Great World Religions: Islam

Listener Reviews

1. 4.0(1)

   Introduction with depth and without bias

   I was cautious at first, given that a shallow, slanted view trends to sell better than a more nuanced look; especially given the current political climate. I was quickly, pleasantly surprised by the quality of these lectures. Mr. Esposito provides a wonderful introduction to Islam, customs, and mainstream thought while giving historical and comparative analysis. Mr. Esposito also addresses extremism, it's relation/separation to the mainstream and gives context for verses (taken out of context) commonly used to justify extremism. Mr. Esposito them goes even further to explain how extremists are actually in violation of Islam. Throughout, Mr. Esposito gives references and points to exact instances to support the material. Thus, he avoids the all too common trap of, "trust me, I have a title. " I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about Islam, whether they were new to the topic or well versed. Mr. Esposito uses an academic approach, so if you are expecting proscletizing you will be disappointed. But, if you have a genuine curiosity, you will not be disappointed.

   Taya Ayala · June 19, 2023

2. 4.0(1)

   As a Muslim, this is fairly accurate

   As a Muslim, I wanted to understand how Islam is being presented to non-Muslims in an academic way. This is fairly accurate on the fundamentals, but there were several points I would have wanted to correct the professor at, especially in the second half of the course.

   Kay D · December 4, 2022

3. 5.0(1)

   Accurate & unbiased. Best of its kind.

   Professor Esposito has managed to pull off one of the most impressive feats i have long since heard, in a lecture. He provides a short, accurate and understandable explaination of a complex religion. Speaks of both the good and the bad in Islamic culture, whilst sharing meaningful insight on Islam itself.

   Mireya Nielsen · July 28, 2021

4. 5.0(1)

   Great course!

   This was a great course! It's very informative and had a great delivery. 100% recommend.

   Allie Robertson · April 27, 2021

5. 3.0(1)

   Muslim Apologists Unite!

   What did you like best about Great World Religions: Islam? What did you like least?

   The lecturer actually "taught" that western views of Islamic female coverings are more oppressive than the coverings themselves. What? Also, Aisha is only described as the Mother of Believers and narrator of hadithas--not as he 6 or 7 year old bride with whom he consummated the marraige at 9 years old. Not even mentioned. Dhimmis and dhimmitude are described as progressive for it's time, and not like a tax to believe and worship as you please. There are many, many unsavory bits left out or just pushed aside.

   What could The Great Courses and John L. Esposito have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

   This appeared less of a lecture and more of the Professor just poorly reading out of a book he wrote with many ackward pauses.

   Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Professor John L. Esposito?

   Another professor I suppose.

   Did Great World Religions: Islam inspire you to do anything?

   Almost inspired me to stop listening in the first lecture. Anytime someone tries to justify action with a "they do it too" arguement (in this case, Crusades and abortion center bombing), I know their arguement is weak.

   Any additional comments?

   We get it. Islam good. There is no doubt there is an agenda here. If you are looking for some good history, you'll find it. If you are looking for a white wash of bad rap of Islam as of late and to feel like a bigot if you question otherwise, you'll find that too. Too hard to take one with the other. I need a good series that puts out there the good with the bad--the whole story. I expected such from a university professor.

   Cora Meyer · April 30, 2020

6. 4.0(1)

   Muslim review of the course

   If you could sum up Great World Religions: Islam in three words, what would they be?

   Accurate, fair, best

   Would you be willing to try another book from The Great Courses and John L. Esposito ? Why or why not?

   Yes because its the best out there.

   Any additional comments?

   I found the first 2 videos to be fair and truthful. John Esposito does an excellent job of explaining the religion, the diversity of the religion and the 5 pillars. He brings in the concept of Jihad masterfully at the end of the second video. The only complaints which were really small mistakes were around the 38 second mark in the first video in which he stated that some Muslim nations ban women from driving along with other issues. The reality is only Saudi Arabia bans women from driving which Professor Esposito is cited stating on politifact. At the 11:31 mark he states that Zakat is paid in Ramadan. Zakat is actually paid 1 year from when one meets the nisab (minimum requirement of savings to be required to pay zakat). Around 22:40 mar of the first lecture Esposito states that Islam had mainly male scholars and was patriarchal. Fine but Women Muslim Scholars vastly outnumbered Christian/Jewish women scholars which were much more patriarchal. Its very important to contextualize. We cannot compare modern day Islam to modern day Christianity/Judaism. Many modern Muslim nations are less than 60 years old and Islam is 600 years younger than Christianity. However the first 1200 years of Islam, Islam was well ahead in women rights only to be surpassed in 1970 with voting, credit card and inheritance rights. In some ways Islam still stands on the moral high ground with a marriage gift, requirements of men to provide for women, requirement of men to attend religious services but not women and more. Always contextualize!! I gave this 4 stars because it is in my opinion one of the best videos on Islam out there today that I know of. Common Ground Institute & Services is planning to release similar videos by Muslim scholars for the public. I would recommend the following scholars on You Tube for further knowledge on Islam: -Hamza Yusuf -Yasir Qadhi -Omer Suleiman -Tariq Ramadan -Abdul Hakim Murad Thank you Sami Aziz Muslim Chaplain for Wesleyan University Hartford Seminary Masters in Muslim-Christian Relations

   Sofia Cooley · March 28, 2019

7. 5.0(1)

   required listening for thinking people

   As a lifetime student of history and one who is politically-aware, I was no stranger to Islam - however, getting this comprehensive view has really helped me understand it in new ways. Through the course I had several major revelations (which I will not share here lest my perspectives be conflated with the author's words). Some of this course may rub you the wrong way, but this is true of any complicated subject. I am very glad I listened to this and think that most people in our society would benefit from doing the same.

   Laura Brock · January 30, 2019

8. 5.0(1)

   Opening Minds - to Similarities

   This is one timely listen. I wholeheartedly recommend learning about how similar we are in our differences. Learning leads away from fear. Keep on learning, towards understanding! Thank you, Professor Esposito for holding our minds open!

   f0Zwald · August 1, 2018