Slippery Stone : An Inquiry into Islam’s Stance on Music

Often, the first thing someone is asked when they discover the truth and embrace Islam is the question: Why Islam? Here, an American revert-to-Islam answers that question. The author, K. Sherman, writes: The beauty of Islam is probably the best-kept secret in modern times; it is about time it was revealed. This is the sentiment of a majority of people who are discovering the truth about Islam every day. My first exposure to the religion was through a perusal of a fifty-page booklet titled Towards Understanding Islam (written in 1932). It explained to me everything that twenty years of life and fifteen years of education could not. After the initial sense of relief, I suddenly felt cheated. I was consumed with rage. Why? I could not fathom how people could know about this phenomenal way of life and not speak out and inform others. This book is my personal take on the beauty of Islam, backed up by relevant and authentic references. I am convinced that humanity direly needs it and it is my duty to speak out.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Allah (SWT) says: (If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives or the slaves) that your right hands possess. That will be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice) (An-Nisa’: 3).

Praise be to Allah (SWT) who has prescribed for His Servants a religion (Islam) that is beneficial to them in this world and the Hereafter, and Peace and Blessing be upon His Messengers and Prophets who were guided by His Guidance and conveyed His Religion. The last and seal of His Messengers was Muhammad Ibn Abdillah (SAW). He (SAW) was the best to advise his Ummah and convey the True Message, by words, deeds and his character. He (SAW) was the best model and example for the believers.

A lengthy process, rich in remarkable and thought-provoking events, including compelling encounters with Islamic philosophy, led the author to embrace Islam. His experiences since that time – such as his pilgrimages to Makkah – further deepened his understanding of, and identification with, this “fastest growing religion in Europe.” This “Diary” is, however, much more than a recorded soliloquy. It is a lively introduction to Islam as such – developed in the spiritual confrontation of a Muslim intellectual of European background with the ideology and value system of post-industrial western society.

No one denies that the modesty which is commanded by Islamic Law and by convention includes the decency and decorousness demanded of a woman, and the kind of behavior that will ensure that she is kept far away from situations of temptation and suspicion. Further more, there is no doubt that the greatest act of modesty that she can perform is to wear the hijab, which covers her face. It is the best thing with which she can adorn herself, because it protects her and keeps her far removed from temptation.

Originally written in Arabic by Abdul Mun’im al Hashmi. It is like an encyclopedia of dreams. It tells us how we should behave on seeing a dream and how they may be interpreted. There are dreams of the Prophets and the Righteous men, and the dreams of the Prophet and his Sahabah. Some dreams of non-Muslims also find place in this book. The author also informs as to what various things like animals, birds and certain chapters of the Qur’an would mean if seen in a dream.