in jihad!He also explains the overall strategy of the Islamic leadership in using any means to achieve the goal of bringing the whole world under Islamic control.If any politician says, "I cannot understand why anyone could commit such atrocities," he only needs to read a few pages of this book to find out.

This book gives an authoritative explanation of how Islam seeks to take over the whole world in a political way, as well as a religious one. It is written by an expert and former adherent and presents an explanation of why the earlier, peace-loving parts of Islam's holy writings are cancelled out by the later doctrines, announced and recorded when Islam was at war with its neighbors. It helps to explain the dichotomy of a religion adhered to by millions of peace-loving citizens, which is also used to justify unspeakable crimes.

It seems a very ture account of what is being experienced today.

This book is certainly informative and instructive. I have learned much about this religion and the culture in which it thrives. Thank you Mark Gabriel for revealing your story and facts about which all in the West ought to get acquainted with. I would recommend it to all who want to learn about Islam & Muslims. it is an INVALUABLE book: a must read!!

Author does a very good analyses bringing a lot of information.Author background give a lot of decreability.I found most of information I was looking for.