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The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS Hardcover – August 7, 2018


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The comprehensive history of the role of war and terror in the spread of Islam.

It is taken for granted, even among many Washington policymakers, that Islam is a fundamentally peaceful religion and that Islamic jihad terrorism is something relatively new, a product of the economic and political ferment of the twentieth century. But in
The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS, Islamic scholar Robert Spencer proves definitively that Islamic terror is as old as Islam itself, as old as Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, who said “I have been made victorious through terror.”

Spencer briskly traces the 1,400-year war of Islamic jihadis against the rest of the world, detailing the jihad against Europe, including the 700-year struggle to conquer Constantinople; the jihad in Spain, where non-Muslims fought for another 700 years to get the jihadi invaders out of the country; and the jihad against India, where Muslim warriors and conquerors wrought unparalleled and unfathomable devastation in the name of their religion.

Told in great part in the words of contemporary chroniclers themselves, both Muslim and non-Muslim,
The History of Jihad shows that jihad warfare has been a constant of Islam from its very beginnings, and present-day jihad terrorism proceeds along exactly the same ideological and theological foundations as did the great Islamic warrior states and jihad commanders of the past.

The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language, and the first book to tell the whole truth about Islam’s bloody history in an age when Islamic jihadis are more assertive in Western countries than they have been for centuries. This book is indispensable to understanding the geopolitical situation of the twenty-first century, and ultimately to formulating strategies to reform Islam and defeat radical terror.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Robert Spencer's book on the history of jihad is disturbing—so much so that mainstream media and academia will either ignore it or label it 'Islamophobic.' But that evades the only important question: is the book historically sound or not? If it is not, someone will have to refute the extraordinary amount of evidence Spencer cites. But if it is historically sound, this book is as troubling as it is important. That is to say very troubling and very important." -- Dennis Prager, nationally syndicated radio show host, author of nine books, most recently the number one non-fiction bestseller, "The Rational Bible," and the founder of the website Prager University

"Few westerners know more about Islam and jihad than Robert Spencer. Fewer still write with greater honesty, or more fearlessly. A concise but essential account of a millennium-old war on human freedom and dignity." -- David Pietrusza, author of "Rothstein: The Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius Who Fixed the 1919 World Series" and "1920: The Year of Six Presidents"

"Robert Spencer is one of my heroes. He has once again produced an invaluable and much-needed book. Want to read the truth about Islam? Read this book. It depicts the terrible fate of the hundreds of millions of men, women, and children who, from the 7th century until today, were massacred or enslaved by Islam. It is a fate that awaits us all if we are not vigilant." -- Geert Wilders, member of Parliament in the Netherlands and leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV)

"From the first Arab-Islamic empire of the mid-seventh century to the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the story of Islam has been the story of the rise and fall of universal empires and, no less importantly, of never quiescent imperialist dreams. In this
tour de force, Robert Spencer narrates the transformation of the concept of jihad, 'exertion in the path of Allah,' from a rallying cry from the prophet Muhammad's followers into a supreme religious duty and the primary vehicle for the expansion of Islam throughout the ages. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of the Manichean struggle between East and West and the nature of the threat confronted by the West today." -- Efraim Karsh, author of Islamic Imperialism: A History

"Spencer argues, in brief, 'There has always been, with virtually no interruption, jihad.' Painstakingly, he documents in this important study how aggressive war on behalf of Islam has, for fourteen centuries and still now, befouled Muslim life. He hopes his study will awaken potential victims of jihad, but will they—will we—listen to his warning? Much hangs in the balance." -- Daniel Pipes, president, Middle east forum and author of Slave Soldiers and Islam: The Genesis of a Military System

"Robert Spencer, one of our foremost analysts of Islamic jihad, has now written a historical survey of the doctrine and practice of Islamic sanctified violence. With crystal clarity and rigorous argument, he relentlessly marshals the facts that put the lie to the sophistries of apologists and the delusions of Western appeasers. To fight the enemy we must know the enemy, and Robert Spencer's page-turner is the place to start." -- Bruce Thornton, Research Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and Professor of Classics ad Humanities at the California State University

"The most important book you will read about the fourteen-hundred-year war that Islamic jihadists have waged on us. Spencer's brilliant book is also the only book you can read on this history, since appeasers of Islamic bigotry and bloodthirstiness have worked so diligently to suppress it." -- David Horowitz, founding president of the David Horowitz Freedom Center and author of Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey

"For those who still think—and alas, there remain many—that Islamic Terrorism has emerged only in the last forty years or so, Robert Spencer's carefully researched work on Jihad from the beginning of Muhammad's political and prophetical career to the acts of terrorism of September 11, 2001, will be a salutary shock. It will not be at all easy to refute Spencer's account since he, for the first three Islamic centuries, relies almost entirely on the Arabic sources, that Muslim historians and scholars, such as Ibn Ishaq, Al-Tabari, Ibn Sa'd, Bukhari, Tirmidhi, and Muslim, who paint a grim picture of the early Islamic conquests. For the later Middle Ages, Spencer has also diligently consulted the primary sources where possible and has relied upon recognized modern scholars such as Ignaz Goldziher, Bernard Lewis, Bat Ye'or, and Steven Runciman, among others. Spanning centuries and continents, from the seventh to the twentieth century, from Spain to India, Spencer takes us on a tour of the global jihad that is Islamic history. Along the way, he shatters many myths, such as the myth of the Golden Age of Spain, a putative period of ecumenical harmony, a kind of perpetual medieval Woodstock Summer of love. He also puts the Crusades into perspective and reminds us that the Crusades were a belated response to years and years of jihad, and persecution of Christians. Spencer brings the story up to modern times, not forgetting the Armenian genocides perpeturated by the Turks between 1915 and 1923.

Robert Spencer's work is essential reading for all of us, for all those who want to defend our values from the relentless jihad that has not ceased for fourteen centuries. We must heed Spencer's final words, if we are to succeed in saving Western Civilization:

'
In the twenty-first century, the leaders of Europe, as well as many in North America, having brought almost certain doom on their countries no less unmistakable than that which befell Constantinople on May 29, 1453. Yet instead of taking responsibility for what they have done, they have stayed their course, and would have denounced the doomed Emperor Constantine XI, like his predecessor, Manuel II, as "Islamophobic," and his exhortation to defend Constantinople to the death as "militaristic" and "xenophobic." In the twenty-first century, as the 1,400-year Islamic jihad against the free world continued to advance, the best allies the warriors of jihad were the very people they had in their sights.'" -- Ibn Warraq, author of "The Origins of the Koran" and "The Quest for the Historical Muhammad"

"Jihad is not mere terrorism. Ironic as it may seem, that is Western wishful thinking. From its inception, as Robert Spencer incontestably illustrates, jihad has been the outward, aggressive expression of a conquest ideology.
The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS is as relentless in relating unvarnished truth as is the phenomenon it tracks in seeking domination—and never being satisfied with less, however long it takes. Those who care to preserve Western rationalism, civil liberties, and free societies must confront this history, and its implications, with eyes opened." -- Andrew C. McCarthy, bestselling author, former federal prosecutor, and National Review contributing editor

"In a time of cowardice and deliberate falsehood, the courageous and scholarly exposure of the greatest challenges and dangers of our time by Robert Spencer is priceless." -- Bat Ye'or, author of The Dhimmi and The Decline of Eastern Christianity Under Islam

About the Author

Robert Spencer is director of Jihad Watch and a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center. He is the author of twenty-eight books, including bestsellers The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades), The Truth About Muhammad, The History of Jihad, and The Critical Qur’an. Spencer has led seminars on Islam and jihad for the FBI, the United States Central Command, United States Army Command and General Staff College, the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council, and the US intelligence community. He has discussed jihad, Islam, and terrorism at a workshop sponsored by the US State Department and the German Foreign Ministry. He is a senior fellow with the Center for Security Policy and is a regular columnist for PJ Media and FrontPage Magazine. His works have been translated into numerous languages.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bombardier Books (August 7, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1682616592
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1682616598
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.4 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Robert Spencer
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ROBERT SPENCER is the director of Jihad Watch and a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center. He is the author of twenty-eight books, including the New York Times bestsellers "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades)" (Regnery Publishing) and "The Truth About Muhammad" (Regnery Publishing) and the bestsellers "The History of Jihad From Muhammad to ISIS" (Bombardier Books) and "The Critical Qur’an: Explained from Key Islamic Commentaries and Contemporary Historical Research" (Bombardier Books). His forthcoming book is "Muhammad: A Critical Biography" (Bombardier Books).

Spencer has led seminars on Islam and jihad for the FBI, the United States Central Command, United States Army Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group, the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Justice Department’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council and the U.S. intelligence community. He has discussed jihad, Islam, and terrorism at a workshop sponsored by the U.S. State Department and the German Foreign Ministry. He is a senior fellow with the Center for Security Policy.

Spencer is a regular columnist for PJ Media and FrontPage Magazine, and has written many hundreds of articles about jihad and Islamic terrorism. His articles on Islam and other topics have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Examiner, the New York Post, the Washington Times, the Dallas Morning News, Fox News Opinion, National Review, The Federalist, Human Events, American Greatness, The Hill, the Detroit New, Real Clear Religion, the Daily Caller, the New Criterion, the Journal of International Security Affairs, the UK’s Guardian, Canada’s National Post, Middle East Quarterly, WorldNet Daily, First Things, Insight in the News, World Israel News, Aleteia, and many other journals. He has also served as a contributing writer to the Investigative Project on Terrorism and as an Adjunct Fellow with the Free Congress Foundation.

Spencer has appeared on the BBC, ABC News, CNN, OANN, Newsmax, Steve Bannon’s War Room, FoxNews’s Tucker Carlson Show, the Sean Hannity Show, the Ingraham Angle, the O’Reilly Factor, Megyn Kelly’s The Kelly File, Geraldo Rivera Reports, the Glenn Beck Show, Fox and Friends, America’s News HQ and many other Fox programs, PBS, MSNBC, CNBC, C-Span, CTV News, Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News, France24, Voice of Russia and Croatia National Television (HTV), as well as on numerous radio programs including The Sean Hannity Show, Bill O’Reilly’s Radio Factor, The Mark Levin Show, The Laura Ingraham Show, The Herman Cain Show, The Joe Piscopo Show, The Howie Carr Show, The Curt Schilling Show, Bill Bennett’s Morning in America, Michael Savage’s Savage Nation, The Alan Colmes Show, The G. Gordon Liddy Show, The Neal Boortz Show, The Michael Medved Show, The Michael Reagan Show, The Larry Elder Show, The Peter Boyles Show, Vatican Radio, and many others.

Robert Spencer has been a featured speaker at the University of California-Irvine, Temple University, Dartmouth College, Penn State University, the University of California-Los Angeles, Stanford University, New York University, Brown University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Virginia, State University of New York-Binghamton, State University of New York-Stony Brook, Florida State University, DePaul University, the College of William and Mary, Washington University of St. Louis, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Boise State University, Cal Poly, Portland State University, and many other colleges and universities. He has also addressed the Heritage Foundation, Westminster Institute, the Gatestone Institute, the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance in New York City, the Hudson Institute, the Temple of the Arts in Los Angeles, the San Diego Jewish Book Fair, the Christian Rights and Freedom Institute, the Young Presidents’ Organization, Calvary Chapel Pacific Coast, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), FreedomFest, Young America’s Foundation, Hershey’s Sweet Retreat, the John W. Pope Civitas Institute, the Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley, Train the Trainer, and many other audiences.

A complete listing of Robert Spencer’s books:

1. Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions About the World’s Fastest Growing Faith (Encounter Books, 2002)

2. Onward Muslim Soldiers: How Jihad Still Threatens America and the West (Regnery Publishing, 2003)

3. Inside Islam (with Daniel Ali) (Ascension Press, 2003)

4. The Myth of Islamic Tolerance: How Islamic Law Treats Non-Muslims (Prometheus Books, 2004)

5. The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) (Regnery Publishing, 2005)

6. The Truth About Muhammad: Founder of the World’s Most Intolerant Religion (Regnery Publishing, 2006)

7. Religion of Peace? Why Christianity Is and Islam Isn’t (Regnery Publishing, 2007)

8. Stealth Jihad: How Radical Islam is Subverting America without Guns or Bombs (Regnery Publishing, 2008)

9. The Complete Infidel’s Guide to the Koran (Regnery Publishing, 2009)

10. The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration’s War On America (with Pamela Geller) (Threshold Editions/Simon & Schuster, 2010)

11. Did Muhammad Exist? An Inquiry Into Islam’s Obscure Origins (ISI Books, 2011)

12. Not Peace But A Sword: The Great Chasm Between Christianity and Islam (CA Press, 2013)

13. Arab Winter Comes to America: The Truth About the War We’re In (Regnery Publishing, 2014)

14. The Complete Infidel’s Guide to ISIS (Regnery Publishing, 2015)

15. The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Iran (Regnery Publishing, 2016)

16. The Complete Infidel’s Guide to Free Speech (and Its Enemies) (Regnery Publishing, 2017)

17. Confessions of an Islamophobe (Bombardier Books, 2017)

18. The History of Jihad From Muhammad to ISIS (Bombardier Books, 2018)

19. The Palestinian Delusion: The Catastrophic History of the Middle East Peace Process (Bombardier Books, 2019)

20. Rating America’s Presidents: An America-First Look at Who Is Best, Who Is Overrated, and Who Was An Absolute Disaster (Bombardier Books, 2020)

21. Mass Migration in Europe: A Model for the U.S.? (Center for Security Policy Press, 2020)

22. Islamophobia and the Threat to Free Speech (Center for Security Policy Press, 2021)

–. Did Muhammad Exist? An Inquiry Into Islam’s Obscure Origins — Revised and Expanded Edition (Bombardier Books, 2021)

23. The Critical Qur’an: Explained from Key Islamic Commentaries and Contemporary Historical Research (Bombardier Books, 2022)

24. The Church and the Pope (Uncut Mountain Press, 2022)

25. Who Lost Afghanistan? (Center for Security Policy Press, 2022)

26. The Sumter Gambit: How the Left Is Trying to Foment a Civil War (Bombardier Books, 2023)

27. Empire of God: How the Byzantines Saved Civilization (Bombardier Books, 2023)

28. Muhammad: A Critical Biography (Bombardier Books, 2024)

Spencer’s books have been translated into many languages, including Spanish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia.

Spencer (MA, Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) has been studying Islamic theology, law, and history in depth since 1980.

What They’re Saying About Robert Spencer

“My comrade-in-arms, my pal, my buddy.” — Oriana Fallaci

“A hero of our times and one of the bravest defenders of liberty that I have ever met.” — Geert Wilders

“No one has upset the Islamophobia cabal more than Robert Spencer. First, he knows more about Islamic doctrine than they do. Next, he has outed all the tricks they use in their taqiyyah bag to disinform the public. Finally, and most importantly, Robert will not be cowed.” — Ayaan Hirsi Ali

“One of the top two or three experts in the world on this great war…against fundamental Islam. One of the top two or three experts in this nation about trying to suppress speech. People should know that Robert Spencer has been the tip of the spear in warning America, in fighting against radical Islamic jihad, not just here in this country – where you’ve done an amazing job – but throughout the world. Robert, you’re one of the true patriots in this country, and you’ve risked so much, including your life, your fortune, and your sacred honor, and your pursuit of happiness. You’re a great patriot to this country.” — Stephen K. Bannon, former Trump Administration Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor

“One of the most important writers living today…his books should be required reading.” — Dennis Prager

“A brave crusader against the dopier multiculti illusions.” — Mark Steyn

“I highly recommend that you listen to this guy.” — Glenn Beck

“A very savvy and knowledgeable critic.” – Dinesh D’Souza

“One of the most acclaimed counter-jihad scholars.” — Asian Tribune

“J’apprécie beaucoup ce que vous écrivez sur l’Islam.” — Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, S.J., internationally renowned Islamic scholar

“Robert Spencer incarnates intellectual courage when, all over the world, governments, intellectuals, churches, universities and media crawl under a hegemonic Universal Caliphate’s New Order. His achievement in the battle for the survival of free speech and dignity of man will remain as a fundamental monument to the love of, and the self-sacrifice for, liberty.” — Bat Ye’or

“A leader in this war for over a decade, documenting not just what is happening but explaining why.” — PJ Media

“A leading figure of the conservative movement in the US.” — Limerick Leader (Ireland)

“Distinguished scholar.” — Akbar Ahmed, Ibn-e-Khaldoon chair of Islamic Studies, American University, Washington, D.C.

“One of the most insightful and learned scholars of Islam.” — Catholic Insight

“Robert Spencer is indefatigable. He is keeping up the good fight long after many have already given up. I do not know what we would do without him. I appreciate all the intelligence and courage it takes to keep going despite the appeasement of the West.” — Ibn Warraq

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
896 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book detailed, fact-filled, and excellent. They also say the writing style is very well written and thought-provoking. Readers say the book adds to their knowledge of world religions.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

81 customers mention "Content"78 positive3 negative

Customers find the book detailed, fact-filled, and well-written. They also say it's thought-provoking, vital, comprehensive, and brutal. Customers also say Spencer is a noble, kind, and truthful person.

"...Three Christian Crusades are covered with great factuality, not trying to cover up deeds that were less than exemplary to either side. With..." Read more

"...The rest of Spencer’s well researched and thoroughly documented book are the details, fascinating, convincing and frightening details that more that..." Read more

"...The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of jihad, which is often misrepresented or misunderstood in today’s volatile political climate..." Read more

"...Robert Spencer is a noble, kind, truthful person...." Read more

39 customers mention "Reading experience"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent and valuable for adding to their knowledge of world's religions.

"...I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone." Read more

"...The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in studying the history of Islam, terrorism, and political extremism." Read more

"...How many have even heard of it?.This is fascinating, outstanding and unprecedented, yet all we hear is how the German barbarians..." Read more

"...’s new best seller, The History of Jihad From Muhammad To ISIS, is an excellent, no, I’d say outstanding history...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive6 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book very well written and thought-provoking.

"...I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone." Read more

"...The author’s writing style is also engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow complex ideas and events...." Read more

"Yes, it is a little dry and slow reading. That's because it is packed with verified facts...." Read more

"...Thorough notes section; great index. Readable. Excellent reference book to keep.TIMELINE:..." Read more

5 customers mention "Mature content"0 positive5 negative

Customers find the mature content of the book terrifying, shocking, and violent. They also say it's controversial and supremacist.

"...I would say do not read this book, it is so dark and disturbing...." Read more

"...It is not a religion of peace. It is violent and very supremacist. It wants to control the planet. Muslims are ordered to do so...." Read more

"...people want to avoid learning the information in this book, it is certainly frightening. It is so sad and cold-hearted." Read more

"...This book is shocking , and maybe controversial, but it is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand current affairs." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
This book was so well documented with original sources and was not obviously very biased. Learning about the life, timeline, and battles of Mohammed and the continued activities after his death, up to present days filled in a portion of history I was lacking. The end of the Roman Empire and the impact of the Muslims on the reshaping of the world order was riveting. Three Christian Crusades are covered with great factuality, not trying to cover up deeds that were less than exemplary to either side.
With the age-old conflicts arising again rather alarmingly in our midst, this book brings perhaps unwelcome but important insights. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is very readable and should be read by everyone.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
Robert Spencer, a Paul Revere of Our Times
By Frank Hawkins

Robert Spencer’s new book The History of Jihad from Muhammad to ISIS is a clarion call to Western Civilization. We are under assault by Islam from all sides in a war that has raged since 632, the date of Muhammad’s death. In trying to raise the alarm, Spencer is clearly one of the Paul Reveres of our time. But who is willing to listen?

Spencer’s opening observation sums up his book.
“There is no period since the beginning of Islam that was characterized by peaceful co-existence between Muslims and non-Muslims . . . There has always been, with virtually no interruption, jihad. Nor is jihad in Islamic theology primarily, or even prominently anything but warfare against non-believers.”
The rest of Spencer’s well researched and thoroughly documented book are the details, fascinating, convincing and frightening details that more that substantiate his case.

Spencer is one of the world’s leading authorities on Islam. He has written several best selling books on Islam and is founder of Jihad Watch, a website that covers global Islamic attacks and activity on a daily basis. It is a program of the David Horowitz Freedom center, where Spencer is a Shillman Fellow. He also is co-founder of Stop Islamization of America. A tireless speaker and advocate, he has been banned from entering the UK despite the fact the British government has no trouble allowing Islamic hate preachers full access.

Of the Greek Orthodox faith, Spencer has spent decades researching, studying and observing the elements that fill this important book with records of events and, most damagingly, direct quotes from Qur’an, which “contain numerous exhortations to fight against the infidels, as do all the hadith collections of Muhammad’s words and deeds.” More specifically, the scriptures command Muslims to “fight those who do not believe in Allah.” The historical record is chilling. But Spencer’s most damaging and convincing argument is letting the Muslims speak for themselves including the prophet Muhammad who bragged, “I have been victorious with terror.”

The book sweeps the reader through Muhammad’s own bloody conquests against Jews and other infidels, and then on through centuries of jihad, mass bloodshed from Spain to India, the Barbary Wars, the Ottoman Empire, and on into modern day global terrorism. There is no accurate body count, but it’s certainly a staggering number.

His most alarming material is in the closing chapter “The West loses the Will to Live.” The well-documented, ongoing jihad against Israel is more than enough for a book of its own. The fall of the Shah of Iran triggered the globalization of modern jihad terrorism. Spencer details the rise of Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden along with the 9/11 attacks that were, not so shockingly, organized and funded by senior people in both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Even worse were attempts by the Bush administration and the Obama administration to cover this up. One can see the hand of Obama’s CIA director John Brennan in a good deal of this. Who can forget Obama’s 2009 trip to Cairo where he “acknowledged civilization’s debt to Islam.” Somehow he managed not to mention the slaughter of millions over the centuries in the name of Allah.

The Obama-supported Muslim Brotherhood, which has been labeled by some as a terrorist group, and its offshoot CAIR, remain highly active in weakening America’s resolve to resist the encroachment of Islam. In February 2012, for instance, the Obama administration, led by John Brennan, purged thousands of documents about the threat of Jihad from FBI and other government training manuals, because they were allegedly “biased, false and highly offensive to Muslim groups.” In other words, Spencer points out, “American was going to war against jihadists while forbidding itself to understand jihad.” Brennan, in fact, “was instrumental in the Obama administration’s recasting of the defense against terror as a localized struggle against al-Qaeda.“ This was after Spencer had led seminars on Islam and jihad for the FBI, the United States Central Command, United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Justice Department’s Terrorism Advisory Council and the US intelligence community.

Meanwhile, the flood of Muslim immigrants into the West has accelerated. Spencer concludes that, “The failure of today’s leadership and the international media to inform the public about what is really going on (is) an abdication of responsibility unparalleled in history.” Spencer believes the leaders of Europe have “brought almost certain doom on their countries.” Reading daily dispatches, particularly from the UK and France, it is difficult to disagree.

Spencer is not a lone voice. In his daily electronic ride across America warning of the increasing Islamic threat, he has active allies in Pamela Geller, David Horowitz, Brigitte Gabriel, Jamie Glazov, Raymond Ibrahim and Glen Roberts who have not been afraid to identify the ideological monster that threatens to destroy our Constitution and our way of life. Roberts’ website, the Religion of Peace keeps daily track of jihadist attacks on a global basis: 33,953 since 9/11. Islamic extremism and efforts to combat it were responsible for 84,000 deaths in 2017, according to a report from an organization founded by former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. The data found that there were 7,841 attacks in 48 countries in 2017, at least 47 Islamic extremist groups deliberately "orchestrated fatal campaigns against civilians." Those attacks, the report says, were "designed to instill fear and erode public morale."

The real question is how to destroy the Islamic destroyers. Amil Imani, writing for Pamela Geller’s website, offers an action specific list that includes holding to account politicians who sell themselves to Islamic advocacy groups, staying informed and finding ways to actively wean ordinary Muslims away from their religion of destruction, intolerance, backwardness and death. Muslims need to be openly challenged ideologically. Do they accept Sharia law (female genital mutilation, the right of a man to beat one’s wife, total subjugation of wives by their husbands, death for unmarried fornication and adultery, death to gays, death to critics of Islam, death for apostates) over America’s Constitutional law? Is reform of Islam even a theoretical possibility?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich echoes Spencer,
“Western civilization is in a war. We should frankly test every person here who is of a Muslim background, and if they believe in Sharia, they should be deported. Sharia is incompatible with Western civilization. Modern Muslims who have given up Sharia— I am glad to have them as citizens. Perfectly happy to have them next door.”

On a personal note, I spent two exciting years in Beirut as chief of Middle East Services for the Associated Press. I had many Arab, Armenian and Palestinian friends and employees. Many of them were wonderful, lovely people who were fun to socialize and spend time with. But this was before Jimmy Carter cut the floor out from under the Shah, paving the way for the Ayatollah Khomeini to return from Paris to Tehran to assume leadership of the country. My friends were what I would call cultural or secular Muslims. They were not devout and did not pray five times a day. As far as I knew they were good people. So it’s important to separate good human beings from radical Islam wherever we can.

In his 2002 “Letter to the American people,” bin Laden wrote that war against the United States will end
“only with the submission of the United States to the warriors of jihad. The first thing we are calling you to is Islam . . . killing you and fighting you and terrorizing you, responding to your attacks, all are considered to be the great legitimate duty in our religion. These actions are offerings to God.”
Will any Imam or devout Muslim challenge this or renounce it?

“The historical record speaks for itself,” says Spencer, “even more loudly and clearly than it usually does. It is my hope that readers with an open mind and a willingness to consider unwelcome facts…will see this record for what it is and ponder carefully its implications for the future of free societies around the world.” In other words, Islam is coming, by land, sea and air. The warnings are all there. It’s time to recognize what is happening and bring it to a halt.

Frank Hawkins is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Associated Press foreign correspondent, international businessman, senior newspaper company executive, founder and owner of several marketing companies, and published novelist. He currently lives in retirement in North Carolina.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023
The History of Jihad by Robert Spencer is a comprehensive and well-researched account of the significant events that have shaped the Muslim world. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of jihad, which is often misrepresented or misunderstood in today’s volatile political climate. The author provides a detailed analysis of various jihadist movements throughout history and their impact on Muslim societies, as well as their role in shaping world history.

One of the most significant features of the book is its objective perspective. Spencer presents a balanced view of the history of jihad, without favoritism towards any particular ideology. He traces the origins of jihadist movements from their earliest manifestations in pre-Islamic Arabia to their rise and spread throughout the world. The author also discusses the concept of “dhimmitude,” which is a key component of Islamic law and the treatment of non-Muslims living in Muslim societies.

Apart from historical analysis, Spencer includes a detailed description of modern-day jihadist movements, such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. He draws parallels between the different jihadist movements and their common goals of spreading their version of Islam around the world. The author also discusses the response of Western governments to the threat of jihad, highlighting the deficiencies of policies that have failed to prevent the spread of radicalism.

One of the most refreshing aspects of The History of Jihad is its use of primary sources. Spencer offers an extensive list of references that includes the Quran, Hadith, and historical manuscripts, making his research accessible and verifiable. The author’s writing style is also engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow complex ideas and events.

Overall, The History of Jihad is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the origins and impact of jihadist movements on the Muslim world and beyond. Spencer’s comprehensive analysis of the history and modern-day manifestations of jihadist movements provides a unique perspective on one of the most significant developments in world history. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in studying the history of Islam, terrorism, and political extremism.
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Top reviews from other countries

stefan
5.0 out of 5 stars Een MUST-READ
Reviewed in the Netherlands on October 9, 2022
Een compleet overzicht van de Islam JIHAD (oorlog tegen niet-Moslims). Vanaf het begin 7de eeuw tot heden. Hierna begrijp je wat Islam aan het doen is in Europa, Canada, USA en elders...

Wat Amazon aan het doen is begrijp ik niet: eerst werden de emails met tijdvak afgeschaft zodat we de hele middag en avond thuis moeten blijven, en nu komen de bezorgers ook al niet meer aan de deur; ik moet naar beneden komen, Derde verdieping en 67 jaar oud. En lopen wordt steeds moeilijker.
Phoenix
5.0 out of 5 stars Prayers to all those who suffered because of Jihad
Reviewed in India on December 25, 2020
I have to admit i had tears in my eyes thinking about all those people who suffered because of a religion that promotes violence and hatred towards others. I always used to think that the whole concept of Islamic terrorism was because of overly religious Muslims. I used to tell this myself every time a terrorist incident happen and I could never even in my wildest dream imagine the so called holy book of Koran could say anything violent because i always hear my friends saying its full of love and peace. It was only in 2020 I realized how grossly wrong i was about everything after some major incidents. To be precise let me name some incidents that happened. First was CAA-NRC protest and the Delhi riot that followed. In the beginning i thought it was purely a political issue, but soon I could see venom spewing against Hindus at every turn of the protest and when the riot happened in Delhi, there was a clear propaganda to somehow blame it on Hindus. I was amazed at the "consistency" in hatred these people felt towards Hindus. I was really surprised about how the same kind of hatred towards Hindus on the matter of CAA-NRC could be seen with Muslims in Kashmir and Muslims in Kerala, even with Palestinians and Turks who had nothing to do with CAA-NRC. Thats when it struck me that, there is definitely something wrong somewhere . Yet i only suspected preachers misguiding people but never doubted the Koran or real teachings of Islam. In July I started reading the report released by Opindia in Amazon about Delhi riot. There i could get a real insight of the dangers associated with this religion. And i didnt have to wait too long to get my eyes wide opened. A riot took place in Bangalore and a week later a riot took place in Malmö in Sweden. I for the first time saw people quoting verses from Koran that actually calls out for such violence in response to talking about prophet or islam which is exactly what happened in bangalore and Sweden. Later i saw an interview of Robert Spencer that he gave to Nupur Sharma where he gave a brief explanation about some of these dangerous problems. Now i am a regular watcher of David Wood and ApostateProphet on Youtube who two have done so much research and debates on this matter.

As an Indian one thing i wish to say is that the whole lie that "The divide and rule" policy of Britishers is the prime cause of current Hindu-Muslim tensions is exposed clearly if you read this book which tells you the real face of Mughals than any history textbooks we study in India. There was no tension before Britishers because there was complete subjugation of Hindus. Post Independence Hindus werent subjugated anymore which is somehow being seen as cause of tensions . No wonder even Mahtama Ghandhi himself advised to not to act against Islamic oppression of non believers. It is absurd to blame Brits and their policy instead of pointing out real reasons.

One thing I would have liked to see Robert mention in this book was about burning down of Nalanda university. Yes of course Robert have mentioned about atrocities of Bakhtiyar Khalji in India but he seems to have missed out this important detail. Which had a really lasting effect on India especially in the downfall of our culture, continuation of knowledge level and we are forced to build up that level of knowledge from scratch while rest of the world surged past us.

A request for Robert/publishers is that to make either this or some of his other book available on Kindle unlimited or Prime reading as this would increase the reach and awareness among people. Especially in India we seems to be living in an oblivion about the truth and history.

A sincere wish I have as an optimistic Indian who in spite of knowing all this is that, India can somehow exist in peace without anyone having to hate a Muslim. And for this to happen i hope Muslims can actually see the real cause of problem and have the secularist mind to reject all those violent ideas and ideology
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AEK
5.0 out of 5 stars Knowing the past, being aware of the present and protecting your future!
Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2019
People who ignore history in the name of being PC, are doomed to end up victims to this crazy ideology. No religion preaches murder and subjugation. Read the book, inform yourself about this ideology, warn your local politicians to stand on guard, to represent and to serve you as they have sworn they will when they took office. Most of them live like ostriches, pretending everything is great (it is for them and their short term vision), being PC afraid to stand up for the people, believing a lie and propagating it. This book will educate the ones hiding from the facts and truth. Perhaps buy this book and mail it to your local politicians... maybe they will grow a spine and do their jobs.
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Gerard
5.0 out of 5 stars info
Reviewed in Germany on January 2, 2019
Very detailed info on this subject, a lot to learn about the past what influences modern day.
Valetta
5.0 out of 5 stars The best overview of Islamic History you will find
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2018
If the history of our own age is written by someone other than a Muslim historian gloating over yet another Islamic conquest, it will be due in no small measure to the work of Robert Spencer and The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS. Spencer takes us from the roots of Islamic warfare in the teachings and example of Muhammad himself (not a man of peace by any stretch of the imagination) to the Muslim attempt over 1400 years to force people to accept his message of total obedience to a set of principles which to outsiders are clearly immoral.

Unlike the mea culpa culture of the West today, this history of conquest, enslavement, lechery, and cruelty has never been disavowed by Muslims but is rather seen as a glorious past and, even more chilling, the model of future greatness.

He also brings out the parallels between former ages and our own. There were misguided collaborators with the jihadists just as there are today. There were despicable traitors just as there are today. There were heroes just as there are today - and Robert Spencer is certainly one of those. He has carried the banner of freedom, learning, truth, and amazingly, cheerfulness ever since the attacks of 9/11: always informing, illuminating, showing us the theological roots that underlie barbarism in all its forms.

By putting the whole sorry saga into one very readable volume, he makes it abundantly clear that Islam never was and never will be a religion of peace. Please, please, please western leaders, take note!
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