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_askthebookbug 's review for:
Born A Muslim: Some Truths About Islam in India
by Ghazala Wahab
• r e v i e w •
Ghazala Wahab connects with the readers, that much is proven. Her words are clear, without a hint of hesitancy as she speaks about how the second largest religion has evolved over the years in India. At a time when Islam and it's practitioners are looked upon with suspicion and hostility, this book couldn't have come at a better time. To someone who practices a different faith, this book makes it easy to understand Islam right from its origin. Ghazala Wahab has done extensive research and it shows, with the statistics presented in a clear-cut manner. She provides numbers to back up her facts. There's a lot to take away from this informative book, capable enough to shift one's opinion about this largely followed religion.
The book begins with her reminiscing about her grandfather whom she fondly refers to as Abba. Growing up in a liberal Muslim family, the children weren't burdened with strict religious education but things changed after Abba's death. She recalls with terror the threat they faced during kar seva as Hindu fanatics threw stones into her home and broke the windows. Her uncles were then taken away by the notorious Provincial Armed Constabulary, the same forces who had performed the mass custodial killing. I particularly liked how she decided on speaking about Prophet Muhammad's life, his ideals and also about his wife. As you turn the pages, things begin to get a little intense. History has proven time and again that Religion and politics do not mix well together. Things get muddled, people turn into fanatics. As with any religion, if one follows the text and teachings blindly, generations of development is pushed behind. Ghazala encourages people to get formal education apart from the religious ones, to strike a balance between the two. There are chapters dedicated to women and then politics, both of which were interesting to read. She makes it personal with added tales from her own life, making her one amongst us. Born a Muslim is an important book, one that can even erase the stereotypes that people associate with Islam. It removes any false notions, making way for kindness.
4.1/5.
Thank you for the copy @alephbookco
Ghazala Wahab connects with the readers, that much is proven. Her words are clear, without a hint of hesitancy as she speaks about how the second largest religion has evolved over the years in India. At a time when Islam and it's practitioners are looked upon with suspicion and hostility, this book couldn't have come at a better time. To someone who practices a different faith, this book makes it easy to understand Islam right from its origin. Ghazala Wahab has done extensive research and it shows, with the statistics presented in a clear-cut manner. She provides numbers to back up her facts. There's a lot to take away from this informative book, capable enough to shift one's opinion about this largely followed religion.
The book begins with her reminiscing about her grandfather whom she fondly refers to as Abba. Growing up in a liberal Muslim family, the children weren't burdened with strict religious education but things changed after Abba's death. She recalls with terror the threat they faced during kar seva as Hindu fanatics threw stones into her home and broke the windows. Her uncles were then taken away by the notorious Provincial Armed Constabulary, the same forces who had performed the mass custodial killing. I particularly liked how she decided on speaking about Prophet Muhammad's life, his ideals and also about his wife. As you turn the pages, things begin to get a little intense. History has proven time and again that Religion and politics do not mix well together. Things get muddled, people turn into fanatics. As with any religion, if one follows the text and teachings blindly, generations of development is pushed behind. Ghazala encourages people to get formal education apart from the religious ones, to strike a balance between the two. There are chapters dedicated to women and then politics, both of which were interesting to read. She makes it personal with added tales from her own life, making her one amongst us. Born a Muslim is an important book, one that can even erase the stereotypes that people associate with Islam. It removes any false notions, making way for kindness.
4.1/5.
Thank you for the copy @alephbookco