Title: The Prophet’s Pulpit: Commentaries on the State of Islam, Volume I

Author: Khaled Abou El Fadl

Genre: Religion

 

Islam currently ranks as the second largest religious community in the world with 1.8 billion followers. The Muslim community is spread far and wide across the globe. Despite its large following, it is an often misunderstood religion. The teachings of Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl add a modern touch to the centuries old faith which appeal to some, such as Dr. Josef Linnhoff who converted to the faith and penned the preface. El Fadl preaches khutbahs (sermons) that are also controversial, as they speak truth to power and address how rulers of certain Muslim countries are perverting and/or corrupting the word of the Prophet Muhammad. Fadl’s sermons are not a casting off of long held beliefs, but about separating dogma and logic, and incorporating independent thought into the faith.

Professor Abou El Fadl’s compiled sermons provide a revealing glimpse into the Islamic religion and his spirited attempts to provide a renewal. Abou El Fadl’s strong faith is clear with each sermon, his appeals are to the devout and to the wayward followers of Islam. He doesn’t rely on rhetoric, so much as his interpretation of the Quran and how it has been misinterpreted by followers along with its critics.

The passion of Professor Abou El Fadl is the first characteristic that stands out with the book’s first khutbah. He is a law professor and his sermons possess an aspect of a lawyer making their case before the court, each one hitting specific points, whether it be attending services in person or remotely to the persecution of Muslims across the world. The professor combines his reading of the Quran and his education to clarify his viewpoints.

The dominant theme that runs through each homily is humanity and Abou El Fadl’s concern for not only fellow Muslims but his fellow men and women. The misunderstandings of Islam and the prejudices toward Muslims, the author feels, has led to violence and repressive measures against Muslims in various countries, often at the enabling of the countries’ leaders. A corruption of leaders who claim to be Muslim has led to certain values being sacrificed in order to signal “reform” within the country. Abou El Fadl believes that the health of the nation (Ummah) is relative to their relationship with the Quran. For his views, he has been jailed and targeted for assassination.

The book would benefit from a biography of Professor Abou El Fadl. The book provides his words over a pivotal two-year period, however a brief overview of how Abou El Fadl came to espouse these views would further enhance this book.

The Prophet’s Pulpit tackles a contentious topic and handles it with confidence and assurance. Abou El Fadl’s perspective is from the inside, and his sermons serve to educate as well as inspire. In addition to the spirited oration, the book provides a wealth of information about the Islamic religion. El Fadl’s words and thoughts will be insightful to followers as well as those who are new to Islam. This is an unforgettable and powerful book about religion and humanity.

 

 

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