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This small, beautifully illustrated book demonstrates through quotations from the oldest Islamic sources that Islam respects the prophets and accepts the truthfulness of other religious traditions.
The Universal Spirit of Islam serves an important purpose at a time when misunderstandings about Islam are rampant. It demonstrates that Islam accepts the validity of many other faiths to an astonishing degree, as proven through these quotes from original and central Islamic sources. These references from the Koran and the sayings of Muhammad speak for themselves; they are further augmented by superb illustrations of Muslim art and architecture. This small book offers the reader, whether Christian or Muslim, many compelling keys to inter-faith understanding through its moving words and beautiful images.
Awards
- Book of the Year Award Finalist for “Religion”
- Silver Midwest Book Award for “Religion/Philosophy/Inspiration”
- Silver Benjamin Franklin Award “Religion”
About the Author(s)
Michael Fitzgerald
Michael Fitzgerald is an author, editor, and publisher of books on world religions, sacred art, tradition, culture, and philosophy. He has written and edited many publications on American Indian spirituality, including Yellowtail: Crow Medicine Man and Sun Dance Chief, and was adopted into Yellowtail's tribe and family. Fitzgerald has also taught university classes on religious traditions of North American Indians and lectured widely.
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Judith Fitzgerald
Judith Fitzgerald is a graduate of Indiana University and an artisan, calligrapher, and graphic designer. In 2004 Fitzgerald and her husband, Michael, published the first in an award-winning series of illustrated inspirational books on the world’s religions, called “Sacred Worlds.” The books in this series have received ten prestigious awards. Many of the photographs in this series and in her husband’s other books were taken by her during their travels to visit traditional cultures around the world.The books that Judith Fitzgerald has edited, and designed, along with her husband Michael Fitzgerald are:
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Feisal Abdul Rauf
Feisal Abdul Rauf is the Imam of Masjid al-Farah in New York City and founder of the American Sufi Muslim Association (ASMA) Society. He is also a co-founder of the Cordoba Initiative, a multi-faith effort to help heal the relationship between the Muslim world and America. He is the author of the best selling book, What’s Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West, and often appears in print and broadcast media as an authentic interpreter of Islam. Fiesal Abdul Rauf wrote the foreword to upcoming World Wisdom book The Universal Spirit of Islam.
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Reviews
- This book sets out to explore if these sources [the Qur’an and hadiths] provide a basis for improving interfaith relations. The Fitzgeralds give the reader space to come to their own conclusions, not taking sides in their preface. Their selections of Qur’anic and hadith passages show a unique sensitivity to and understanding of Islam. Accompanied by lovely photographs … as well as reprints of Islamic art and illuminated Qur’ans, the titular ‘spirit’ of Islam comes across as reflective, wise and bridge building. The Fitzgeralds have reorganized some of Islam’s most sacred texts and art in an easy-to-understand format, not only underscoring the interfaith resources in Islam but the spiritual side of Islam as well.
Publishers Weekly
- One of the qualities of open-minded, respectful and godly people is they ‘approve and believe in goodness’ (Quran 92:25), wherever they happen to find it. On the other hand the most unjust person is ‘the one who denies truth’ (Quran: The spider: 68) in the other who happens to speak it. The editors of this wonderfully decorated volume are commended for compiling this beautiful collection of Quranic verses and saying of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
This book shows the universal nature of Islam, it is not racial, parochial, geographically confined to a region or time bound. The Koranic teachings reveal universal truths; relating to the creator, purpose of human life, development of moral values and methods of spiritual growth. In brief how mankind can unleash is God given potential so that he realizes the greatness of human spirit. I particularly like the collection of verse about Christianity; honor and dignity of our beloved Jesus, the purity and greatness of Virgin Mary, the piety and devoutness of Christian monks etc.
The editors’ taste for Islamic art is exceptional; they have selected some of the most exquisite Islamic patterns, most amazing examples of calligraphy and majestic architecture of mosques around the world.
This is a great gift for anyone who wishes to see the spirit of Islam as it is from pristine sources. In our age of mutual demonization and condemnation of each other it is extremely refreshing to see a book like this where ‘the good in the other’ is both appreciated and sublimely presented. Anyone interested in finding out the truth about Islam should read this book in [their] schools; colleges and universities should use it to raise awareness of teachers and students. It will go a long way in tackling Islamophobia in these institutions. This is an enlightened way of building peace and bridges.Dr. Musharraf Hussain, Director, Karimia Institute, Nottingham, UK
- Does the Qur’an and hadith provide a basis for improving interfaith relations? It’s unusual to find a spiritual title which doesn’t take sides but The Universal Spirit of Islam achieves this goal, providing selected passages from the two which offer a better understanding of Islam. Add reproductions of Islamic art and photos to chapters contrasting Islam with Judaism, Christianity and more, and editors Judith Fitzgerald & Michael Fitzgerald beautifully display their strengths.
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