Thursday, October 09, 2008

Flawed Jewel - The Jewel of Medina, a fictionalized version of the life of Lady Aisha

From Egypt Today





October 2008
Flawed Jewel
The Jewel of Medina, a fictionalized version of the life of Lady Aisha, has reopened the debate on portraying Islam’s sacred figures
By Ethar El-Katatney
Join me in a harsh, exotic world of saffron and sword fights, of desert nomads living in camel’s-hair tents, of caravans laden with Persian carpets and frankincense, of flowing colorful robes and kohl-darkened eyes and perfumed arms filigreed with henna.” . . .

. . . In her ‘day job,’ 46-year-old Jones is a correspondent for the Washington DC-based Bureau of National Affairs, an international news agency, and Women’s eNews in New York, with 28 years in journalism. Speaking with Egypt Today by phone, she says she became interested in Islam after observing how Americans perceived Muslims as a monolithic entity after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

Jones says she wrote the book to provide her Western readers with “a greater understanding of Islam [so] that we can start to build bridges with Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures [which] we’ve demonized.”

If that is the case, then her bridges are built on sand. . .

A very well written critique with valid debate points. Do read the original review here on Egypt Today

6 comments:

MsTypo said...

I'm incredibly intrigued by this book and am looking forward to reading it for myself. The reviews out there are so polarizing one way or the other. I know there's no chance it will be sold here, though.

Kim said...

Amazon to the rescue?

Its going for about 16.50$

Maybe hubby can bring it back with him on another trip?

:)

Let me know if you get it, would love to borrow it for a couple of days when you are done to see what the book is all about. The review has me intrigued and I can see the polarisation.

Anonymous said...

no matter how good or bad it is, with the publicity it's receiving, I assume that many non-Muslims will be more curious about Islam and its teachings.

Anonymous said...

i really wonder why it make Muslims angry if it will give the right image about Islam?!!!

Kim said...

from some of the reviews I have read and heard, it may end up confusing those reading the book (who have no idea about Islam) or misinforming them completely.

I have not yet got my hands on the book, so I can't say for sure, but this is what I surmise from others reviews :)

Kim said...

An Egyptian:

I think the problem may be that the book does not give the right image about Islam.

I also believe that everyone should read the book for themselves before taking sides :) Peace!

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