Western perceptions of Islam and global terrorism is an analysis of the pathology of extremist behavior that has taken the modern world awry. Although, the word "terrorism" dates back to a couple of centuries, its modern manifestations are most disturbing in that it is paradoxically associated with the pristine tradition of Islam whose etymology as well as goal is none other than the establishment of comprehensive peace - with oneself, with one's Creator, and with the rest of His creation. Islam, the book argues, is the solution to extremism, not the cause of it. Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism is a clarion call to Muslims to take the high moral Islamic ground of bearing hardship with patience. It is also counsel to those of other faiths to not judge the tradition of Islam by the acts of a misguided few who commit heinous crimes under the banner of religion. The book offers a solution to the modern-day crisis in the return to Tasawwuf-based Islam. Tasawwuf or Sufism is the spiritual and essential dimension of Islam that is rooted in the love of the Divine through the love of his Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and devotion to the Noble Saints (Awliya Kiram) and scholars of the Islamic tradition who in turn produced their labors of love, devoted entirely to the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace). This unbroken chain in both the spiritual as well as intellectual dimensions, otherwise known as Tasawwuf, is the comprehensive approach that has maintained cohesion in the global Islamic community (Ummah) for the past 14 centuries. Its abandonment is a ludicrous proposition and one that has proven to be detrimental. Tasawwuf is the path that leads to both inner as well as world peace.
