"With lucid prose and hard historical facts this book meticulously demonstrates how, from the very beginnings of Islam to the present times, the pursuit of a sharia-based religious state has inspired endless divisive, internecine wars between Muslims. Its scathing truths will surely invite the wrath of some Muslims, particularly those living in the West, who still pursue the chimera of a new world caliphate. But this is also an empathetic work, fundamentally respectful of Islam and its Prophet, driven by worry at the global plight of Muslim societies. Fatah argues passionately for universalism instead of exclusivism, integration instead of ghettoism, and makes a powerful appeal for the silent majority of Muslims to speak out before it is too late. This work of courage and daring needs to be read widely."

- PERVEZ HOODBHOY

  Professor, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.