Islam and the Future of Tolerance

A Dialogue

By: Maajid Nawaz, Sam Harris

Narrated by: Sam Harris, Maajid Nawaz

Length: 3 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

In this short book, Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz invite you to join an urgently needed conversation: Is Islam a religion of peace or war? Is it amenable to reform? Why do so many Muslims seem drawn to extremism? What do words like Islamism, jihadism, and fundamentalism mean in today's world?

Remarkable for the breadth and depth of its analysis, this dialogue between a famous atheist and a former radical is all the more startling for its decorum. Harris and Nawaz have produced something genuinely new: they engage one of the most polarizing issues of our time - fearlessly and fully - and actually make progress.

Islam and the Future of Tolerance has been published with the explicit goal of inspiring a wider public discussion by way of example. In a world riven by misunderstanding and violence, Harris and Nawaz demonstrate how two people with very different views can find common ground.

©2015 Sam Harris & Maajid Nawaz (P)2015 Sam Harris & Maajid Nawaz

Must read for an honest debate on the topics

As the late Christopher Hitchens expertly said about arguments between two matched "opponents", it is very seldom that the position of both will remain exactly the same, changes and concessions will occur and the debate will advance. Even if only a little at a time.

In this book you can see Sam and Maajid views growing better and more refined about the topics of Islam, islamism, secularism, the muslim society, radicalization and tolerance.

I'd already read all of Sam's books, so Maajid was the greatest surprise for me and greatly enriched my views about radicalization (and the different levels it can happen) and islamic culture in general (specially the many possible interpretations of the Quran, the Hadith and other texts).

I'll be sure to read his book "Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism" as soon as possible.

This book is a must read for everyone who wants to honestly discuss the topics abovementioned and I highly recommend it.

(I'm sorry if there are any typos or mistakes, I'm brazilian and english is my second language)

Sets red herrings aside

This is an amazingly enlightened honest conversation, between two individuals that focus on real root issues instead of grandstanding

A conversation we need

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I recommend this book because it is an intellectually honest conversation that presents carefully considered issues in Islam from two very different perspectives which, in my opinion, is the reason this book succeeds. It is also important that this book paves the way for other people to engage in similar honest discussions because we cannot stick our heads in the sand and ignore issues.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The authors represent themselves. I think Maajid Nawaz had a more central role in this discussion and made a compelling case as to how one can maneuver carefully and try to reform Islam in a way that will lead to secularism and human rights. On the other hand, Sam Harris was skeptical and made excellent points as to why some core issues of the faith may never be subject to a solution.

Which character – as performed by Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz – was your favorite?

Sam Harris was very effective in showcasing the problem in western societies like the USA where a large group of politically correct groups of people are trying to control criticism of various ideas including Islam because it may offend or they think religion has nothing to do with the problems in Muslim majority countries. This is also a vital message of the book in my opinion.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really, but that was not the point. The problem demands that we cast aside emotions and arm ourselves with a rational and critical approach.

Food for thought

some informative dialogue about the divisions in Islam, and the need to confront some of the more extreme elements. it is interesting to see though how the former "radical" seems to have grown greatly in his journey and is now ready to look at his religion while the poor "new atheist" is still stuck in his insisting that theists have to stick to their scriptures and not have a living evolving relationship with their God. Oh well, I guess the more important question is what God thinks of him. that has consequences. His opinion of God in the end does not matter much

Must read!

Excellent excellent discussion between two highly intelligent and literate debaters. I am very impressed with Maajid Nawaz and his project for the reform of Islam. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Islamism, Jihadism, ISIS, and the prospects for reform of Islam - and that should include anyone alive and thinking about the state of the world today.

A very important book!

This book is very important in the world we live now. I wish this book could reach as many readers as possible. I learned a lot about Islam and it gave me many points to reflect on.
Besides, I'm now equipped with a lot of reasons and arguments in debating on the topics covered in the book.
I love that both authors read this book! The very last dialogue was one of the most insightful for me, where the authors answer the questions and discuss what impact the book created.

Interesting topic

I know too little on the topic, and appreciate the authors thoughts and commentary. Great read.

phenomenal

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. the dialogue format is brilliant for this timely and necessary discussion.

A very important book

Absolutely loved it. Thoroughly recommend this book to anyone considering the place of violent Islam in the world.

Insightful and essential listen

Finally a chance to listen to a conversation on how to think about the challenge of extremism