FREE ESSAY ON ISLAM THE STRAIGHT PATH

ISLAM THE STRAIGHT PATH

Islam The Straight Path
An evaluation of the book by John L. Esposito: Islam The Straight Path.
In this book , Esposito provides a succinct, up-to-date survey of the Islamic experience,
an introduction to the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its origins to its
contemporary resurgence. He traces the emergence and development of this dynamic faith
and its impact on world history and politics. He discusses the formation of Islamic
belief and practice (law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism), chronicling the struggle
of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Equally important is the
essential information Esposito provides on the contemporary world of Islam, from Muslim
responses to the challenges of colonialism and modernization to the reassertion of Islam
in politics and society.
This introductory book in the teaching of Islam and Islamic way of life by Esposito can
be categorized in three different sections with various sub-tittles. 
First section concentrates on structural elements of Islam that includes Messenger
and the Message; that are Muhammad and the Holy Koran.
Second section is about The emergence of Islamic identity, as the Muslim Community, which
includes the belief and the practice of the religion.
And finally the modern Interpretations of Islam. 
Esposito introduces three concepts; in the first three chapters he explains what Islam
is. I believe that he did an excellent job in presenting pre-Islamic time for Arabia and
its surrounding region. But I also believe that concentrating on Muhammad's (PBUH)
biography has little relevant to Islam. Because Islam is based mainly on the completion
message of God to the World. I believe if a non-Muslim reader try were to understand
Islam through this book he or she would compare it to the concept of Jesus, or David the
Texan cult leader, and many others. 
I found that Esposito guides its readers to a clear understanding of Muslims and
non-Muslim prospective. Nevertheless, he is a director of center for Muslim-Christian
understanding. Esposito has emphasized on the holy Quran, Gods message and the messenger.
I also believe that he has introduced a clear guideline for Muslims and their practice.
Laying out their laws, beliefs, attitudes, values, and other religious responsibilities.
I also found that Esposito writes with good academic intentions and writing on Islam from
a western perspective. Esposito describes the realities of the Muslim world in their
struggle to define their social, political, and economical identity. Although, he points
that many of these ambitions are kept short due to lack of strong and faithful
authorities in the Muslim world.
As Esposito, introduces the faith, belief, and the practice of Islam from pre-historic
times one can clearly see the religious events and the struggle of a religion through
time. As on page 31, Esposito says, ...Muslims throughout the centuries, the message of
the Koran and the examples of the Prophet... are the essential building blocs of Muslim
life. He also emphasizes on the importance of Islam history and civilization, because he
believes that they are the ...record of that struggle to interpret and to follow the
Straight Path. (Esposito 31:1998)
Esposito also, introduces the idea of Modernism, that Islamic times have not just only
brought religion alone but also economic and military hardships to the west, as he puts
it, challenge to western technology. The impact of western imperialism has also impacted
the Islamic world. As the book evolves, he talks about Modern nations; secular, Muslim
and Islamic. Giving examples, such as Turkey being in the secular sector, Iran as the
Islamic, and finally the Muslim sector of modern nations including Jordan and Egypt. 
Coming to an end at the Muslims of Western Europe, the presence of Muslims in Europe is
not a new force, but a generation of siege and conquer. Over the years Ottomans and other
missionaries have put forward their idea of Islam in many parts of Europe, including
Bosnia and Romania. 
The Importance of Understanding Muslims and Islam:
Muslims and Islam are two related terms, at the same time different in its application.
Let us first talk about the importance of understanding the term Muslims. Muslims are
people who belong to the religion Islam. Muslims could act in various ways, presenting
their actions differently, a Muslim from India or South Africa. Another good example of a
Muslim view would be, the performance of their political and sect actions. 
For example, Saidi Qutb of Egypt believed the west is corrupt in their actions and he has
different view of the West. The other example would be Saudi Arabia's acceptance of
United States Forces to land in the holy place of Islam and welcoming the west. 
Our second question deals with the understanding of Islam. The message that this faith
brings to the world is important to understand that Islam claims the holy message of God,
a force that has brought a completion to the writings of the three holy books of Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam. Islam is a religion that has brought peace, enlightenment, and
unity to the faithful. I feel that this book could guide Muslims and non-Muslims in
forming clear views on specific Islamic religious issues. 
In conclusion, throughout the book Islam the Straight Path, many understandings come
about by looking at the many struggles of any particular community. For the purpose of
this book review, I went through the book to grasp an understanding of the title The
Straight Path. For many centuries Muslims around the world have experienced the
transformation of their society. The important forces that build Islam and Muslims
together are the religious life, faith, beliefs and practices. Today Muslims around the
world face many challenges of leaders that build the community whether it is a secular or
an 
Islamic nation. As examples given earlier about modernization which includes nations such
as Turkey and on the other side of the spectrum the practice of Islamic Shariah. As a
final note, my main objective from this book review is to see Islam from the eye of
Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. 
Bibliography
islam the straight path by John L. Esposito