More Links and Less Comments...

Due to the fact that I've been unable to keep up with the comments left on this blog in what I feel is an appropriate manner, I've decided to disable the ability for readers to leave comments until further notice. This is also partly due to the fact that starting next month I'm going to have more demands placed on my time, thus I expect to have even less time for blogging available. However, readers are certainly welcome to contact me via e-mail -- and my e-mail address is displayed below in the CONTACT ME sidebar, although I can't make any promises on how quickly I'll be able to respond.

A few days ago I added about eighteen new links to various websites to the bottom of my links page, so please take a look at them. I also added The Vision of Islam, by Sachiko Murata and William C. Chittick, to the READ THE BEST BOOKS ON ISLAM section at the bottom of my main page. I finally got around to purchasing a copy of this book, which is recommended by Sidi Hamza Yusuf as one of the best introductions to Islam. Even though so far I've only browsed it rather heavily, although I do plan to eventually give it a thorough reading, my initial impression is that it certainly is an excellent introduction to the Islamic faith that is somewhat unique in that it presents Islam in the four dimensions of Islam, Iman, Ihsan and the Islamic view of history -- all based on the well-known Hadith of Gabriel. Not that presenting Islam is this way is unique amongst Muslims, but this is the first detailed text in English that I'm aware of that takes this approach seemingly with non-Muslims very much in mind. However, for all of its strengths, The Vision of Islam still has pretty much of a text book feel, thus I still find Islam and the Destiny of Main, by Gai Eaton, to be much more enjoyable since it reads almost like a novel, or at least a well-flowing narrative -- which it is. Anyway, I suggest keeping both of these works on your short list of books to recommended -- or give -- to non-Muslims who are interesting in learning about Islam.

To my brothers and sisters out there dealing with the post-suhba blues...Deen On.