Islam: The Straight Path by John L. Esposito

Islam: The Straight Path Reviews

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  Will Waller

  This book is an excellent primer on Islam on a multitude of dimensions: historical, religious, modern, cultural, anthropological, scientific. I found this book to be the best guide to Islam, and I especially enjoyed its final chapter which dealt with modern history (up to mid-2009). It assimilates the many different streams of Islam into a readable work but one that is certainly well-researched and well written. This book was read for a course on Islam and I found it nearly as helpful as the classes attended. Esposito doesn't give too many editorial comments about the history he is describing, which I like. "Just the facts, ma'am." However, he does see that the future of Islam lies in its ability or inability to adjust to the changing demands of pluralism and adherents continuous struggle in defining their relationship in the West as either Muslims in the West or Western Muslims.
  
  A great read that is neither dense nor superficial. Perfect for an introduction and jumping off point for willing learners about Islam.
• 
  Sara

  Very dry.
  It's not really relevant to understanding Islam unless you're studying where the extremist groups first originated or you just want to know about the historical movements of the religion.
  I though
  John Esposito could do much better than that.
• 
  Belle Meade School

  297
• 
  Thomas Funke

  If i had to start my quest to learn about Islam/Arab culture all over, i would start with this book.
• 
  M

  Recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about the complete history of Islam and its origins. Impressed at the current-day focus of the latter half of the book as well.
• 
  Hanna

  This book merits four and a half stars, but I rounded down to four. The book is excellent and filled with information and opposing theological strains within Islam. However, I felt that sometimes Esposito tried to defend Islam from Western critique (which I have no problem with in of itself) but would later write about certain tenets in Islam that kind of disproved the points he was trying to make. For instance, the question of "why did the Arabian Muslims seek to expand" never felt adequately answered. Esposito himself notes that researchers have not been able to agree on that matter. And yet I feel like he expended so much energy on why the Arab invaders were not a bad force, etc, while describing their erosion of the Sasanid Empire and spread into Asia.
  
  Other than that grievance, this book was by far the best book offered in my theology class. As noted previously, different theological viewpoints were given in a clear and succinct way. This made essay writing on Islam easy and, frankly, fun. This book is the only book in my course literature that I do not want to sell. I feel like this book will be relevant as long as "Islamophobia" (ie, overblown fear of Islamic terrorism and general European xenophobia) exists.
• 
  Tyrone

  Islam: The Straight Path is a really poignant and engaging introduction to the vast topics surrounding Islam. John L. Esponsito presents the complex history of 13 odd centuries of faith, innovation, expansion, trade, commerce, and sadly in more recent times, the spread of fanaticism.
  This is a book I think everyone in the west should read so as to gain an insight into the culture and faith of Muslims, and how to not allow media bias to prejudice our interactions with our Islamic brothers and sisters.
  
  
• 
  Katie

  I mostly skimmed through and read the parts that interested me. But it provided a good overview of the development of Islam, the divisions within Islam and beliefs/practices. I especially found the info on how early Islam improved the rights of women to be interesting. However, I was hoping there would be more on Indonesia here (the country with the largest Muslim population), but I guess you can't cover everything in a college survey textbook.
• 
  RachelAnne

  This is the book I recommend to people who want to better understand Islam as both a religion and a global political phenomenon. In clear, simple, readable text, Esposito explains for the history and ideology of Islam and its offshoots. This is a great resource for anyone confused by the Sunni/Shi'ia divide, or who wants to understand distinctions between the Muslim Brotherhood, the Taliban, Hamas, and various Salafist organizations.
• 
  Daughters Of Abraham

  This is a good basic text on Islam, from history to orthodoxy to the variety of sects in the religion of Islam. The Protestants in the group thought that Esposito’s view of “Christianity” was a view of pre-Vatican II Catholicism. Recommended, although some found No god, but God a better choice. (Review by Metro West)
• 
  Dean

  I must admit I have come across books which are perhaps better, "Jihad: from Quran to bin laden" by Richard Bonney would be a better choice. Also currently a production made by MBC on a series called "UMAR" available on Youtube in English subtitle is probably something worth watching, I found it amazing.
• 
  Alex Rhea

  A very thorough introduction to the history of Islam and some important events in the modern history of certain major Muslim countries. However, Esposito tries to be a bit overly apologetic when talking about some of the more violent aspects of Islamic history. This is an somewhat understandable attitude considering the current political climate, but also feels somewhat dishonest.
• 
  Christina

  I gave up after the first couple of chapters. What I read was definitely good, but I just lost interest. Too many schisms in the religion and just not enough dedication on my part. Plus, the library wanted it back.
• 
  Shawne

  A clear, well-written, comprehensive treatment of Islam and its history. Perfect for beginners, though a bit simplistic otherwise.
• 
  Craig Bolton

  Islam: The Straight Path by John L. Esposito (1998)
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  Mei-yi

  A decent intro book.
• 
  Coltrane Bodbyl-Mast

  An interesting western pre-9/11 perspective into Islam. Not openly hostile but not entirely friendly either, as any book on religion should be- written in the most unbiased way possible.
• 
  Lara

  Reading this for a class
• 
  Sabah

  Good, fair balanced writing.
• 
  John

  Got boring after a while.
• 
  Mohd Sufian

  Concise, succinctly put and informative enough for beginners that are interested in Islam. This book offers excellent information in summing up Islam in general. Again great for beginners and this book will not be a disappointment if you are searching of an overview of Islam, its theology, ethics, and current issues it facing. This book opens the door for more exciting and interesting stuffs you wish to know about Islam and what a great way to start by reading this book.