Publisher's Synopsis
In the thoroughly researched What the Modern Martyr Should Know: Seventy-two Grapes and Not a Single Virgin, The New Picture of Islam, scholar Norbert G. Pressburg reveals the facts and fictions surrounding Islam, even as he shows how far astray Islam has wandered from its original purpose. Islam became known commonly during the 1973 oil crisis, and later when terrorist acts began to be done in the name of Islam. More disturbingly, these brutal acts of violence were celebrated as the beginning of a global jihad. It was no wonder that many people began to view this religion with alarm and suspicion. Pressburg uses latest researches to show how the Qur'an was misinterpreted through history by those in power, and for their own nefarious needs. Over the centuries errors, mistakes and forgeries have changed the original content, the real message of this holy book has been subverted. Many people know that terrorists expect to be greeted by virgins in Paradise when they die, but Pressburg shows that a truer translation says nothing about virgins at all. He also points out that the supposed admonition for women to wear veils is not God's word at all, but the private opinion of a later interpreter. By getting as close as possible to the original texts and examining the languages and the times in which they were written, scientists have uncovered a new picture of this complex religion. What the Modern Martyr Should Know serves to provide readers with up-to-the-minute knowledge on historical Islam, findings which readers will be surprised to discover look nothing like the traditional image we have known. Entertainingly written and thoughtful, and thoroughly researched, What the Modern Martyr Should Know reveals a complete new picture of the origins of Islam and of what is really know about the Prophet Muhamad. This bold, wise book can help anyone understand more about the past, the present and possibly the future of Islam.
