 | |
| Authors | Maajid Nawaz,Sam Harris |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Islam |
| Publisher | Harvard University Press[1] |
Publication date | October 2015 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 120 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-674-08870-2 |
| Preceded by | Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without ReligionRadical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism |
Islam and the Future of Tolerance: A Dialogue is a 2015 book collaboration between American authorSam Harris and British activistMaajid Nawaz. The book has been subsequently adapted into a documentary film of the same title.[2]
The book is in dialogue format, and features an exchange between Harris, anatheist and a critic of religion, and Nawaz, anIslamist-turned-liberal activist.[1] Harris argues that the doctrines ofIslam are dangerous while Nawaz defends Islam by arguing that those dangerous doctrines have been circumvented by the tradition.[3] Nawaz further argues that like any other religion, Islam is open to reform and will find its place in asecular world.[4]
The book is published with the explicit purpose of furthering difficult conversations about Islam without "devolving intobigotry or caricature".[4] The book also explores the differences between the religion of Islam and the ideology ofIslamism.[5]
The Economist, in its review, called it "a short but intensive dialogue" and noted that "at times, Mr Nawaz is disarmingly frank."[6] It goes on to say that Nawaz acknowledges that reformist Muslims like himself are a minority, but he insists thatIslamists are also a minority because the majority are conservative Muslims.[6] After noting the percentages of political Islamists, liberals, and social conservatives in the Muslim community, and predicting the odds of success of the liberals depending on the support they get from the conservatives,The Economist declares the task a "tall order" and states "no wonder Mr. Harris is politely sceptical."[6]
New Statesman called it "something of a unicorn" and credited the book for discussing "Islamism and jihadism from a historical as well as a philosophical angle, with no trace of sentiment or dogma."[1] Brian Stewart in theNational Review also rated it positively, declaring it "provocative and profane" and lauded the authors for "endeavoring to provide a spark".[7]
Publishers Weekly also gave it a positive review, noting that "Harris, maintaining his provocative persona, asks questions and tosses ultimatums in the direction of Nawaz, who deftly replies with well-reasoned and thoughtful responses that will inform and inspire."[8] According tocognitive scientistSteven Pinker, "This honest and intelligent dialogue is a superb exploration of the intellectual and moral issues involved."[1] In theNew York Journal of Books,Tara Sonenshine wrote, "The answer, they [Nawaz and Harris] seem to suggest, may rest in the ancient art of conversation, which this book offers."[9] She concluded thatIslam and the Future of Tolerance "may not change hearts or minds, but it will provoke thought and discussion—and that is a contribution."[9]
In a pre-published review,Kirkus Reviews wrote, "A wider range of viewpoints might have made this discussion even more valuable, but readers with a knee-jerk opinion of Islam will learn a lot."[10] Reviewing forThe New York Times, Canadian authorIrshad Manji wrote, "Their back-and-forth clarifies multiple confusions that plague the public conversation about Islam." She writes, "Harris is right that liberals must end their silence about the religious motives behind much Islamist terror. At the same time, he ought to call out another double standard that feeds the liberal reflex to excuse Islamists: Atheists do not make nearly enough noise about hatred toward Muslims."[11]
A documentary of the same title, which focuses on dialogues between Harris and Nawaz, and includes interviews withDouglas Murray andAyaan Hirsi Ali, was released on 11 December 2018.[12]