Moving the Mountain: A New Vision of Islam in America

Description

Now in paperback, an open and honest clarion call inviting readers to a deeper understanding of the role of moderate Muslims in America and in the world. Muslims in America who reject extremist or fundamentalist expressions of Islam at home and abroad feel the urgent need for a voice that can represent them in the current debate about Islam, America, and the West. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf-the so-called Ground Zero Imam-has become that voice. This is his vision for a new, American Islam.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, founder and CEO of the Cordoba Initiative, has served as Imam of the al-Farah mosque since 1983 and is the visionary behind the Cordoba House project planned near the World Trade Center in New York City. The author of three previous books about Islam, an American goodwill ambassador abroad, and a sought-after speaker and media guest, he lives in New York City.

"Inspiring, honest, and insightful, "Moving the Mountain" crosses the bridge from East to West and demonstrates the vital role that Muslims can play in strengthening the voice of religious moderation across the world. Imam Feisal eloquently reminds us that women's rights, religious harmony, and equality are core values embedded in Islam, and he challenges us to embrace that mandate today."--Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan "An authentic voice, an essential vision, a heartfelt story. "Moving the Mountain" can - and should - move America." --James Carroll, bestselling author of "Constantine's Sword" and "Jerusalem, Jerusalem". "Everybody should read this book. It shows us the dangers of our past course and where we should be aiming." -Karen Armstrong, bestselling author of "Islam: A Short History" and "Muhammad, A Prophet for Our Time " "Feisal Abdul Rauf is a name that one day should come as easily to the lips as do the names of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi. It is my hope that when my fellow Americans read this incredibly moving and enlightening book they will feel the scales of ignorance and fear falling off their eyes. With gentleness and love, [Imam Feisal] seeks to bring us all together in post-9/11 America." ---Michael Moore "Imam Feisal is an ideal ambassador: an immigrant to America, a defender of its principles, and a believer that people of diverse backgrounds and faiths can thrive within its borders. Here, ""he has put his gift of storytelling in service of the empathy that all of us -- Muslims and non-Muslims alike -- so desperately need."--Arianna Huffington "Imam Feisal personifies the most noble and sublime teachings of Islam that seek to advance the wellbeing, happiness, and flourishing of all people. At a time when religion is tragically and violently hijacked by those who desecrate its name, the need to hearken to his articulate voice is greater than ever." --Rabbi David Rosen, Interfaith Advisor to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel "Imam Feisal...is an inspirational and erudite exponent for the Muslim world. This tale of his journey is a clarion call for a progressive and pluralistic Islam as a bedrock of tolerance and understanding Believers and adherents of all faiths must stand in solidarity with this global spiritual leader whose cry for religious freedom and human dignity must be heard." --Rabbi Marc Schneier (President) and Russell Simmons (Chairman), The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding "In this thoughtful book, Imam Feisal explores the need to create an American Muslim community that fits in with the nation's traditions of pluralism and tolerance... an important contribution to understanding Islam and the struggle against extremism." --Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of "Steve Jobs" and President, the Aspen Institute "Moving The Mountain is wise, authentic, and courageous. Every American needs to read this transforming and spiritually insightful book about the profound hope American Islam offers the world." --Rabbi Irwin Kula, President of The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership "An erudite and insightful look into the future of Islam and America, identifying those values that could bridge differences between Muslims, Christians and Jews. A book about how religion can bring people together, heal wounds, and show a future of hope and coexistence." --Vali Nasr, bestselling author of "The Shia Revival" and "The Rise of Islamic Capitalism " "" "Imam Feisal is arguably the most influential Muslim leader in America. His bold vision of a moderate, pluralistic, and distinctly American Islam is something that all Americans should champion." --Reza Aslan, bestselling author of "No god but God "and "Beyond Fundamentalism """