This book is not about Muslim mechanics who work on automobiles, although some good ones undoubtedly do. This book is about the study of Islam as a religion, as an organization, as a social institution, and the rules that make it unique.
This book is not about Muslim mechanics who work on automobiles, although some good ones undoubtedly do. This book is about the study of Islam as a religion, as an organization, as a social institution, and the rules that make it unique.
Muslim Mechanics is a factual and informative resource guide for Islam written for non-Muslim Western audiences. The word mechanics, as in quantum mechanics or classical mechanics, represents a branch of physical science that studies the working parts of complex systems, machines, or even organizations and institutions. Taking the same tact, Muslim Mechanics is the study of how Islamic policies, activities, and functions affect populations and organizations. Going further, Muslim Mechanics looks at the functional and technical aspects of actions and determines their impact on an organizational and institutional level. As the word mechanics would indicate, there are hundreds of policies, rules, and beliefs that make Islam tick like a Swiss watch. Dr. Brewton presents an objective and secular view of a religion that is anything but secular.
As an infantryman with the U.S. Army from 2001-2005, I was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq and experienced the Islamic culture first hand. Cultural diversity is an important aspect in the military, law enforcement, and business communities. In my experience, the ultimate question during any controversy, conflict, or debate has always been "why". More specifically, "why me". Taking time to explain the "why" paves the road for a positive outcome. Dr. Brewton provides a foundation to answer that question for this topic. Muslim Mechanics is a tool for building cultural diversity on the religious plane.--Lieutenant Brandon Maynard, Sumner County Sheriff's Office, TN
Required reading... Few give a better insight into the dynamics of the worlds leading religions, their history, their impacts on the cultures that exist today and a glimpse of what the future might hold. Charles Brewton acknowledges that he began his studies for a selfish reason, to better understand Islam as well as his own religious beliefs. I am glad he has turned his lengthy working into this book for all to share.--Lieutenant General Dennis D. Cavin, US Army (Retired)
The text is based on history and well researched. It uncovers Sharia Law not as a code for interaction but a way to exist with God. The most interesting sections delve into the question of violence and waging war as extensions of Islam. Notably it explains how non-Muslims have been treated in Muslim countries traditionally and today due to the globalization of the economy. Considering Islam as a peaceful religion is extremely difficult even though so many leaders--Muslim and not--have made that claim. Those leaders may be ignorant or patronizing. Their deception might have deterred acts of terrorism. However, the deception continues a Great Lie that has ongoing implications, namely covering up the violence that is expected by Muslims. Unintentionally Muslim communities encourage emigration to non-Muslim countries. Muslims living in poverty and war are frequent immigrants to nations with greater wealth and tolerance. Often it is the hard line of Muslim leaders in those nations who precipitate the conditions that cause Muslims to flee. Islam is anti-capitalist and its laws have retarded the development of many countries. Furthermore, when Muslims migrate to the U.S., the expectations of a capitalist democracy are heretical to them. Devout Muslims will always be troubled by Western law because they cannot see humans as subservient to Islam. Humans, the writers of laws, are less than God. Therefore, human law is insignificant. The book includes charts and data that reveals the growth of Christianity and Islam in world history. It further explains how the growth rate of Islam has surpassed the growth rate of Christianity during the past few decades. Then it explores the meaning and the consequences of that growth. To a historian, the most enlightening chapter explained the enmity between Muslims and Jews. Both are followers of the God of Moses and Abraham. But the similarities end quickly and the violence erupts soon afterward. The existence of Israel--control of sacred land--is only partially the reason for the ongoing animosity.--Jamie Clary, Mayor, Hendersonville, TN
What part does religion play in the government of man? For Muslims quite a lot. As our United States enhances her diversity by welcoming those who follow the teachings of Allah we must try to understand the whys and wherefores of the interconnectivity of the Muslim faith and government. Dr. Brewton presents an in-depth analysis of historical research and current-day practices that reveal concepts of the Muslim faith that are at odds with the advancement of democratic and technological progress. It ignites an interest in learning more as we live and work together in a progressive society.--Betty Gallina, Retired Educator, Pinellas County Schools, Pinellas County Florida
Whether you have a grasp on Islam or are a novice, Muslim Mechanics will improve your understanding. In a readable study, Charles gives insight on the beliefs and rules that Muslims follow, the actions they take, and where they are headed. If you are looking to get a handle on Islam, this is a read for you.--Reverend Don Huntchinson, Lead Pastor, Hendersonville First United Methodist Church
Charles Brewton is an American professor of business strategy. In addition to a career in higher education, he is one of the few classroom professors with operations experience in private industry and state government. Currently, he teaches MBA courses in business strategy, marketing, public budgeting, public policy, and international business. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
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