The Modern Scholar: Islam and the West

By: Professor Sayyed Hossein Nasr

Narrated by: Sayyed Hossein Nasr

Islam and Christianity share both remarkable similarities and remarkable differences. In the grand scheme, both are relatively recent religions, with Christianity taking hold in Northern Europe at about the same time that Islam took hold in the Persian world (although Christianity appeared on the scene six centuries before Islam).

Through the years, Islam and Christianity and the civilizations they created have influenced each other to greater and lesser extents in terms of arts, sciences, culture, and medicine. The Crusades produced the most violent confrontation of the two worlds, but it is also important to note the effect of Christian missionaries on Islam and that of Islamic science and literature on the West. In light of the threat of terrorism in the new world order of the 21st century, it is imperative that the West and the Islamic world improve their understanding of their respective cultures.

This course is conceived to reveal the interaction of these two religions and civilizations throughout their histories, highlight their similarities and differences, and, finally, show that Muslims and Christians share much common ground, especially in terms of morality, life issues, and family.

©2004 Sayyed Hossein Nasr (P)2004 Recorded Books

Extraordinary

A truely inspired lecture series. The speaker (who's name is Nasr, not Naer), is complete in his vast analysis and yet remains clear and simple. He manages to explain amazing amounts of information and understanding of both the West and Islam and never falls into the old academic pitfalls of obscurity or tangents. A must listen.

Lucid and illuminating

Dr. Nasr does a masterful job of presenting the course and making efficient use of words. The result: a stimulating lecture that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The point of views are refreshing and presented in a persuasive manner. I plan on listening again with the intent of taking the final exam. Highly recommended for students interested in academic truth instead of rhetoric.

Future of the world

Survival of our human race and world is ensured by more people understanding this material. Increasing this awareness is a gift to our children.

Sayyed Hossein Nasr is the best scholar of Islam in the West

I have learned much about true meaning of Islam by listening to Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr through his lectures and by reading his books, he brings out the light of Islam clearly for westerners to see beyond the misconception that are so prevalent in America. Nasr is a true Islam scholar gift from Iran who possesses a clear use of the English language.

A better title would be Islam founded the west!

This lecture seemed very anti western in its tone, someone unfamiliar with history would infer that Europeans lived in caves before the Muslims came forth to lead them out of ignorance. The esteemed professor, takes discoveries from older cultures and spins it so they appear of ONLY Muslim origin, i.e Arabic Numbers, Universities, etc. He makes Christians appear intolerant compared to Muslims since they did not "force" their conquered subject to convert to Islam. But fails to mention that they often preferred that those same subjects retain their original faiths in order to extract the Jizya Tax! The course remains interesting and I still recommend it to anyone interested in Islamic history. But beware, learn something of European history before beginning this course or you will find yourself led astray!