No God But God

Shrouded in mystery the Islamic presence in the Middle East evokes longstanding Western fears of terrorism and holy war. Our media have consistently focused on these extremes of Islam overlooking a quiet yet pervasive religious movement that is now transforming the nation of Egypt. Drawing on hundreds of interviews No God But God opens up previously inaccessible segments of Egyptian society--from the universities and professional sectors to the streets--to illustrate the deep penetration of Popular Islamic influence. Abdo provides a firsthand account of this peaceful movement allowing its moderate leaders street preachers scholars doctors lawyers men and women of all social classes to speak for themselves. Challenging Western stereotypes she finds that this growing number of Islamists do not seek the violent overthrow of the government or a return to a medieval age. Instead they believe their religious values are compatible with the demands of the modern world. They are working within and beyond the secular framework of the nation to gradually create a new society based on Islamic principles. Abdo narrates fascinating accounts of their methods and successes. Today for example university students meet in underground unions despite a state ban. In addition sheikhs have recently used their new legislative power to censor books and movies deemed to violate religious values. Both fascinating and unsettling Abdo''s findings identify a grassroots model for transforming a secular nation-state to an Islamic social order that will likely inspire other Muslim nations. This model cannot be ignored for it will soon help organized Islamists to undermine secular control of Egypt and potentially jeopardize Western interests in the Arab world.