Against Islamic extremism

By Muḥammad Saʻīd ʻAshmāwī

Book Description

In a world where religious extremism threatens the very foundations of spiritual understanding, a courageous voice emerges from within the Islamic tradition itself. Muhammad Sa'id al-'Ashmawy, former chief justice of Egypt's High Court, offers a powerful perspective on reclaiming authentic spirituality from those who would distort it for political ends.

This collection presents the writings of a remarkable intellectual who chose to remain in his homeland despite constant threats, standing as a beacon of reasoned faith against fundamentalist interpretations. Al-'Ashmawy's work represents more than academic discourse; it embodies the lived experience of someone who has witnessed firsthand the tension between genuine spiritual practice and its manipulation by extremist movements.

For readers seeking to understand how authentic religious wisdom can be distinguished from its corrupted forms, these carefully curated writings provide invaluable insights. Al-'Ashmawy's perspective illuminates the ongoing struggle to preserve the true essence of spiritual teaching while confronting those who would weaponize faith for worldly power.

His courage in speaking truth while under armed protection demonstrates the profound commitment required to defend spiritual integrity in our modern age. This volume offers Western readers access to a vital voice in contemporary Islamic thought, one that champions the peaceful, contemplative heart of religious practice over its militant distortions.

Through these pages, readers encounter not just intellectual arguments, but the testimony of a soul committed to spiritual truth.