Dear Beliefnet Reader,

President Bush has said that Islam is a great religion that has been "hijacked" by terrorists. As a Muslim, and as an American, I fear that he is right. As a result, it's become important for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to spend the time to understand this faith--not only what it has been but would it can and should be.

I, and many other Muslims who believe in both Islam and democracy, are tired of seeing Islam defined by others. That's why I've worked with Beliefnet to create this book: Taking Back Islam . Between its covers, we gathered 35 leading American Muslims not only to explain their faith, but also to talk about its problems, and propose solutions.

Publishers Weekly has called this book "the thinking person's guide to Islam in a post-9/11 America," and an "eye-opening survey of the minds and passions" of American Muslims who "grapple with the complexities and paradoxes of Islam."

Taking Back Islam includes essays by Karen Armstrong, the best-selling author of History of God , Yusuf Islam, the musician formerly known as Cat Stevens, Khaled Abou el Fadl, one of America's leading Islamic thinkers, and Ingrid Mattson, for three years the highest-ranking female Muslim leader in America. Rather than listening to pundits, apologists or bigots, I urge you to listen to the honest and eye-opening voices of these American Muslims.

Best Wishes,