In the Shadow of the Prophet: the Struggle for the Soul of Islam by Viorst, Milton - 2001

Boulder, Colorado, U. S. A.: Westview Press. New with no dust jacket. 2001. First Edition. Softcover. Astutely blending history, reportage, and political analysis, (Viorst's) odyssey gives readers a new lens for comprehending the ferment in the Muslim world. " - Publisher's Weekly. The Middle Easy has long been a volatile yet vital region in world politics. In his captivating new book, journalist Milton Viorst iluminates the complex struggle to reconcile the Muslim community's fierce determination to live by traditional Islamic law and beliefs while fulfilling their desire for economic and political power in today's world. Throughout the Middle East, a rising tide of Islamic fundalism has attempted to overturn moderate or secular government, creating in its place an Islamic state based on the ancient moral code of Muhammad's time. Conservative and fundamentalist sects are violently at odds with those Muslims who feel Islam must find a way to integrate science and democracy into Islamic Life. Without an opening-up of Islam, the Middle East will continue to lag far behind the West and even emerging Thrid World nations in terms of its military power, economic might, and general standards of living. 355 pages including notes, a selected bibliography, and index. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. .