Sword and Scimitar

The Book in 1 Sentence

A non-biased accounting of the history of what is basically the atrocities of Muslim and Christians attacking each other from the Middle East to Europe and beyond.

Brief Review

The history of the Muslim world is filled with violence and conquest. A lot of it targeting the "West," which ultimately became Christendom in all its incarnations. Centuries of war and atrocities from both sides are in this book that helps explain the mindset of Jihad that has taken place over the last 30 years.

Why I Read this book

After 2 decades of war against a guerilla force that doesn't like us because of their ideology, it had to start somewhere.

In-Depth Review (Favorite Quotes)

I have been interested in the Crusades for years. One of my favorite book series is one called "Knights of the Black and White." While I know a decent amount of about the background, not in the religious context. This book does an outstanding job of discussing that.

From the origin of the Muslim religion, to the first war against the United States, this book tells a comprehensive history of the politics and religion that framed 6 major battles. These battles are important both contextually to the book and continued fight between the two groups. While there were a lot of other battles, some much larger than what was listed, the author does a fantastic job of explaining the mindset for those involved. Specifically in a couple instances where the battles didn't last or were decisive, but created reverberations across the mindset of those involved.

What stands out to me most about this book is the origin and growth of the Muslim religion and almost the cooling of the devout to their more obsessive belief in the requirement of the Jihad. I know that we can look at groups like ISIS and The Taliban and see that the jihad hasn't gone away, but it isn't the primary purpose of the religion anymore, from my experience. Yes there are groups that very much push that idea forward, kind of like the groups of Christians that blow up abortion clinics. However, most of the ones that I have had personal interactions with outside uniform, have been civil, peaceful, and honestly enlightening. There is an episode of The Big Bang Theory where Sheldon finds his Mom sleeping with someone outside of marriage. When he brings it up to her, he agrees that he will outwardly love and support her, while judging her hypocrisy internally. Her comment? "How very Christian of you." I bring this up to say that neither religion is full of perfect people. Neither of them have people who can follow all the tenants of the faith. But it is the interaction with those that attempt to bring light to the world through their faith that make them worth believing in. Whereas the early Muslims made a consistent effort to convert through fear from death to oneself or their loved ones.

How my life / behavior / thoughts / ideas have changed as a result of reading the book.

I fought against and lived with Muslims. They honestly are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Also, some of the worst people I have ever met. Let me give you a tale of two stories.

When I first arrived in the Middle Eastern country I was stationed at for a year, there was a story that was told to me by the command about how the locals treat the hierarchy of people. The story was that a woman was hit by a car, emergencies services were called, arrived, and then they waited. Because the woman wasn't Muslim, they had to wait for Allah to decide what to do. She didn't make it.

Fast-forward a couple of months during my time at that duty station, and it is Ramadan. It is also August so it is 113 with 90% humidity, so heat index is ~135. It is crazy hot. Well during Ramadan, the Muslim people do not eat or drink during daylight and typically wear the long clothes, but I don't remember the exact rules on that. So as guest in the country, unless we are inside our office or home, we don't either. I remember working late one night and just being absolutely torched mentally and by the time I got home, physically. I walk into the building I live In and the landlord sees me. Now, my Arabic is laughably terrible, but I could at the time at least communicate a little. His English was little better. He sees me, looks at the sweat pushing through my clothes and invites me to sit in the office AC and have Iftar with them. He and his team were always incredibly nice to me. Helped me find a couple silk blankets, one that I still have today. While the offer of dinner isn't a big deal, sharing Iftar is personal. It is meant to bring the families and friends together. I won't forget that.

Rating

I found this book to be outstandingly interesting. After reading The Last Viking, I was expecting a more droll accounting of two groups of people that used religious fever to excuse the depravity of their actions. However, the book was entertaining and weaved the politics within the action to make a complete picture. As a Marine, I am aware that since the birth of this nation, we have been fighting against individuals that believe in a faith that hates us just because we are not them. This book does a lot to explain why they feel that way and why it continues to this day, 250 years later. This is a must-read and an 8.

Want to get a hold of me?
Email | reviews@epicscreentime.com

None of the link provided are sponsored or affiliate links, unless otherwise notated.