Gauging interest in an Islam sub-forum in Religions

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Sunwords

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It is a little bit quiet there - I hope we will change that.
 

Purple Rose

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Yes! Can't believe I missed this thread which was started while I was living in Bali - part of Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim population and whose citizens bombed (Hindu) Bali twice, the first killing more than 200 people.

Yes, it's a great idea because we can only offer our opinions and in the process, foster understanding of one another's religion.

ETA: I have a Muslim living in my home; she's been here for nearly 12 years. My country, Singapore, is surrounded by Indonesia and Malaysia, Muslim countries. My views have been shaped by peace-loving Muslims.
 

Miyaka

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I read all types of genres from all types of people but I also read books written by Muslim authors that are not about religion. Human interest stories,fiction, so on and so forth but I personally do not read about religion specifically anymore.
 

Sunwords

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Miyka, that is sort of what I wish to write - and eventually publish. Not books about religion, but I read so many real good books - like Noah Gordon's or Faye Kellerman's - with interesting jewish personalities, who actually live their religion, that I regret deeply not to find this with muslim MCs. Most of the time, a muslim MC is one who is westernized, has none or little knowledge about his/her own faith - or is a terrorist.
Most of the works of muslim authors that get translated do not have MCs that really live their religion - the more critical the author views Islam, the bigger the chance his/her book might be translated.
 

Purple Rose

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Most of the works of muslim authors that get translated do not have MCs that really live their religion - the more critical the author views Islam, the bigger the chance his/her book might be translated.

This may not be true of Salman Rushdie's characters. I have tried so many times to read his books but just cannot get past the first few chapters. I believe he writes realistically about them in relation to their situations and locations. I think the same can be said about Tahir Shah especially in The Caliph's House where he writes about the various people in various positions in Morocco.

I just finished reading The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan and to me, it is a very sympathetic view of the Palestinian conflict. I mean, a Jewish writer that is able to write with empathy for the Palestinians is really quite remarkable.

So no, I do not agree a book has to be critical of Islam or show Muslims as "bad guys" in order to do well enough to get translated.
 

Deepthought

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I'm a Muslim. I don't like to write religious stuff though, and don't read those stories, because they're not realistic, and I'm not interested. But I am religious, and if you need to know something about Islam, let me know. Muslims are very divided today.
 

phantasy

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I think you should have it. I'm Muslim too but I write fantasy. I could answer any questions for accuracy as well. :)
 

Dipa Suresh

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Well, that's a great idea. World religions and cultures have always fascinated me, and I would love to see what happens in this space!
 

neandermagnon

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My kids' father is a Muslim, and I lived in Muslim countries for 7 years. I've written a novel where the main character is a Muslim, although my current works are totally unrelated to Islam. I'm not sure how much I could contribute to the subforum but I totally support its existence.
 

AW Admin

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Guys
MacAllister built the Islam forum two years ago.
 
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