How Even Angels Ask Changed My Life: A Muslim Convert's Story
Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America by Jeffrey Lang
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a Muslim in America? Have you ever questioned the beliefs and practices of Islam? Have you ever searched for answers to your doubts and dilemmas about faith? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in reading Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America by Jeffrey Lang. In this book, Lang shares his personal story of how he converted to Islam from atheism, and how he explored the various issues and challenges that Muslims face in America. He also discusses the main themes and arguments of Islam, such as reason, faith, diversity, unity, interfaith relations, and modernity. In this article, I will provide a brief overview of the book and its author, examine its main themes and arguments, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, and assess its impact and implications for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
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The Background and Context of the Book
Jeffrey Lang is a professor of mathematics at the University of Kansas. He was born in a Catholic family in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but he became an atheist at a young age. He was fascinated by science and philosophy, but he also felt a sense of emptiness and despair in his life. He was introduced to Islam by a Muslim student who gave him a copy of the Quran. He was impressed by the Quran's rationality, clarity, and beauty, and he decided to embrace Islam after studying it for two years. He wrote Even Angels Ask as a way to share his journey to Islam with other Americans, especially those who are curious or skeptical about Islam. He also wrote it as a way to address some of the questions and problems that he encountered as a Muslim in America.
The Main Themes and Arguments of the Book
The book is divided into eleven chapters, each dealing with a different topic related to Islam in America. Lang uses his own experiences, anecdotes, dialogues, observations, research, analysis, and reflections to explore these topics. He also draws on the Quran, the Sunnah, the history, the theology, the jurisprudence, and the literature of Islam to support his arguments. He does not shy away from controversial or sensitive issues, such as gender roles, apostasy, violence, terrorism, democracy, human rights, and pluralism. He tries to present Islam in a balanced and nuanced way, acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses, its diversity and unity, its challenges and opportunities. He also tries to engage with his readers in a conversational and friendly tone, inviting them to think critically and openly about Islam and its followers. Some of the main themes and arguments of the book are:
The Role of Reason and Faith in Islam
Lang argues that Islam is a religion that encourages rational inquiry and critical thinking. He says that Islam does not require blind faith or unquestioning obedience, but rather invites people to use their intellect and conscience to understand and appreciate the signs of God in the universe and in themselves. He cites several verses from the Quran that urge people to reflect, ponder, analyze, and verify the truth. He also gives examples of how Muslim scholars and scientists used reason and logic to advance their knowledge and understanding of various fields of study. He says that reason and faith are not contradictory or incompatible in Islam, but rather complementary and harmonious. He says that reason leads to faith, and faith enhances reason.
The Diversity and Unity of the Muslim Community
Lang portrays the different perspectives and experiences of Muslims in America. He says that Muslims are not a monolithic or homogeneous group, but rather a diverse and dynamic community. He says that Muslims come from different ethnic, racial, cultural, linguistic, sectarian, ideological, and political backgrounds. He says that Muslims have different levels of religiosity, practice, interpretation, and expression of Islam. He says that Muslims have different views and opinions on various issues and matters related to Islam and society. He says that Muslims face different challenges and opportunities in their integration and participation in America. He also says that Muslims share a common bond of faith and identity that transcends their differences. He says that Muslims are united by their belief in one God, one prophet, one book, one direction of prayer, one pilgrimage, one community.
The Relationship between Islam and Other Religions
Lang discusses the commonalities and differences between Islam and other faiths. He says that Islam recognizes and respects the previous revelations and messengers of God, such as Judaism, Christianity, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, etc. He says that Islam affirms the core teachings of these religions, such as monotheism, morality, accountability, salvation, etc. He also says that Islam corrects and completes some of the distortions and deviations that occurred in these religions over time. He says that Islam clarifies some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings that people have about God's nature, attributes, will, etc. He also says that Islam differs from other religions in some aspects of its doctrine, law, ritual, etc. He says that Islam has its own unique features and characteristics that distinguish it from other faiths.
The Relevance and Application of Islam in Modern Times
Lang addresses the issues and opportunities that Muslims encounter in contemporary society. He says that Islam is a timeless and universal religion that can adapt to any time or place. He says that Islam has a flexible and dynamic nature that allows it to accommodate different circumstances and situations. He also says that Islam has a comprehensive and holistic vision that covers all aspects of life: personal, social, political, economic, ethical, spiritual, etc. He says that Islam provides guidance and solutions for the problems and challenges that people face in the modern world. He also says that Islam offers benefits and contributions for the development and progress of humanity. He says that Islam promotes values such as justice, peace, mercy, compassion, cooperation, etc. He also says that Islam encourages creativity, innovation, excellence, etc.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book
Lang succeeds and fails in his objectives and methods in writing this book. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of the book are:
The Strengths of the Book
Lang provides an honest and insightful account of his journey to Islam and his analysis of Islam in America. Some of the strengths of the book are:
He shares his personal story with candor and humility, revealing his struggles and achievements, his doubts and convictions, his joys and sorrows.
He explores various topics with depth and breadth, covering a wide range of issues and perspectives, using multiple sources and methods.
The Weaknesses of the Book
Lang overlooks or oversimplifies some aspects of Islam and its history. Some of the weaknesses of the book are:
He does not provide enough evidence or references for some of his claims or opinions, relying on his personal experience or anecdotal data.
He does not address some of the criticisms or objections that might be raised against his arguments or conclusions, assuming that his readers will agree with him or accept his authority.
He does not acknowledge some of the diversity or complexity that exists within Islam and its sources, presenting a single or simplified version of Islam or its interpretation.
He does not consider some of the historical or contextual factors that influenced the development or application of Islam and its law, treating Islam as a static or ahistorical phenomenon.
The Impact and Implications of the Book
Lang influences and inspires his readers and the Muslim community. He also offers suggestions and recommendations for Muslims to improve their situation and contribution in America. Some of the impact and implications of the book are:
The Impact of the Book on Non-Muslims
Lang educates and challenges non-Muslims about Islam and its followers. He also tries to bridge the gap and build the trust between Muslims and non-Muslims. Some of the impact of the book on non-Muslims are:
He informs and enlightens non-Muslims about the basics and the beauty of Islam, dispelling some of the myths and stereotypes that they might have about Islam and Muslims.
He invites and encourages non-Muslims to learn more about Islam and to interact with Muslims, fostering a dialogue and a friendship based on mutual respect and understanding.
He challenges and provokes non-Muslims to rethink their assumptions and prejudices about Islam and Muslims, stimulating a critical and constructive discussion about Islam and its role in society.
The Impact of the Book on Muslims
Lang empowers and motivates Muslims to reflect on their faith and identity. He also tries to guide and support Muslims in their integration and participation in America. Some of the impact of the book on Muslims are:
He affirms and strengthens Muslims' faith and confidence in Islam, reminding them of the rationality, clarity, and beauty of Islam and its sources.
He inspires and urges Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding of Islam, encouraging them to study and practice Islam with sincerity and diligence.
He advises and helps Muslims to cope with the challenges and opportunities that they face in America, suggesting them to balance their loyalty to Islam and their citizenship in America.
The Implications of the Book for the Future of Islam in America
Lang offers suggestions and recommendations for Muslims to improve their situation and contribution in America. He also tries to envision and anticipate the future of Islam in America. Some of the implications of the book for the future of Islam in America are:
He proposes that Muslims should adopt a moderate and progressive approach to Islam, avoiding extremism or conservatism, embracing diversity or reform.
He recommends that Muslims should engage in social and civic activities, contributing to the welfare and development of their communities and society.
He predicts that Muslims will become an influential and integral part of America, shaping its culture and politics with their values and vision.
Conclusion: A Summary and Evaluation of the Book
In conclusion,
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book and their answers:
Q: Who is Jeffrey Lang and why did he write this book? A: Jeffrey Lang is a professor of mathematics at the University of Kansas. He was born in a Catholic family but became an atheist at a young age. He converted to Islam after reading the Quran. He wrote this book to share his journey to Islam and to address some of the issues and challenges that Muslims face in America.
Q: What are some of the topics that Lang covers in this book? A: Lang covers a wide range of topics related to Islam in America, such as the role of reason and faith in Islam, the diversity and unity of the Muslim community, the relationship between Islam and other religions, the relevance and application of Islam in modern times, etc.
Q: What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of this book? A: Some of the strengths of this book are that Lang provides an honest and insightful account of his journey to Islam and his analysis of Islam in America, that he explores various topics with depth and breadth, that he presents Islam in a balanced and nuanced way, and that he engages with his readers in a conversational and friendly tone. Some of the weaknesses of this book are that Lang does not provide enough evidence or references for some of his claims or opinions, that he does not address some of the criticisms or objections that might be raised against his arguments or conclusions, that he does not acknowledge some of the diversity or complexity that exists within Islam and its sources, and that he does not consider some of the historical or contextual factors that influenced the development or application of Islam and its law.
Q: What are some of the impact and implications of this book? A: Some of the impact and implications of this book are that Lang educates and challenges non-Muslims about Islam and its followers, that he inspires and urges Muslims to reflect on their faith and identity, that he advises and helps Muslims to cope with the challenges and opportunities that they face in America, that he proposes that Muslims should adopt a moderate and progressive approach to Islam, that he recommends that Muslims should engage in social and civic activities, and that he predicts that Muslims will become an influential and integral part of America.
Q: How can I get a copy of this book? A: You can get a copy of this book from various online platforms, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, etc. You can also get an epub version of this book from https://www.ebookhunter.net/even-angels-ask-by-jeffrey-lang-epub/.
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