BIOGRAPHY

There was a time, it seems so long ago, when one would cut out and keep newspaper articles on Islam. These would be discussed with friends, admired for their perspective or railed at for their bias. That time has passed.
Every day, the broadsheet newspapers, internet and TV media are full of articles and pundits giving opinions on every aspect of Islam, from bombs to burqas. There is hardly an Imam or Director of an Islamic organisation, between Brighton and Bradford who has not offered fatwas on jihad, terrorism and the modern way of life to their constituency or the British media. Unhappily, instead of clarifying Islamic views, this stampede to raise public profiles has resulted in a dust storm of obfuscation and contradictory disinformation.
In these times, Sayyid Fadhel Milani's Frequently asked Questions on Islam is all the more necessary. To have informed and authoritative fatwas so cogently presented, with genuine concern for their validity and effect is both rare and unexpected. Unusual aspects of this work are its references to current thought, on subjects as diverse as evolution and in-vitro fertilisation, on which the author is singularly qualified to present powerfully argued Islamic perspectives.
With its stop-press inclusion of the Sayyid's 'Response to Terrorism', this book is an imperative addition to any thinking person's library.

Sayyid Fadhel is a well-respected Jurist, a Professor of Islamic Law and Islamic Philosophy who lectures on Jurisprudence. His expertise, however, is not merely academic or theoretical. He is widely regarded and loved as the foremost advisor to a range of Muslim communities and organisations, in Britain and throughout the world, who value his patience and care. The FAQ's in this book are based on the many communications he receives daily by phone, fax and e-mail.

What makes this publication unique and fascinating is its clear exposition of how, and on what basis, Islamic moral choices are to be made. Those who try to gain retrospective approval for unacceptable behaviour are given short shrift. Modern issues are confronted head-on to answer contemporary concerns of ordinary Muslims at every level of society. Muslims who confuse, or suffer from the confusion of inherited cultural practices being muddled with Islamic realities, are sensitively guided and advised. This is a thoroughly relevant and practical publication for Muslims attempting to maintain an Islamic way of life in the 21st century.

Dramatic advances in science, medicine, technology and communications, and the equally dramatic changes in public attitudes, raise issues which perplex every Muslim family on an almost daily basis. Sayyid Fadhel does not shy away from complex problems of banking and business, or from contentious problems of marriage, divorce and the exploitation of women, even within marriage. He coolly and logically applies the principles of Islamic Jurisprudence and sources of Divine wisdom to the myriad complexities which confront us. In his foreword he consoles us, "For those who are sincere, support and help are to be found within Islam."

Published by:
Islam in English Press
P.O. Box 2842, London W6 9ZH
iep@dial.pipex.com
Tele no + 44 208 748 2424
ISBN 0 - 95414585 - 04