Who Speaks for Islam?: What A Billion Muslims Really Think
Who Speaks for Islam?, by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed, is an in depth analysis of Islam and its followers and their relationship with the world based on the largest study of its kind, the Gallup World Poll. The reach of the poll is mind blowing as it has surveyed nearly a billion Muslims. "Between 2001 and 2007, Gallup conducted tens of thousands of hour-long, face-to-face interviews with residents of more than 35 nations that are predominantly Muslim or have substantial Muslim populations. The sample represents residents young and old, educated and illiterate, female and male, and from urban and rural settings. With the random sampling method that Gallup used, results are statistically valid within a plus or minus 3-point margin of error. "In totality, we surveyed a sample representing more than 90% of the world's 1.3 billion Muslims, making this the largest, most comprehensive study of contemporary Muslims ever done"(Esposito, Mogahed 2007). In my opinion its safe to say this book is based on the truth.
So what is the truth? Well, unlike the American ethnocentric ideals that pin terrorism on Islam's followers, the truth is actually quite complicated. So much so that terrorism itself takes a back seat to all of the issues that help complete the growing picture of the relationship between Islam and the west. Together John Esposito and Dalia Mogahed use the data collected from the Gallup World Poll to show the real ideals, values, hopes, and beliefs of Islam's following body. The book shatters beliefs and provides heavily supported information on this heated subject. It explains what Islam is and the beliefs that divide its various sects, as well as analyze the roll of women in the many different Islamic societies around the world. To say the least, it is an informative and challenging read that should be read by anyone who speaks on their beliefs of the Muslim world. Who Speaks for Islam?: What A Billion Muslims Really Think holds the solution to America's most pressing international conflict. People must realize that understanding is absolutely necessary before any problems are resolved. In this case wars, unnecessary spending, and constant tension can all be avoided if both parties would make efforts to understand the other on a deeper level; a level much more personal than media images and their extremist representatives. What Muslims Really Think? leaves no doubt of this before the book is even half finished.
About the Authors:
John L. Esposito is a professor of both religion & international affairs and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. Before his relative fame he attended Catholic seminary and remains a practicing Catholic today. He funded the Georgetown's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Chirstian Understanding. Esposito has authored more than 35 other books including Unholy War:Terror in the Name of Islam and What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. He has consulted the U.S. Department of State and is a recipient of the American Academy of Religion: 2
005 Martin E. Marty Award. Despite this he has been attacked and labeled an apologist for militant Islam. Esposito has authored articles in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the Washington Post and his co-author's credentials are just as impressive.
Dalia Mogahed has authored article appearing in the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Harvard International Review. Islamic herself she is obviously an advocate for understanding and provided her deep insight as a Senior Analyst and Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies. She has a master's degree in business administration with a emphasis on strategy from Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at University of Pittsburg. On April 26, 2009 President Barack Obama appointed her to the Advisory Counsil on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships where she currently serves.
