Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: I am a Muslim. I love this book. I have been involved with islam and studying Islam for over 20 years. I have written articles, columns, and books about Islam for many newspapers, publishers and all sorts of media outlets. I am a spokesperson for many ISlamic organizations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very fair, explains all the difficult questions and is presented in a very simple format.My only suggestion would have been to include a section on terrorism. I know that since Islam has nothing to do with terrorism that it'd be presumptive, but in light of recent events, I wish the book would have expanded on how much Islam hates terrorism. [....]
Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Explanation of A Media Bashed Religion
Review: I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything and I feel smarter knowing that television doesn't give you the whole story. Islam, like most religions is not as cut and dry as knowing what the followers believe in (god or person) and what holidays they do or do not celebrate. This book does an excellent job of explaining what being a true muslim does and does not mean. What I like about it most is that the author is not trying to persuade the reader to become a believer in Islam. He is simply and unapologetically telling you about the religion in simple terms. If you're looking for preaching, rhetoric or an affirmation of what you've seen on CNN, then this book is not for you, but if you want a better understanding of the neighbors on the corner who keep their heads covered this is your book.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than expected.. not as good as I hoped!
Review: The author did a great job..and then messed it up! What a great, easy to read and simple book. I bought it to use in teaching, and found the organization, language, and detail excellent.... But for the life of me, I can't figure out why the "Complete Idiot's Guide to" people let this be produced as is. It is not a un-biased informative look at Islam; It contains a great deal of political grandstanding in general..and specifically I was disturbed to see that it takes on a rather old school conservative view, and doesn't present varying views on topics... The author wanted to paint the picture that in ALL countries from the USA to Tunisia, Moslems were massively oppressed. A great book for information if you discount the obvious bias in view... quite a lot of the book is an excellent resource.. so hats off to the author... and a "boo" to the "Idiot's guide" publisher for not 'un-biasing' it and getting a neutral mamber to contribute.
Rating:
Summary: In-Depth Summary
Review: Asalamu alaykum, Although I don't agree 100% with this book, keeping in mind that no two people will likely agree 100% in anything, I found it a great review of the themes and ideals of Islam. I give it to many non-Muslim friends and they tell me that it does a great job explaining themes of the Qur'an, and then how they apply to Muslim life. I give it five stars because it is easy to read, informative, and effortlessly reveals to the reader a universe of knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: I Didn't find this book anti-American
Review: Hello. I finished reading this book and did not find any anti-American bias to it, nor did the book justify the practices of the Taliban. What I found interesting is how the author used Islamic teachings to refute the Taliban. Haven't we been hearing for a long time now that Islam doesn't allow so many horrible practices that the fundamentalists call for? Here is our chance to see the words of the kind of Muslim scholar that the West can live with. I found the material refreshing and it allayed many of my fears about this religion. As my father told me (he's reading it now) Islam doesn't sound all that much different from Christianity in its basic orientation and moral teachings. I recommend this book so people can see what the moderate trend of Islam really is.
Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Islam
Review: This is an excellent, clearly written book by a scholar who has also written a standard textbook used in Islamic Universities. Although I have no prior knowledge of Islam, this book made me really appreciate the beautify of the simplicity of the Islam religion. It also explains many Islamic concepts of relevance for today such as Jihad and what makes a terrorist (pages 172-174). If you want a good understanding of Islam in an easily understandable format I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Needlessly polemical
Review: While this book comes with the recommendationof Qasim Najor (Founding member, Islamic Foundation of North America) the items portrayed as belonging to Islamic belief are needlessly and often foolishly presented as a contradiction to Jewish or Christian beliefs. The author, Yahiya Emerick, should have first read an idiot's` guide to Jewish and Christian beliefs before lining up his theological straw men. It was needlessly polemical as if Islamic beliefs could not make religious sense on their own. Islamism need not be presented so "apologetically". I rated it with two points for the clarity of its brief definitions.
Rating:
Summary: Less than honest. or is it?
Review: Yahiya Emerick, an American trying to sound Arabic, has written the Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam, not as a way of helping people understand Islam, but as a way of making excuses for Muslims. The book follows the typical format of the Complete Idiot's Guide, so that is a plus. The problem I find is that the content is lacking. There is a very strong bias against the United States in general and Israel in specific in this book. The author seems to try to make excuses for why Muslims are this way or that. The truth finally comes out towards the end of the book. In the chapter titled "Islam in World Affairs Today", the author lets the cat out of the bag. "Muslim's aren't asking to conquer the world or to upset the global economic system. They just want what their ancestors had, another Golden Age of Islam." What does the author mean by this? "In Summary, Muslims are looking for: 1-Redress for all the wrongs done against them by outsiders." I held back my laughs outwardly. "2. The right to revive Islamic civilization without interference from the West." Sorry Mr. Emerick, the world doesn't want to live under Shari'ah law where people are dismembered, women are oppressed, and anyone who leaves Islam is put to death. "3. The unification of all Muslim Territories into one federally organized Islamic caliphate." This is in direct contrast to what the author said about not wanting to upset the global economic system or conquer the world. "4. The replacement of antireligious ruling elites with sincere Muslims who will rule according to the Shari'ah." Oh please!!! After reading this book, the author has given me the impression that Islam is not a religion, but a religious cult. I am honestly sorry if I offend Muslims by saying this.
Rating:
Summary: Good introduction
Review: This is a good, easy intro on Islam, especially if you want to pick it up and read a few pages at a time and still get valuable information on the second-largest religion in the world. Emerick grew up Protestant and converted to Islam, and he's written several books, at least two of which are being used in universities. It is a bit simplistic sometimes, but that's the nature of the book -- this book is an intro; it's not meant to be a discussion of all possible viewpoints on Islam. It is factually accurate, though. As for the woman who called the author an "apologist," the sad thing is that Islam is so battered in the American media (which disseminates incorrect information at whim if it's sensational enough) that any attempt to present the real facts is considered "apologistic." If you use the media as a yardstick, then facts about Islam may well seem like "sugarcoating." But that's only because the real Islam is very different from the way it's presented in America. This book does a very good job of succinctly summarizing basic beliefs of Muslims, giving an overview of the religion, and touching on some of the issues Americans are most concerned with regarding Islam. He has a suggested reading list, too, if you want to read beyond just the simple overview in this book. I highly recommend this book -- the author understands both sides of the issue, being American, formerly Christian, and now Muslim. It's easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to relate to. Well worth it!
Rating: 
Summary: An Idiot Guides You to Islam
Review: In an attempt to understand Islam, I purchased this book. I expected an explanation of Islam, but I did not expect the author to excuse and explain away the obvious contradictions in this religion. As someone who discarded religion and other superstitions years ago, I was surprised to feel insulted by the attacks on Christianity and Judaism made in this book. When the author attacked such beliefs as original sin and the Christian Trinity, then spoke in glowing terms of the jinn, paradise, sexual liscense, etc. described as elements of Islamic belief, I was disgusted by the authors bias and simplistic approach to religion.
This book even contains a justification of such barbaric practices as beheading and lopping off of hands.
In summary, if you want a childish and simple-minded attempt to brainwash one into accepting Islam, then this is the book for you. If, however, you truly wish an impartial Guide to Islam, look elsewhere.
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