What's Right with Islam

What's Right with Islam examines the historical and theological connections between Islamic principles and American democratic ideals. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf presents analysis and evidence to demonstrate the compatibility between Islamic values and Western concepts of religious freedom, human rights, and pluralistic democracy. The book traces the development of key Islamic concepts from the religion's founding through modern times, with particular focus on interpretations of Shariah law and religious tolerance. Rauf draws parallels between Islamic religious principles and the U.S. Constitution's protections of individual liberty, making a case for natural alignment between the two frameworks. This work explores solutions for bridging divides between Islamic and Western societies through mutual understanding and recognition of shared values. The author's unique perspective as an American imam allows him to address misconceptions on both sides while proposing concrete steps toward cooperation. At its core, the book presents an optimistic vision of Islamic-Western relations grounded in historical and religious scholarship rather than politics or polemics. The text serves as both an educational resource and a blueprint for interfaith dialogue in the modern world.

Readers appreciate Rauf's moderate tone and efforts to find common ground between Islamic and American values. Multiple reviews note the book provides historical context about Islam's compatibility with democracy and pluralism. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of Islamic concepts for Western readers - Discussion of shared Abrahamic roots - Focus on solutions rather than grievances Common criticisms: - Some sections read as oversimplified - Arguments occasionally seem idealistic - Limited engagement with more conservative Islamic viewpoints Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Rauf builds bridges without compromising either Islamic or American principles." A Goodreads critic noted: "While well-intentioned, the book glosses over real theological tensions." Several readers praised the chapter on historical Muslim-American connections, though some found the contemporary policy recommendations less convincing.

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🕌 Author Feisal Abdul Rauf founded the Cordoba House, an interfaith community center in New York City aimed at building bridges between Muslim Americans and other faith communities. 📚 The book was later republished under the title "What's Right with Islam Is What's Right with America" to emphasize its message of compatibility between Islamic and American values. 🗽 Rauf served as Imam of Masjid al-Farah mosque in New York City for 25 years and drew parallels between America's founding principles and Islamic teachings. ✍️ The author traces the historical connections between Islam and Western democracy, arguing that the U.S. Constitution is actually compatible with Sharia (Islamic law) principles. 🤝 Following 9/11, Rauf became a prominent voice in interfaith dialogue and was sent by the U.S. State Department on diplomatic missions to improve Muslim-American relations during both Bush and Obama administrations.