Islam and the Future of Tolerance: A Dialogue

A dialogue between two thoughtful world views in an approach toward understanding and reason on both sides of the debate about the place of religion in the modern world. An easy to grasp overview of a complex and fraught topic. Sam Harris' voice is unique and always stimulating.

As a half Lebanese half Iranian, former Muslim, current atheist, living in Beirut, I cannot recommend this book too highly.
It is of utmost importance to make clear definitions of what Islamism, Jihadism, and Islamic fundamentalism/conservatism are, thereby allowing people to differentiate between those ideologies that are clearly taken out of specific readings and interpretations of Islam, and with Islam and Muslims in general.
Sam is a personal hero of mine, and I truly respect Maajid for all the work he is trying to do to counter extremism.

Provides a bonanza of information on the different ways Muslim people understand their faith. And, it shows why jihadists and Islamists [ that is, the radical believers ] present a great danger to the world that cannot be easily overcome.

The conversation is really between two men who think more alike than differently. While some of the insights were terrific, it would have been helpful to hear from those with more diverse views. Additionally, the advocated path forward, while logically appropriate, has almost no realistic chance of solving any of the problems we all face.

It's like your sitting in the room listening while these 2 thoughtful guys have a civil and serious conversation about Islam and violence. If you think Sam Harris is a wild-eyed polemicist, you won't recognize him here. This short book is well worth your time.

Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz have the civil conversation we all need to have. This book is exciting and enlightening. If you thought you knew everything there is to know about today's Islam then you haven't heard Maajid's in depth and personal take on Islamism and extremism. Harris learns new ideas with us and keeps Maajid honest on the big issues surrounding Jihadism and belief.

A book you need to get, read, and discuss with your family this Thanksgiving...

Well, definitely get the book and read it.

Maajid, as always, speaks with a tongue that is as precise and swift as a biting cobra whose target is something that threatens us all. Sam is as dedicated as always, and has the balls to speak the truth where many other liberals have got it wrong. Together, the two send a message that ought to be spread by more brothers and sisters of classical liberalism than it currently is.

If nothing else, this discussion bares the daunting work that will be required to address the Jihadi/Islamist scourge. Hats off to the authors for moving the conversation forward. I hope many of those who, like me, are scratching their heads for a useful perspective will review these pages.

This book is written as a conversation between two intellectuals on the subject of Islam. I would much rather watch the two speakers speak on the subject but being such a small book, I found it very easy to follow and draw my own conclusions from.

Harris and Nawaz deliver a lucid and honest diagnosis of one of the biggest challenges faced by one of the three main religions of humanity (which has 1.6 billion believers who are going nowhere and that makes the reform and modernisation a pressing issue). Nawaz is particularly well documented and shines with his argumentation. In this times so dominated by hatred, denial and ignorance, Harris and Nawaz deliver a necessary and vital debate.

Anyone with even a passing interest in Islam and its connection to terrorism should read this book. There is a lot of fear and confusion on these topics in the media and politics, and this book managed to assuage some of my fears and clarify many of my concerns. I wasn't even clear on the difference between an Islamist and a Jihadist before I read this book.

Maajid and Sam manage to have a respectful and productive conversation on this most important, but politicially radioactive topic.

An extremely fascinating and engaging read. I am an a atheist and have long been a fan of Sam Harris, so I went into reading the book with certain expectations; I have been pleasantly surprised by how well Maajid Nawaz presents his position, and I would say that he has changed my thinking on some points! It's excellent, read it!

A welcome conversation between two very intelligent, erudite and articulate men. They set the bar for having a rational exchange in the face of differing personal beliefs and the result is a compelling justification for the ideas on which they agree.

I liked the idea of having a conversation between an atheist and a muslim. Maajid brings clarity on the Islamism without blaming it on the religion which makes people defensive. The fact that Sam is making the conversation with Maajid helps creating a role model for the rest of us on using dialogue instead of throwing accusations. I hope more muslims read such books to open their perspectives and horizons.

Conversations like these are much-needed to challenge the ideological foundation of Islamism. Unfortunately, political correctness and the conflation of rational criticism with bigotry has largely stifled this discussion. Good on the authors for moving past these constraints and having such a thoughtful conversation.

Amazing dialogue between two open-minded individuals. Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz manage to confront relevant issues in a calm and well-mannered discussion that others would see as impossible to have. Read this book!

The conversation format is a unique approach for a book. The discussion is well focused and enlightening. An important dialog between two very knowledgeable men about arguably the most challenging issue of our time.

Maajid and Sam do an excellent job simplifying complex issues for the readers in a lively, respectful, erudite, and refreshingly intellectually honest way. Both men inspire to be better in intellectual pursuits as well as grappling with the most important issues of our time.

A discussion, which is an unusual format, however it works well here. The points of view are explained in long for, with little if any of the usual interruptions and distractions. Both speakers were informed and informative and I think I learnt a lot from reading this.

An excellent dialogue between well know Athiest Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaaz - a reformist Muslim who spent time in Eqyptian jails for extremism. A model for respectful dialogue that's very much needed in our world today,.

Fantastic read! Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz are truly exemplars of rational, progressive dialogue. In an age in which many have become encamped within their own philosophical orbit exclusively, Harris and Nawaz demonstrate how listening to one another and dealing in facts lead to a more comprehensive understanding of a given topic.

Great conversation between two learned scholars. Just wonder how much of such comprehension could transfer to ordinary people. To bridge the gap is extremely tough but we have to go for it, cause the alternative is unthinkable. It might seems a futile attempt but who knows? History is full of surprises.

A fascinating discussion in which both participants try very hard to address each other's actual views, rather than knock down straw men; and in which each acknowledges the other's good points. A rather hopeful beginning to a long-procrastinated conversation of civilizational importance...

The book discusses topics of the highest importance while remaining clear, conversational, and above all, engaging. Any fan of the authors' previous works, or those with interests in world affairs, religion, and politics will enjoy this one. Be a part of the conversation between two great thinkers and buy this book!

Informative, unabashed, and planted firmly in reality. Reading this dialogue was well worth it. I read Sam's "The End of Faith" before this, and you might want to consider doing the same. By no means do you have to though.

Finally some level headed arguments. Two people from different societies who realize that understanding the other is the only way. It is also a gloves off and refreshingly honest series of punches that highlights how nuanced and interesting this va

Interesting dialogue that helps to clarify some important distinctions among different groups in the Muslim community and points to possible ways of promoting tolerance and understanding in the future.

If you're familiar with Harris' and Nawaz' work you may think you already know what this book is on about--and you're probably right--but it's still an fascinating and insightful read well worth your time.

Harris and Nawaz tackle a topic that usually produces more heat than light and have a "real" conversation. Excellent insights into the dilemma of our time. Would that there was more of this from the vacuous on the left and right as well as the believers.

Required reading for students of current events in the Middle East. The participants offer an intelligent and informed assessment of the current dynamic, and suggest a direction, if not a path, towards resolution.

Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz are a breath of fresh air. This is what true liberalism should be about - an open and honest discussion of some of the most important issues to be dealt with in the 21st century. Essential reading for anyone fed up with the regressive left.

Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz are a breath of fresh air. This is what true liberalism should be about - an open and honest discussion of some of the most important issues to be dealt with in the 21st century. Essential reading for anyone fed up with the regressive left.

Considering the paucity of civil conversation on the topic of Islamism, this slim volume only barely whet my appetite. Perhaps the next volume might include a third person from a region affected by Daesh?

I really liked how thoroughly the book covered different definitions of being a Muslim and differentiation between forms of extremism. Anyone that is interested, scared about or losing hope about the middle eastern politics should read this and think about how you can contribute to help.

A good fleshing out of the conversations Sam and Maajid have been having for the past several months. An important discussion. Maajid is particularly impressive and contributes most to the conversation. Sam does a good job of maintaining a lower profile, but does a good job of helping steer the conversation.

A great primer for those who want to understand the wide spectrum and beliefs and behaviours within Islam, and support those, like Maajid, who have the courage to seek to change the perspective of those from within to live compatibly with the rest of humanity in the 21st century.

This book/conversation effectively talks those of us merely exposed to the policital static of the tv to a position of much greater clarity on the conflict at hand. The unique pairing of scholars in discussion contributes to a multidimensional look at what could/should/will be done in the coming years.

This dialogue clearly must have been a bit constraining for both to have, but I appreciate their efforts in showing how people can oppose ideas collaboratively with an honest hope of finding the mutual desires of a more peaceful path forward.

Great discussion on a very timely and difficult topic. In spite of differences between the two authors, the dialogue was civil, enlightening, and a model for the kind of conversation that everyone could model.