Islam and the Future of Tolerance: A Dialogue

Sam Harris · Maajid Nawaz

Oct 2015 · Harvard University Press

About this ebook

“A civil but honest dialogue...As illuminating as it is fascinating.”
—Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Is Islam a religion of peace or war? Is it amenable to reform? Why do so many Muslims seem to be drawn to extremism? And what do words like jihadism and fundamentalism really mean? In a world riven by misunderstanding and violence, Sam Harris—a famous atheist—and Maajid Nawaz—a former radical—demonstrate how two people with very different religious views can find common ground and invite you to join in an urgently needed conversation.

“How refreshing to read an honest yet affectionate exchange between the Islamist-turned-liberal-Muslim Maajid Nawaz and the neuroscientist who advocates mindful atheism, Sam Harris...Their back-and-forth clarifies multiple confusions that plague the public conversation about Islam.”
—Irshad Manji, New York Times Book Review

“It is sadly uncommon, in any era, to find dialogue based on facts and reason—but even more rarely are Muslim and non-Muslim intellectuals able to maintain critical distance on broad questions about Islam. Which makes Islam and the Future of Tolerance something of a unicorn...Most conversations about religion are marked by the inability of either side to listen, but here, at last, is a proper debate.”
—New Statesman

Ratings and reviews

A great discussion between two highly eloquent intellectuals. Many interesting points are raised on both sides of the debate, however the book makes it clear that our current political situation makes it very difficult for discussions about Islamism to take place, which is proving to be extremely dangerous.

This book shed light on many types of Islamic ideologies I did not know the difference between. I also changed a vast amount of terminology I was using incorrectly when discussing the issue. Most of the info comes from Maajid and Sam probes for and clarifies the information provided skillfully.

Tired of the disingenuous skirmishes our culture creates, but which solve nothing? Tired of choosing between being a deluded liberal or a bigoted conservative when it comes to Islam? Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz offer a third way, and one that we would all be wise to take.