We are blessed with another exclusive book launch. This time from our friends across the pond at Amal Press. We are honored that Sidi Aftab Malik, editor-in-chief at Amal Press, contacted us regarding the launch of “In the Land of the Ayatollahs, Tupac Shakur Is King: Reflections from Iran and the Arab World” by Shahzad Aziz. The paperback book (296 pages) will be officially launched in October 2007, insha’Allah.

So, what is the book about? We asked Sidi Aftab for some exclusive material and more details.

IslamCrunch: Essentially, what is this book about?

Aftab Malik: A combination of humour and serious intellectual excursion to understand some of the challenges that the Middle-East (and Muslims by extension) face in the post 9/11 world.

IslamCrunch: Interesting combo… What else do you have for us?

Aftab Malik: THREE KEY BENEFITS OF THIS BOOK:

1.  An A—Z overview of all the cultural clash-points affecting contemporary relations between the West and the Muslim World.

2. First-hand commentary and opinion from marginalized social groups within Iranian and Arab society (e.g. the working class, women, students etc…) on these cultural clash-points.  

3.  A detailed and critical analytical debate of these cultural clash-points explored from the perspective of a Western Muslim.

IslamCrunch: This looks like a “must-have” book for our book shelves. We love it already, who else do you think would be interested in reading this new book?

Aftab Malik: This book will appeal to:

1. Students: Both those who are on academic courses on Islam/Culture and Middle East Studies and beyond to those who are interested in politics and international relations.

2. Urban commuters: In particular, young professionals traveling to work in the ‘city’ who wish to read something intelligent and with substance but in a language which is engaging and not too heavy.

3. Second and third generation Muslims residing in the West. There is a dearth of material written by them on issues which relate to them.  This book helps plug that gap.

4. Travelers: In particular, back-packers and those with an interest in traveling across several Middle Eastern countries in one trip.

5. General public: members of the public who have an interest in contemporary issues relating to Muslim-West issues.

IslamCrunch: That seems like a good target audience. How about providing us with an upshot?

Aftab Malik: This book was primarily written to provide insight for those in category #5 above, making it an ideal book for a central point of discussion and dialogue. From hijabs to Cosmopolitan magazine, to freedom of speech and Salman Rushdie; from classical Islamic law to suicide bombers and from the war on terror to the causes of terror, “In the Land of the Ayatollahs“ provides a unique insight into the complexities of the Muslim world.

IslamCrunch: Fantastic! Thanks for the details. Now, here is a special bonus for our readers: Table of Contents Preview.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Since qualifying as a Barrister, Aziz has specialised in human rights and asylum law. In particular, his legal practice has centred on representing those fleeing torture and persecution by state and non-state agents in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia for reasons of race, religion, political affiliation or membership of a vulnerable social group. Within his legal field, Aziz has written and lectured on anti-discrimination and anti-terror legislation. He has also written on more general issues concerning the Muslim community.

For more details, check out Amal Press’ site. Purchase your copy by clicking on the image below:  

UPDATE: To view a video about the book, click here: http://islamcrunch.com/archives/video-in-the-land-of-the-ayatollahs-tupac-shakur-is-king/