Why This Matters NOW "Why do you Muslims pray five times a day?" "What happens to people who do not believe in God?" "Why are so many Muslims quoting their holy book in the name of violence?" "What are the authoritative sources of knowledge in Islam?" "Why do your clerics condemn Judaism and Christian traditions?" These days, Islam is no stranger to controversy. There are many questions, fears, and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. I believe these books can answer questions, build bridges, and promote understanding. Since 2009, I have facilitated interfaith dialogues with many different people. The conversations in these books are real. Some are curious, some are concerned, some are hostile, some are academic, and some are soul-searching. My hope is that this can be a small step towards better understanding and harmony. What Makes This SPECIAL While there are many books that teach Islam, preach it, criticize it, or academically explain it, my focus in these books is different. I have compiled the best and most interesting conversations over the course of my outreach and interfaith work. These transcripts showcase everyday people -- from angry and concerned to inquisitive and supportive -- asking real questions and getting straight answers about Islam. This is the first book in the series, covering a variety of conversations from 2009 to 2011. In this book, you will learn about: Faith, Sex, and Marriage in Islam How a Muslim Should Respond to Criticism Jihad and Freedom in the Modern World How the Qur'an Informs a Muslim's Faith Islamic Worship, Prayer, Charity, and Pilgrimage Salvation and Tolerance in Islam Muslim Culture and Modernity Understanding Islamic Law Etiquettes of Visiting a Mosque God's Grace and Free Will Are Islamic Rulings Static or Dynamic? How Can Islam be Called a Religion of Peace? Can Muslims and Christians Ever Live in Harmony? With Dialogue Comes UNDERSTANDING To be clear, my purpose is simply to provide accurate information on my faith - to set the record straight - nothing more; nothing less. This can only happen if you, dear reader, are willing to listen to our side of the story. One of God's gift to humanity is the gift of speech. It is by dialogue that we can come to greater understanding and peaceful relations. If you read this far, congratulations! You are a 95% match for this book's ideal reader profile. That means you are 95% likely to find this book informative, insightful, and actually fun to read. So go ahead and ge