Books: January 2008 Archives

I just finished Moojan Momen's Islam and the Bahá’í Faith, which is billed as "an attempt to present the Bahá’í Faith to Muslims" (vii), that is, from a Muslim perspective. The back cover also states that it "will also be useful to Bahá’ís who want to see how their religion relates to Islam," which is why I read it. I'd like to think I know more about Islam than your average Brit, but I wouldn't claim any sort of authority with my knowledge, especially with regards fields like Islamic jurispridence and history. This book has been greatly informative for me in three main areas: 1) my understanding of Islam, 2) my understanding of the Baha'i Faith, and 3) my understanding of how the Baha'i Faith views and relates to Islam. Given the title and aims of the book, that I learned things in those areas isn't particularly surprising, but it perhaps relays how effective Dr Momen has been in his 242-page (plus references and notes) account.

Momen takes us through the Baha'i teachings on Islam, particularly on the prophet Muhammad. He compares and contrasts the ethical and spiritual teachings of the Baha'i Faith with those of Islam. He then turns to Baha'u'llah's claim to be the promised one of all ages, and discusses this claim in relation to Islamic prophecies. The rest of the book is then about the Baha'i Faith in more depth, drawing parallels with Islam where appropriate. The final chapter, titled "Some Further Considerations", is essentially a miscellaneous section, discussing issues as diverse as miracles, the beauty of Baha'u'llah's writings, misrepresentations of the Baha'i Faith in the Arab world, and the state of Israel.

The book is very well researched, and extensively referenced throughout. Momen displays an in-depth knowledge of Islam, particularly of the ḥadíth and of the historical background of the Qur’án. It is perhaps worth noting that Momen has also written a whole book on Shi‘i Islam (Momen 1987). The arguments are reasoned, cogent, and comprehensive, and Momen never labours a point unnecessarily.

My only criticism, and it is a small one, is that the book is very apologetic and proof-based. Much of it seems to be aimed at addressing concerns and disagreements Muslims may have with the Baha'i Faith, and at proving the validity of Baha'u'llah's claims. However these are really minor points, and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. I'd recommend it to all, especially those with a connection to Islam.

Momen, Moojan. An Introduction to Shi‘i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi‘ism. New Haven, Conn., London: Yale University Press, 1985.
Momen, Moojan. Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. Oxford: George Ronald, 2000.