Dr. Jeffery Lang
In this book Professor Lang gives a very personal account of his search for God when he found out that his inherited religious beliefs could no longer answer his questions. A chance encounter led him to Islam. But now, how does he adapt to his new community, its beliefs and lifestyle?
Most Helpful Customer Reviews from Amazon
Understanding Islam (for Muslims and Non-Muslims)
By W. Rashed on May 24, 2002
87 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Struggling to surrender is a remarkable book. It is an easy and interesting read yet it is full of new perspectives and profound thoughts. Dr. Lang discusses many concepts that I myself have struggled with for years like faith and reason, why bad things happen to good people, destiny and fate, and the purpose of life. He also discusses controversial topics like the place of Prophet Mohammad traditions (Hadith), women in Islam, Jihad and apostasy. Throughout he presents his ideas in a knowledgeable and logical way and supports them with verses from the Holy Qoran. The English translation of the Qoran that Dr. Lang uses is also one of the excellent features of his book.
“Struggling to surrender”, I believe, presents Islam in its original pure and uncorrupted form. This book will touch your heart, stimulate your mind and change your life because it will guide you to the true spirit and essence of Islam as manifested in the Holy Qoran.
Dr. Lang quotes one of the well-known Muslim writers as saying ” Islam has the best religion and the worst believers”. I think this is absolutely true. I have turned away from Islam at one point because of misconceptions that came from watching and listening to ” Muslim brothers and sisters” preaching their version of Isalm. I have to say that it is the version that dominates the Arab/ Muslim world today (an extreme form was the Taliban). After years of struggling myself, my salvage came through the Qoran. It was God’s mercy that led me to read and study the Qoran cover to cover and find true Islam.
Although this book is directed at American Muslims, I think it is a must read for all Muslims and also for Non-Muslims who want to learn about Islam.
A fresh point of view–not at all the same old rehash
By “yahyam” on February 10, 2000
46 of 48 people found the following review helpful
When Amana Publications was first considering Lang’s manuscript of this book, they asked me to review it. At the time, I commented that it lacked internal cohesion and was really two or three smaller books stuck together, as far as topical organization.
In retrospect, I’m glad they ignored my reservations about the book and went ahead and published it. Lang brings a refreshingly original voice to breathe new life into some old questions. The main value of this book is not that it includes a convert’s autobiographical story of his conversion–there are already tons of those. The later parts of Struggling to Surrender tackle issues that concern all Muslims: how to reassess the Sunnah and Shari`ah from the original sources and realize a more liberal approach to living as a Muslim. Especially vital is Lang’s forthright, well-researched, and clearly articulated defense of women’s liberation within Islam. He shows how the misogynist attitudes that cripple so many Muslim societies in their stultifying grip have no justification within the original revelation, and that it’s up to us to think for ourselves instead of blindly following the diktats of mullas from societies that deny women their rights.
Bravo, Jeffrey Lang, write on! This book deserves to be read by all Muslims as it can stimulate them to use their God-given minds.
Excellent introduction to Islam
By Kathleen Weber on December 26, 1999
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
This writing is an excellent narration of one man’s spiritual and religious awakening. As many people have done before, he admits to his readers how he was at first apprehensive about Islam, but unlike others before him we are fortunate in that he writes about this experience. This is a great intro to Muslim ideology, belief and worship. I highly recommend it.
Experience, logic, and feelings for turbulent times
By “eldeme92” on November 12, 2001
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
This book tells how one individual seeks a meaning to Life and finds it. He is not just narrating his personal experience, but also giving the reader years of true scholarly work and deep understanding of Islam. This book tells a familiar story but with a happy ending that is still going on. It tells of the journey of an individual through the craziness of the world. Dr. Lang found his safe harbor in a turbulent time. His journey while deeply personal can be taken by anyone and he draws the map for all. Dr. Lang’s understanding of Islam is truly amazing.
An Excellent and Intriguing Story of one man’s path to Islam
By A Customer on November 21, 1998
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Dr. Lang’s story of his path to Islam is both amazing andheart-touching. This book presents a wonderful account of one’s feelings as he/she comes to understand and recognize the truth of Islam. This book is great for Non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Dr. Lang also provides some facts and proof for the reasons he turned to Islam (as welll as some personal experiences that are nothing short of astounding). He gives the reader more than an overview of Islam. He takes the reader through a journey that speaks on life in general and its meaning.
Captures the true spirit of Islam and the Quran
By mroars@aol.com on December 23, 1998
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
An intelligent Christian uses his superior intellect to research the true meaning of Islam by logically studying and analyzing the Quran, and ends up converting to a Muslim. Uses the verses from the Quran to succinctly show how it guides mankind through every aspect of life. A must read for all inquisitive minds, especially the young Muslim Americans who are caught between assimilation into mainstream American society and maintaining their religious values. A great 1999 vow is to read and learn from this inspiritational work.
A true Approach to Islam
By Amazon Customer on January 25, 2002
22 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Dr Lang’s approach to Islam is very thoughtful, knowlegeable and logical. Dr Lang has a grasp to the true teachings of Islam. He is able to discern the true spirit of Islam, from the inherited misunderstandings of this religion that prevails even today in the muslim world. This book will shed the light on the misconceptions that were carried out throughout the years, for muslims and non-muslims alike.This book is a must read.
Additional Reading
Anxious or Depressed: Are You in Need of Islam?
Debate: Does the Universe have a purpose?
Curing Sigmund Freud’s Atheism
Video: Loving God of Islam – Mercy and Grace: The Principal Attributes of Allah
The Ever Present Question of Suffering
Living Connection with God ~ Urdu Speech at Annual Convention Germany 2012 ~ Islam Ahmadiyya
Categories: Americas, Book, Book Review, Book Reviews, Highlight, Psychology
Excellent!