Splitting the Moon: A Collection of Islamic Poetry

Splitting the Moon: A Collection of Islamic Poetry presents Joel Hayward's reflections on his conversion to Islam and the modern Muslim experience. This 2012 collection marks the New Zealand-born British scholar's second published volume of poetry. The poems explore Hayward's transition from Christianity to Islam, documenting both personal spiritual discoveries and broader observations about faith. His verses examine the challenges faced by Muslims adapting to contemporary life while maintaining religious traditions. The collection addresses complex themes including religious violence, terrorism, and conflicts between Islamic teachings and modern interpretations. Hayward's work includes direct critique of acts committed in Islam's name alongside meditations on personal faith. The poetry combines intimate spiritual reflection with broader social commentary, creating a dialogue between individual religious experience and collective cultural challenges. These verses offer perspectives on both the personal and political dimensions of contemporary Islamic faith.

Readers note this book offers a unique perspective as Islamic poetry written by a Western convert to Islam. Reviews highlight Hayward's ability to blend classical Islamic themes with contemporary experiences. Readers liked: - Clear, accessible language that makes Islamic concepts relatable - Personal reflections on faith and spirituality - Mix of traditional Islamic poetry forms with modern style - Exploration of the daily challenges of being a Muslim Readers disliked: - Some poems seen as too simplistic - Limited scope of themes covered - Occasional awkward rhyming patterns Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (24 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (18 ratings) "The poems speak directly to the heart" - Goodreads reviewer "Bridges the gap between Islamic tradition and Western poetry" - Amazon reviewer "Some verses feel forced in their attempt to rhyme" - Poetry blog review

Poems from the Divan of Hafiz by Hafez Persian mystical poetry that explores divine love and spiritual awakening through Islamic Sufi traditions.

Love Poems from God by Daniel Ladinsky Sacred verses from twelve mystic poets across different faiths, including Muslim saints Rabia and Hafiz.

The Gift by Hafiz Classical Persian poetry that weaves Islamic spirituality with themes of love, devotion, and enlightenment.

Words of Paradise by Jalaluddin Rumi, Raficq Abdulla Collection of Sufi poems that blend Islamic teachings with universal themes of spiritual transformation.

The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar Epic poem following birds on their spiritual journey, representing the soul's path to divine truth through Islamic mysticism.

🌙 Joel Hayward is a notable academic and military strategist who converted to Islam in 2003, bringing a unique perspective to his poetry through his background in strategic studies and history. 📚 The title "Splitting the Moon" references the miraculous Islamic event known as "Moon Splitting" (القمر انشق), mentioned in the Quran as one of Prophet Muhammad's miracles. 🖋️ Each poem in the collection underwent careful review by Islamic scholars to ensure theological accuracy while maintaining artistic expression. 🌍 The author has written extensively about Islam and warfare, making him one of the few Western Muslim scholars to bridge military strategy and Islamic principles in academic work. 🎭 The collection represents one of the few contemporary English-language Islamic poetry books written by a Western convert, offering a distinctive voice in modern Islamic literature.