• ‘Even Angels Ask: a journey to Islam in America', Jeffrey Lang

Even Angels Ask is an attempt by Jeffrey Lang to answer questions that are most frequently asked by atheists as well as by doubting Muslims living in the West. Since he himself is a convert, before coming to Islam he asked the very same questions about religion and the existence of God; he can therefore relate well to the questioners, and knows what it is about Islam that convinced him to say the shahada.

In the Muslim world, many youngsters are discouraged to ask too many questions, and are frequently told to accept what they are taught without analysing, debating or discussing. The reason behind this attitude is a fear that by trying to explain the unknown (or what Allah has made known in a limited amount) one may fall into heresy or say something that is sacrilegious. The prevalent attitude is that "Allah knows best and therefore we should not attempt to know what He has not revealed to us." However, the unfortunate result of such an attitude is that many youngsters turn away from Islam because it seems to them that they are being asked to swallow a lot without any sound reason or logic. This scenario is the basis of the title, which is taken from the opening scene of man’s creation as depicted in the Quran. When Allah makes known His intention to create man as his khalifah on Earth, the angels question why Allah would want to create such an imperfect creature, one who has it within his nature to corrupt and shed blood, when He is capable of creating perfect, holy creatures such as angels. This shows that even angels, who are perfect in their obedience to God, ask and question and want explanations. Then how can human beings be faulted for questioning and wanting to understand on the basis of sound reason and good sense?

Thus, the first part of the book begins with Lang using the Quran itself to answer the main objections that non-believers (and those of weak iman) have with faith in God. Lang’s analytical approach to the Quranic verses is very refreshing, as it makes us see these verses in a whole new light; Where normally we would just read through these verses and continue on to the next ones, he makes us stop and reflect on what we have read. He examines some verses piece by piece, such as the conversation between the angels and Allah about man in Surah Baqarah, providing new insight into this much-read story. Having met numerous Muslims in the West who have rejected their faith because of its perceived incompatibility with their Western outlook and lifestyle, Lang shows with clarity and intelligence that Islam is a religion for all time and place; he uses this book as a journey through which the reader is escorted, question-by-question, answer-by-answer. He answers questions about Islam, Muslims and God Himself with logic and precision, sure to satisfy even the most fastidious of agnostics.

While the first part of the book is aimed mostly at people who are doubtful of even the existence of God, the next part of the book looks at conversion to Islam, and the obstacles to such conversions; the author discusses the main misconceptions about Islam in the West, such as the treatment of women, the impression of Islam as being an Arab religion, the mixing of religion with culture, and other such issues. He also highlights the main tenets of Islam, and shares his own experiences of being a Muslim convert living in the West. He then finishes by touching upon the issues that Muslims face today and takes a look at the future of Islam in the West.

Even Angels Ask is not a glorification of Islam; it is a practical and honest experience of what being a convert/practicing Muslim living in the West entails, all the good and bad, all the stumbling blocks on the path of faith (especially those laid by Muslims themselves). The layout of the book is well planned and organised, making it an easy read. This book is a must read for those who are interested in trying to understand Islam, as well as those who are new converts to the faith. It is an encouraging account of Lang’s experiences in Islam, which shows that, rather than wanting to tell the reader how to become a good Muslim, the author is simply trying to show how to learn from one’s mistakes and those of others in order to become a better Muslim; Lang does not hesitate to be blunt and honest about his own mistakes, showing that the road to God is anything but straightforward. But, though not easy, it is certainly the only rewarding path to inner peace and happiness.