Imam Qazwini's book "American Crescent" is a much needed voice in America. Through the story of his life, he is able to relate to readers the importance of his faith and how his faith has shaped his life. Serving as the Imam of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn Michigan, arguably the largest Mosque in America, has given Imam Qazwini a prominent position in which to spread his message of tolerance and understanding. His book promotes those two ideals without fail. Imam Qazwini shows how you can be unabashedly American without sacrificing his Muslim faith or ideals. He reminds us that America is built on the concept of religious freedom, and is one of the reasons that America is the greatest country on Earth.
From his humble beginnings to his having to flee Saddam Hussein's tyrannical reign in Iraq to his landing in Southern California to his becoming the leader of a huge congregation in Dearborn, this book will captivate you and hold your interest. You will find yourself relating your life to his, regardless if you are Muslim or not. Once I started reading it, I was unable to put it down. I look forward to reading it again and again.
If people are genuinely interested in understanding Islam and how a Muslim lives his life in this country, this is the book to read. The Islam depicted on television is as foreign to Muslims as it is to non-muslims. Real Islam, as practiced by Imam Qazwini, is beautifully illustrated in his book. I recommend this book without reservation.
In all of the books I have read on Islam, I have yet to read a book so well written by an Imam who resides in michigan and participates in so much interfaith activities. This book gives the perspective of an imam who immigrated from war torn Iraq to Kuwait, to Iran, and finally landing in what he calls in his book "home" in America.
The book tells the tale of the Imam with an infusion of Islamic principles and beleifs. And its all done in a way that makes you want to finish the book. I didn't stop once I started. It took me a week and I was done. By the end I could remember so many of the high points. The Q&A section really highlights the books percpective as the imam addresses the most pressing questions of Muslims and their integration in America.
