Has there ever been a time in living memory when Islam’s reputation was at its lowest ebb? Muslims are often distrusted, disliked and mistreated by being wrongly associated with Isis and Islamist terrorism because of the way they dress and the religion they practise. The current situation bears resemblance to how Irish people were regarded in the 1970s, 80s and 90s during the height of the Northern Ireland troubles. In those days, Irish people were often looked upon with scorn and wrongly associated with believing in the ideals of the IRA and its brutalised terrorism. 



Voices of Modern Islam is written in a fearless and forthright manner, capturing the opinion of over 100 Muslims of different ages, gender, ethnicity, sexuality and social backgrounds. The interviewees freely contributed their views and perspectives in response to Declan Henry’s questions whose determination to explore various contentious and controversial issues in Islam was relentless. This is a book that includes a vast array of emotions, opinions, hopes, fears and beliefs. It is also a book about God, the afterlife, morality, compassion and forgiveness. Ultimately, it is a book which answers crucial questions, polarises the truth about Islam and Muslims and kills prejudice and misconceptions to establish what it means to be Muslim in today’s world. 



After reading this book you will have learned about the life of Prophet Muhammad and his love of God and Justice. You will have discovered the respect Muslims have for Jesus and the Holy Family. You will have seen the differences and similarities between the Qur’an and the Bible. If you have preconceived ideas about gender segregation and the rights of women in Islam, you will also be surprised by how the Prophet Muhammad taught men to treat women. 



Are Muslims backward, poorly educated and poorly integrated? Is there a ‘them’ and ‘us’ divide between Muslims and non-Muslims? Is the Western world reviled with jihad seen as a natural part of Islam? All these questions are answered in this book, alongside an in-depth analysis of extremism, radicalisation and Islamic terrorism going back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Other insights you will acquire include; Muslims’ attitude towards sex and homosexuality and the reasons behind male grooming sex scandals, and the debate about Shania Law and whether its punishments should be implemented alongside the Criminal Justice System. Overall, this book will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of Islam, irrespective of how much you already know. But ultimately, you will realise the common ground Islam shares with Christianity and Judaism, which all stand under the one umbrella of God’s creation. 



Declan Henry, an Irish Catholic, comes from a distinguished academic background. He studied at two of London’s elite universities – Goldsmiths College and King’s College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in Education and Community Studies and a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Social Work. He is also a registered social worker. Declan is the author of five books and numerous published articles. He has written on a wide range of diverse topics including mental health, transgender people, religion, young offenders and a book about growing up in Ireland. 

Endorsements

This is an excellent resource to get a personal perspective of what Islam means to Muslims in a practical day to day sense. It also challenges stereotypes about Muslims to get an accurate picture of how Muslims live their lives within a liberal and democratic society. If you want to know about the pluralism within Muslim communities, this book will certainly help. (Fiyaz Mughal – OBE, Director of Faith Matters)

How do Asians in Britain feel about life and their religion? Declan Henry has fluently revealed their wide ranging views with great competence and skill. This is an intriguing perspective seen through the eyes of an emergent and important section of our community. Definitely a work of lasting value. (Paigham Mustafa, Author, The Quran, God's Message To Mankind)

"Voices of Modern Islam offers an insight into the often little-known or misrepresented fundamentals of the faith and the diversity of contemporary UK Muslim opinion: the good, the bad and the ugly. Demonstrating that Muslims are not a single homogeneous uncritical mass, it debunks many stereotypes, while confirming others. Be prepared to have some of your assumptions about Islam challenged." (Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation)

Declan Henry has spent extensive time and effort collecting vast and accurate information about Islam and the diversity of its followers. I believe this book is a valuable resource not only for use by Muslims across the UK and further afield, but also for secondary schools, and those researching Islam and its religious and socio-cultural realities in an academic context. (Dr. Sheikh Ramzy, Imam, Islamic scholar and Director of Oxford Islamic Information Centre)