The Hadj: An American's Pilgrimage to Mecca

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Summary: A personal diary of a trip to Hadj
Review: A very good account of one of the most important journeys in a Muslim's life. I picked up this hoping it would be a good guide for Muslim converts if not a guide for Hadj. It was neither. Although Wolfe does take a genuine interest in the Arab culture and the religion of Islam, he fails to take the opportunity to enlighten his readers on clearly, one of the world's most misunderstood religion. He does not talk about how to prepare, how to perform, why they do it and what to watch for at the Pilgrimage. Wolfe dwells instead on his personal observations of his tour of Morocco, Mecca and Medina; the book is a personal trip diary. The author has obviously started out by studying a lot into Islam, however, it seems he received his inspirations from unusual sources. He quotes liberally from Frost, Twain and Washington Irving throughout the book but rarely goes into the traditions of the Prophet of Islam. He even sumarizes the entire autobigraphy of the Prophet in 3 paragraphs. Wolfe's admiration for Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is very evident, however; scattered through the book amidst car deals and accounts of his shopping cart are revealing reasons on why he became a Muslim. A short list of the Prophet's words favorite sayings, towards the end, is as refreshing as the cool ZamZam waters of Mecca.

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Summary: Excellent book
Review: A very interesting and engrossing book. The author gives an account of his pilgrimage and the people that he encounters. A must read.

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Summary: Describes Religious Pilgrimage, but Contains Little Religion
Review: As a recent convert to Islam, I can only imagine what it would feel like to stand in the Great Mosque in Mecca with the hundreds of thousands of other pilgrims. Wolfe had this opportunity, but unfortunately, he did not sufficiently express his religious/spiritual impressions in the book. His writing style was a bit too objective and detached. It appeared that he carried the initial uneasyness he felt in Morocco (i.e. when he was afraid to enter the mosque) throughout the entire trip. However, I do applaud the honesty with which he described his religious upbringing and why he decided to become a Muslim.

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Summary: Enriching book!
Review: In this book Michael Wolfe, an American convert to Islam has described his personal Hadj to Makkah beautifully. The pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that is a principal religious obligation of adult Muslims. He has described the Hadj in steps, ritual by ritual and by giving their meanings, as well as his own thoughts, ideas, emotions..etc at that point in time.

His journey starts from Morocco, where he went before Hadj, to gain some knowledge and to live in the Islamic environment. He has given a lot of information about Moroccon people, their life, culture and relationship with each other. He gives a lot of information about Muslim people and their culture in general, such as Brotherhood in Islam for example. Where ever he went he was accepted as one of the family member - a brother. This he says was one of the beautiful things that Islam has gives to people and which is specific to Muslims only, which Malcolm X has noticed too when he made his own Hadj.

I bought this book because I wanted to know, a Westerner's opinion on Islamic topics such as Hadj, from Western perspective.

I must say this book was a wonderful read for me, and I am sure it will be the same for you.

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Summary: A MUST READ for all!!!
Review: Michael Wolfe has outdone himself in the writing of "The Hadj".

He takes you to the streets of Marrakech, Mecca and Medina. The writing style is exquisite. He really gives you insight on what to expect while on the Hadj.

I actually felt like I was there, on his journey; so descriptive and such a detailed accounting of his surroundings.

I finsihed the book in less than a week and each time I put it down, I could not wait to pick it up and start reading again.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to everyone!! A real treat!



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Summary: Excellent!
Review: Micheal Wolfe is indeed a storyteller. This book is interesting yet educational. This is good for everyone interested in travel and Islam. This is simply excellent!

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Summary: Great book.
Review: This is in response to the Kirkus review of Wolfe's book. The reviewer indicates that Wolfe fails to discuss "problem areas" in Islam such as women and violence. First of all, a reading of the Quran would clear up all of the reviewer's misconceptions. Umlike the Judeo-Christian scripture, the Quran and Hadith emphasize the absolute equality of men and women. Why are so many Western women converting to Islam? It is important to base judgements on the religion's scripture, not media images and the so-called Muslim behavior of patriarchal Arab societies. As for violence, Islam only permits violence in retialitory circumstances. Once again, a study of the Islamic scripture would clear up that "problem area." Also, I did not find Wolfe's critiques of Christianity and Judaism to be unfair. He makes honest assessments of the Judeo-Christian tradition in the light of modern science, religious hierarchy, and elitism. There's a difference between unsubstaniated claims (like the Kirkus reviewer's) and Wolfe's. This was an enlightening book that emphasizes the universality and truth of Islam.