When Islam is Not a Religion

The freedom to practice and cultivate one's faith is the bedrock of America's founding principles. People have come to our country to escape religious persecution, but there has been a rising tide of discrimination right here at home. Ms. Uddin is a leader for religious freedom and calls our attention to the challenges facing First Amendment rights in the post-9/11 world. -- Senator Orrin G. Hatch, former President pro tempore of the United States Senate Brilliantly paced and rigorously detailed. This book will resonate and be in demand by those seeking to understand the erosion of religious freedom in America. * Library Journal (starred) * A stirring defense of religious freedom, which, try as we might, is inseparable from human freedom. As Uddin writes: 'It's not our beliefs that religious liberty protects-it protects us, the humans who hold those beliefs. Put another way, religious liberty protects believers, not beliefs.' * Washington Post * Asma Uddin has written a terrific book. It is all at once a primer on the very American commitment to religious freedom, a history of the discrimination that Muslims in America have endured since 9/11 and a window into the life of a leading American Muslim intellectual. It is both deeply researched and a joy to read. I give it my highest recommendation. -- Eboo Patel, author of Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity and the American Promise A must read-especially for conservative Christians like me-to better understand the scope and the stakes of the religious liberty debate. I hope it starts a long-overdue conversation among believes. It stands to be a landmark in the religious freedom discussion. -- Rod Dreher, author of the New York Times bestseller The Benedict Option Asma Uddin, the preeminent defender of religious freedom for American Muslims, has for years been patiently explaining why her faith is no threat to non-Muslims. When Islam Is Not a Religion is an eloquent plea for tolerance, weaving astute legal analysis with a compelling personal story. Prejudice cannot survive her testimony. -- Tom Gjelten, Religion and Belief Correspondent * NPR *