Believing as Ourselves

By J. Lynn Jones and L. Lynn Jones

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590080076
• ISBN13: 9781590080078
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Amana Publications
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Breathtaking.

Replete with breathtaking prose and Qur'anic and literary allusions, this work cuts to the heart of the American Muslim experience, particularly for converts. Jones motivates us to ask how, as American Muslims, we can create an authentic community of faith when we so willingly abdicate our cultural and linguistic identities. How can we develop an authentic relationship with God even as we strive to eliminate the self? While I agree with her on most every issue, I find that in cases where I am in disagreement (for instance, on hijab) I still marvel at her honesty. She is logical and eloquent, well-read and unwavering in her scholarly standards. And she is kind. I have bought a copy of her book for each of my dearest friends and sisters, including a Christian friend of mine, because I truly believe that anyone, and particularly any woman, on a quest for truth and faith can only benefit from her gentle and meditative prose. For anyone tired of pompous polemics, _Believing as Ourselves_ is a treat and a comfort. I travel constantly with my husband on business, and _Believing as Ourselves_ is one of very few books in my mobile library.

Refreshing and Thought Provoking

This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down! I read this book around the same time that I read Jeffrey Lang's two books, and I felt this book was easier to read than Dr. Lang's books (although they were good too). Perhaps that is because I could relate to Jones' experience more....A couple of reviewers mentioned that Jones didn't use Islamic references to back up her material and that she did not give Islamic guidance on how to deal with the issues of alienation and injustice that plague the Muslim community in the US. I think that is an rather unfair comment. First of all, Jones DOES refer to Islamic sources when appropriate. A shortage of quotes from the Quran and Hadith is NOT a problem in my opinion, but rather the appropriate technique for such a book. There are many books out there full of quotes from the Quran and Hadith on how to be a better Muslim or how to deal with depression, etc. But unfortunately there are very few that present a heartfelt expression of faith and practical ways to survive the inevitable rough spots in our lives.Jones is not an Islamic scholar. She is just a Muslim who wanted to share her story in the hopes that it would help other sisters going through similar situations by saying that it is OKAY to take a break, to step back from the community. The important thing I took away from her experience is that we have to be careful to evaluate ourselves and our motives to make sure that whatever we do we are doing it for God. If that means we need to take a break from the community, so be it. If it means shrinking our circle of friends, so be it. If it means leaving the dishes in the sink, so be it.Jones doesn't offer an Islamic prescriptions to a happier life or better relationship with God. Rather, she offers some general practical advice that could apply to anyone but she puts it into the context of Muslim women living in the US.

I badly needed this book

As a convert to Islam of over 10 years I very badly needed to read this book! I have never before read a book where the majority of the time I was saying "Yes, That's IT!". I did feel that first half of the book was the best. Yet overall I consider this book to be life changing for me. I want to heartily say thank you to the author for having the courage to express what so many of us feel. She has restored much of my faith in God.

Inspiring Book

Simply put, this book is one of the best religous-based books I have read in a long time. The author's personal insights into embracing a new religion are applicable not only to converts to Islam, but I believe, to any religion. Whether you are a man or a woman, a revert born believer, or someone simply with an interest in Islam, this book is a must-read. It offers a refreshing perspective on the benefits of having faith in our own lives, and will cause great inner contemplation on how we can strengthen our own personal relationship with God, our families, and our Islamic communities. Believing as Ourselves is one of those rare, special books that you will want to recommend to all of your friends, Muslim or non-Muslim.

believing as Ourselves

For a person who usually takes weeks, months and even years to read a book I read this book in one day.I believe this book would be very useful to Christians as well as Muslims.The same concerns this writer has for her religion is present in many religions and I find her courage and honesty very refreshing. I feel she writes with love in her heart for God and her religion. We all tend to forget to put God first,she reminds us. I will read this book many times.