The Rumbling Volcano

The multi-dimensions of, "The Rumbling Volcano," from history to social, and exegetical to biographical, makes this book extremely comprehensive; but Jabbour has done the reader a favor by his many uses of bullet points and succinct summaries. One weakness is that the book lacks an index. This book is both practical for the policy-maker and theological for the Christian missionary. His use of the phenomenological method enabled him to write with both objectivity and understanding. His hermeneutics of the phenomenon enable the politician and the missionary come to a better understanding of militant Islam, and provides the material for an approach and solutions to propose through dialogue. Every moralist can share the concerns of too much jahaliyya (paganism), poverty, despair, torture, and lack of justice that are felt by those who are attracted to militant Islam, seeing it as a solution. We cannot agree with the solution of jihad, takfir (though a separate community solution is far better than jihad), and ultimate world domination, that the militant Muslims are planning. But how the Egyptian government has handled the militant problem is a lesson in what not to do. Throughout the book, there are hints of possible solutions to the massive problem posed by militant Islam that is forcing itself upon the world. I enumerated eighteen points. The five that I liked the best are: 1. The U.S. needs to back down from its' biased support of Israel (p. 66). 2. Promote the idea that, "the prophet never intended to have either a kingdom or a state," (p. 75). 3. Moderate Islam needs to be made attractive for the "silent majority," (p. 164). 4. Israel needs to take a humble approach to its' existence (p. 165). 5. Provide jobs that pay, give dignity and self-worth (p. 233). Jabbour not only provides us with history, causes, and analysis, but also possible roads for a solution.

Nabeel Jabbour's book The Rumbling Volcano is an in-depth look at the history of Islamic Fundamentalism in Egypt. Beginning with a brief overview of Islam's sordid origins, Jabbour covers the various Muslim factions that splintered off from orthodox teaching, and then proceeds on to contemporary trends in Fundamentalism. Finally, Jabbour examines the factors contributing to the development of Fundamentalism, and the impact of Fundamentalism on the world today. It is remarkable that all of this material is presented without a hint of malice towards the Muslim people. Perhaps Jabbour's greatest accomplishment is the balance he strikes between unbiased objectivity and honest evaluation. Never are the virtues exemplified by Fundamentalists played down or the atrocities committed by Fundamentalists glossed over. His ability to report on such sensitive issues without falling prey to prejudice is noteworthy. The Rumbling Volcano is a very good place to start a study of Islamic Fundamentalism. Jabbour's balanced approach to a difficult subject fosters the reader with pertinent information that is needed to develop informed opinions. This is the sort of book that ought to be required reading for all Westerners. Without understanding the Muslim Arab - particularly the factors that lead to Islamic Fundamentalism - we run the risk of exacerbating our differences because of ignorance.

In the introduction of The Rumbling Volcano I read a couple of lines that really summed up my sentiments about my knowledge of Islam. "I thought I knew Islam. Because I had studied it, I had "succeeded" in putting it into compartments under labels, and in my mind I had refuted it" (4). As a result of this reading my heart has softened for Muslims and my knowledge has taken a giant leap. When it comes to education I consider myself a big picture type of learner. This book does just that; provide the reader with a broad picture of the world of Fundamental Islam explaining factors that otherwise might be lost. This book addresses the sources of the fundamentalist movement that we are experiencing today.

I've been interested to learn more about Muslims ever since 9/11 and I've wondered what motivates the suicide bombings and other violent acts by Islamic Fundamentalists. This book gives an insightful history of Muslim Extremists and it talks about why they believe the way they do. The author is from the Middle East so he understand the roots of this fanatical worldview, but he doesn't support their evil actions. This book helped me see the oppression that Muslim Fundamentalists feel and it offered ways that the world could minimize the hopelessness that perpetuates their perspective by focusing on political, economic, and spiritual solutions. This is a foundational book about the growing influence of Islamic Fundamentalism.

In The Rumbling Volcano, Nabeel Jabbour paints an objective picture of the modern fundamentalist movement in Egypt. While many contemporary Western and/or Christian voices routinely condemn and crucify them as simple "terrorists," Jabbour takes pains to examine their motivations and ideals with "disciplined wonder," letting them speak for themselves, striving to enter into their world. In this he succeeds, and enables the reader to understand historically the genesis and development of the call for jihad. Beginning with the opposition movements of the Kharijites and Shiites, he shows how the puritanical element has always existed in Islam. Next, in describing the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood and its splinter groups, Jabbour pays homage to their thinkers, philosophers, and pragmatists. Finally, he notes contributing elements to the surge in popular fundamentalism, and posits some thoughts for the future. His book is fair and even-handed, and provides the reader with a thorough introductory knowledge of Islamism that goes beyond the headlines of the sensationalist news media.