Kamran Pasha

The origins of Islam.
This was pretty much compulsory reading, considering that I live in the Middle East, and it was a book that has been on my shelves for quite a while. However, although it was interesting, it certainly wasn't un-putdownable - checking back I see that it has taken me over 2 months to read. It's quite a big book and I was moving house, but even so, that's a looong time.

The central character is Muhammad's first wife, Aisha, and the book goes beyond Muhammad's death to the caliphs who ruled after his passing, but during Aisha's lifetime. There is debate about how old Aisha was at the time of her marriage and it was the author's choice to take the youngest age, at just nine years old. I found, however, that her thoughts and conversation seemed more suited to an older person and this caused me some conflict in the earlier chapters.

Muhammad (pbuh), was an interesting character, more of a warrior than I had realised, but also a man of peace, with amazing negotiating skills. He held together a warring mix of tribes, against all odds, and gave generously of all he had, to the poor.

It is a shame that religions become warped to people's own ends. Islam teaches generosity and love, not the fanaticism that we see today. The early believers would turn in their graves if they could see what has happened since.

This was a book group read and I was fortunate to have some Muslim friends in my book group, who explained some of the narrative and put it into context within today's world.

I do think this is a book worth reading and although it took me a while, I don't regret the time spent. I am now much better informed about the origins of the Islamic faith and the history behind it.… (more)

If you understand that the author's premise is that all gods are the same, that Alleh, Yahweh and Christ is the same God, then you can reach the same conclusion that he did. That we should all get along and not fight.

If you have read the Koran and the Moslem's doctrine, you know they do not allow others to co-exist with them.

If you have read the Torah, you know Israel's God is a jealous God and does not share with others.
If you know Christ, He has said, "I am the only way."

The premise of seeing our differences and yet knowing we are trying to live nicely and worship some god is very strong in the book. A nice fiction premise, but not based on the doctrines of any one of the groups presented in the book.

The author did present an interesting view of the Crusaders---uneducated, heathen, destroying everything in their path. Which during war at this time may have been sanctioned.
But his biased view of Moslems co-existing peacefully with Jews because of the same God has never shown in true history.

There were scenes I completely skipped for its bedroom activity. Other sections I did skip as well.

The book caused me to think. Disturbed me, until I realized his premise, and put a desire to read more about the Crusades.… (more)

Ein auf jeden Fall gelungener historischer Roman, über die Entstehung und Verbreitung des Islam.
Das Buch gibt einem die Möglichkeit, den Islam aus einer anderen Perspektive zu betrachten. Man erhält einen Einblick in das Leben des Propheten Mohammed und das Leben seiner Frauen, allen voran Aischa, die seine Lieblingsfrau war.
Liebe, Eifersucht, Hass, Religion, Krieg und Politik werden in dem über 600 Seiten Schmöker behandelt.
Das ist mein erster historischer Roman zu dem Thema Islam und daher kann ich keine Vergleiche ziehen, jedoch finde ich dass "Aischa und Mohammed" ein sehr aufschlussreiches Buch ist, dass dem Leser die Möglichkeit gibt, das Herz des Islams kennen- und verstehen zu lernen.

Über den Inhalt des Buches möchte ich hier nichts schreiben, da ich ansonsten spoilern müsste. Daher am Besten selber lesen.… (more)