Red, White, and Muslim: My Story of Belief by Asma Gull Hasan

From the Publisher

An Inspiring Account of One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Spiritual and Cultural Identity

For Asma Hasan, being a Muslim is not merely a matter of birth, but a matter of choice and faith. Hasan's personal relationship with her religion was, and continues to be, a defining element of her life, and through her writing she inspires a new understanding and appreciation of a frequently misunderstood tradition. This is her American story.

Publishers Weekly

Americans looking for a strong, moderate Muslim voice that publicly condemns terrorism and the second-class status of women should consider it done-not once and for all, but nonetheless consistently and fiercely. Hasan, an American Muslim woman whose efforts to inform others about the Islam that she practices and to correct narrow-minded extremists have earned her regular appearances on Fox News and MSNBC, has revised Why I Am a Muslim(2004), adding fresh material. Its arguments, based in Hasan's personal experience and religious knowledge, are as relevant now as they were five years ago. The book is directed primarily at non-Muslim Americans to show them Qur'anic texts and Islamic beliefs and practices that challenge unfavorable stereotypes. But Hasan also takes on her fellow Muslims, urging them to distinguish cultural mores from religious orthodoxy, especially concerning the treatment of women. That she continues to face such oppressive interpretations of Islam by other Muslims undermines her arguments that Islam is "not like that." But readers will wish that she and others continue with such courageous correctives. (Mar. 1)

Lisa Klopfer - Library Journal

Like many young Americans, Hasan wrestled to balance her family's religious tradition with broader American cultural forces. In Hasan's case, this meant maturing in the turmoil after 9/11 as a wealthy Pakistani American. Hasan wrote two books to clarify and defend her identity: American Muslims: The New Generation(2000) and Why I Am a Muslim(2004). Now she has moved to mysticism. Introduced to Sufism in a Wellesley College class, Hasan was smitten by this faith, which is (arguably) Islamic but also individualistic, flexible about external disciplines (such as dress), and open-minded about other creeds. Just as some Americans turn to New Age beliefs or to Kabbalah, Hasan has found a way to be spiritual without following rigid traditions associated with particular religions. Unfortunately, Hasan seems unaware of the significance of her conversion. The book also suffers from disjointed chapters and a jerky, juvenile style. For broader understanding of Muslim Americans, try books by Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad and/or Azadeh Moaveni. Recommended only for large public libraries or those with special interests in Islam.

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Table of Contents