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The Road to Mecca
by Muhammad Asad (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (374)
===
Contents
Glossary
THE STORY OF A STORY
1. THIRST
II. BEGINNING OF THE ROAD WINDS
IV. VOICES
V. SPIRIT AND FLESH
VI. DREAMS
VII. MIDWAY
VIII. JINNS
IX. PERSIAN LETTER
X. DAJJAL
XI. JIHAD
XII. END OF THE ROAD
AUTHOR (1932)
facing page
AMIR FAYSAL
ZAYD
AUTHOR'S ARAB WIFE MUNIRA AND SON TALAL
KING ABD AL-AZIZ IBN SAUD
CROWN PRINCE SAUD
MANSUR
AUTHOR AND NORTH ARABIAN AMIR
THE GRAND SANUSI
SULUBBI
ELSA AND HER SON
MECCA: THE ΚΑΑΒΑ
===
In this extraordinary and beautifully-written autobiography, Asad tells of his initial rejection of all institutional religions, his entree into Taoism, his fascinating travels as a diplomat, and finally his embrace of Islam.
Print length 375 pages
====
Review
"['The Road to Mecca'] combines the adventure and scenic beauty of a good travel book, some unusually informed comments on near Eastern affairs, and a deeply thoughtful account of one man's finding of his own path." --Book of the Month Club, New York
"A book trenchant with adventure magnificently described, and a commentary upon the inner meaning of Arab and Muslim life, helpful to all who would achieve a more accurate understanding of the Arabs and their lands." --Christian Science Monitor
"A very rare and powerful book, raised completely above the ordinary by its candor and intelligence." --New York Post
From his work as a journalist in the Middle East before his conversion, Muhammad Asad became an author, translator of Islamic literature, and international diplomat. His written works include his famed English translation of the Qur'an and translations of the Prophet's oral teachings.
Product details
Publisher : Fons Vitae
Publication date : 18 July 2000
Edition : 8th Revised edition
Language : English
Print length : 375 pages
===
In this extraordinary and beautifully-written autobiography, Asad tells of his initial rejection of all institutional religions, his entree into Taoism, his fascinating travels as a diplomat, and finally his embrace of Islam.
Print length 375 pages
====
Review
"['The Road to Mecca'] combines the adventure and scenic beauty of a good travel book, some unusually informed comments on near Eastern affairs, and a deeply thoughtful account of one man's finding of his own path." --Book of the Month Club, New York
"A book trenchant with adventure magnificently described, and a commentary upon the inner meaning of Arab and Muslim life, helpful to all who would achieve a more accurate understanding of the Arabs and their lands." --Christian Science Monitor
"A very rare and powerful book, raised completely above the ordinary by its candor and intelligence." --New York Post
====
About the Author
From his work as a journalist in the Middle East before his conversion, Muhammad Asad became an author, translator of Islamic literature, and international diplomat. His written works include his famed English translation of the Qur'an and translations of the Prophet's oral teachings.
Product details
Publisher : Fons Vitae
Publication date : 18 July 2000
Edition : 8th Revised edition
Language : English
Print length : 375 pages
===
From Australia
AmazonAU Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic
Reviewed in Australia on 22 January 2019
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Very well written Autobiography, interesting insights and stories - couldn’t put it down!
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From other countries
M.K.
5.0 out of 5 stars In my top 3 favorite books of all time
Reviewed in the United States on 23 March 2025
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A truly amazing and accomplished life lived. One of the most influential books I've read in my life and gave me a more enlightened perspective on my own faith. Muhammad Asad's writing and eloquence are unmatched and it comes across in what is essentially an autobiography. I keep going back every few years to read it because it really just is that good!
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Safwan Ansari
5.0 out of 5 stars must have
Reviewed in Canada on 14 January 2026
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such a great read!
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Rehan Khan
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
Reviewed in Italy on 23 July 2020
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It Is such a great book , recommended every one to read thus book and delivered in time.
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Muhammad Saleh
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic tale that has everything you could want in a travel journal
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 March 2021
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The best books in my opinion are those that touch upon so many different subjects but bring them all together cohesively. This book does just that. Theology, philosophy, politics, culture, geography, friendship... you won't be dissapointed.
Muhammad Asad wrote in a beautiful and poignant manner, detailing his adventures in the near East in a way that makes you feel like you lived them yourself. It is one man's journey of self discovery, and everybody stands to benefit from his critical outlook. Once you get into it, it's very difficult to put it down, and when it ends you'll find yourself wishing that it didn't.
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Muslim
5.0 out of 5 stars Islam's gift to Europe...
Reviewed in Germany on 17 March 2011
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Some call him "Europe's gift to Islam", but I don't think that is appropriate. Rather he should be called "Islam's gift to Europe". After I read this book I converted to Islam. His narration of Ad Dajjal is thought provoking, scaring but amazing at the same time. This book should be read by everyone who realizes "the hollowness of material progress for the sake of progress alone"...
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Farida begum
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in India on 15 April 2023
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A book so LIVE , amazing read
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Veronica Torres
5.0 out of 5 stars Un gran libro
Reviewed in Mexico on 30 August 2023
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Amo este libro, puesto que deja entender con claridad la cultura, vision y el espíritu árabe y hay muchos aspectos de ese tiempo que siguen vigentes. Una buena referencia para quien tiene curiosidad de adentrarse a ese mundo.
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Sjunaid
5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Road to Mecca
Reviewed in Canada on 20 December 2013
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This book transported me to the PLACES the author was travelling through. The narration of each and every aspect of his life were so well described that I was LIVING his experiences. His style of writing is amazing. I have read other books written my him. Great Scholar as I have also read his interpretation of the Quran. this book is excellent reading for someone who cannot travel to all those places as the author has painted a very VIVID picture.
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Dt65
4.0 out of 5 stars A nice classic
Reviewed in Germany on 9 September 2016
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A wonderful story, well written, a great classic to know the musli world better. A great book to discover a great culture.
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Mr Tea-Mole
5.0 out of 5 stars Grippingly Interesting!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2007
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This is a book about travel and the journey of one man through the geographical roads of the material earth, as well as the intellectual and spiritual odyssey he makes through the hills and plains of his own soul. Both journeys culminate in one place: Mecca - where he stays for some years having found the spiritual and intellectual contentment there which had eluded him in Europe. An interesting and inspiring way to learn more about Islam, in a way especially accessible to Westeners, as the author IS a Westerner who chose to accept the faith of Islam, and is thus able to articulate his faith's ideals in language understadable by his native Europeans. Also, this book is an alternative to normal introductory texts on Islam, as the basic precepts of the faith are clothed in the narrative discourse of the author's life himself. A good read, even if only as a book on travel and culture - highly recommended!
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CA Akram Siddiqui
5.0 out of 5 stars Its truly a great spiritual experience
Reviewed in India on 21 December 2015
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Its truly a great spiritual experience . u will love it . find a lot of peace in mind .
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nadav haber
5.0 out of 5 stars The search for inner peace
Reviewed in the United States on 14 January 2002
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Muhammed Assad was a gifted journalist. This gift makes the reading of his Near East adventures a highly entertaining experience. The son of wealthy Jewish parents, he came to Palestine in the early 1920's, became an Anti-Zionist and fell in love with the Arab world. He returned to Europe after many adventurous journeys, married a woman 14 years older then he was, became a Muslim, and went back East. The story is told through the memories entertained during a camel ride to Mecca in the early 1930's (although written about 20 years later).
Asad was a fearless man (he once walked from Haifa to Damscus without a passport, and later dodged bullets while trying to advise the Sanusi rebels in Libya against fascist Italy). He had an enormous talent for languages - he could speak fluent Arabic and Persian, in addition to the European languages and Hebrew.
He was immediately attracted to Islam. Even before becoming a Muslim he had nothing but praise for it. According to him, Islam is completely class -less, accommodating spiritual and physical needs perfectly.
Asad's criticism of the Western value system seems relevant today at least as it was then. We might not share his conclusion and choose Islam, but we cant deny that there is something wrong in the Western way of life.
The book DOES NOT include Asad's Indian and Pakistanian years. I do not know what book this information is from, and I would really want to get it, as I heard Asad WAS one of the people behind the estblishment of Pakistan.
I recommand this truly extraordinary and enlightening book to everyone interested in what is really going on in the world.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 22 February 2018
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A wonderful book about a man's journey to Arabia and his discovery of Islam
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fatma mira
5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting!
Reviewed in the United States on 6 March 2011
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This is one of the best books written by a Muslim convert,and I have to say that I was blown away by the amount of enlightening comments and views that Mr.Asad has included in his journey to becoming a Muslim.It is so bewildering to read and understand how a religion like Islam,so profound and dignified, could change a person like Mr.Asad to change his religion and ,ultimately,his ideas about life,God and people.This book is interesting to read because the style of writing is easty to understand,the description he uses to include the reader in the events is quite vivid and the personal remarks about people,places and politics are worth considering.In my opinion,this is not only a book,it is a treasured narrative that seems like a running documentary about a foreigner discovering the Middle East with all its grandeur and tragedies.
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Sarfraz Ahmed
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on 12 November 2014
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Masterpiece
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Bilal Ahmad
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 June 2024
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If you put aside the literary mastery aside from Mohammad Asad, the valuable content on offer alone is worth a read at least once!
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mohammed akram
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2014
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Good value
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Kiran Sharif
5.0 out of 5 stars Takes you through the life of the author in a way you would not imagine.
Reviewed in Canada on 23 August 2020
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Takes you through the life, struggles and evolution of the author. The descriptions in this boom are impeccable and truly well written.
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Thomas Notini
4.0 out of 5 stars A Minor Classic
Reviewed in the United States on 30 March 2012
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Muhammad Asad's book is indeed a minor classic within its field. Written by a European intellectual who embraced Islam as a young man, this book can help us to achieve a better understanding of a religion and a religious-cultural complex that has, to such a great extent, become a matter of controversy in our present time. Along with Nasr's more recent "Islam in the Modern World" it is a "must" to anyone who wishes to deepen his knowlede on the subject. I read the book already when I was very young, in a translation into my native Swedish, and I was happy to rediscover it in its original English now, some 50 years later.
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Sandra
4.0 out of 5 stars the road to Mecca
Reviewed in Canada on 24 January 2011
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Very nicely written biography of a man's journey in discovering Islam. I enjoyed it very much as an insight into the culture of the middle east of the day and its beauty. The descriptions of the desert and the effect it has on the people who live there were fascinating. I highly recommend reading it.
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Placeholder
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in India on 2 December 2015
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the book took me through the ARABIAn culture and the 20th century politics thereat. The writer took my heart.
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Bessma
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 December 2014
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This is unquestionably a wonderful book! The author is a very clever and talented writer you find yourself reading a book that is valid for all times and generations. A book full of information and knowledge in different fields of life. In this book Mohamed Asad built a strong bridge to connect the westerns to the beautiful religion of islam. I really enjoyed reading this book very much and I definitely recommend it.
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Mehrab
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Journey Told in Beautiful Language
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2022
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Muhammad Asad is a very gifted writer. I found so many wonderful examples of writing on almost every page. His story and journey is worth reading because there are so many lessons within it about life, spirituality, the nature of human beings, and history. I enjoyed it very much.
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Rehan Khan
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful transformative prose
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2018
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The desert is a place of change and this transformative travel account is a beautifully written piece of prose. Asad was a true intellectual giant of his age and his writings are as fresh and relevant today, in 2018, as they were in the early half of the twentieth century.
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Maram
5.0 out of 5 stars I love Muhammad Asad
Reviewed in Canada on 26 September 2014
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I love Muhammad Asad, his writing will engulf you in his story and you feel a pull to be there, where he is.
A classic.
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Sergey Shyndriayev
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reading
Reviewed in the United States on 1 August 2013
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Interesting story how I was introduced to this unusual book: our leader of “Islam 101” group in local mosque Pakistani by nationality mentioned Muhammad Asad name once. I found his biography in Wikipedia. I finished his book in three evenings, it was more interesting to me than Three Musketeers that I read in my childhood. His story is so unbelievable... He was born as Jew in Lvov, worked in Germany and finally became Muslim. "Islam appears to me like a perfect work of architecture. All its parts are harmoniously conceived to complement and support each other; nothing is superfluous and nothing lacking; and the result is a structure of absolute balance and solid composure.” I am not Muslim, but have Muslim’s friends and read whole Quran twice; I’m Christian and like to have conversations with Muslims. It still amazed me how Jew converted to Islam became one of the founders of Pakistan. This book is great reading, full of adventures, stories about Arabs. Just enjoy reading. His another work is "The Message of the Qur'an", a translation and commentary of the sacred book of Islam, the Qur'an. I read it partially, somehow in my group his translation was not recommended for study.
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awz1
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2019
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An amazing book. Much better than I expected. Asad takes you into a world full of wisdom, beauty and danger.
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Saadia Khan Saadia I Khan
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing Spiritual journey, and travelogue of an Austrian Journalist, through Europe and the Middle East.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 December 2014
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An inspiring book of how a European man of Austrian and Jewish descent, found the faith of Islam. His spiritual journey, as well as the actual journeys he undertook, He travelled all over Europe and the middle East i.e. Arabia, Syria,Egypt,Turkey,Iran, Afghanistan & the Indo-Pak subcontinent etc. He has the ability to make people and places come to life, so that it feels like the reader is actually with him during his journeys. His personal life & experiences, his friendships with kings and leaders, as well as the poor and Beduins in Arabia, are sad & joyous, always soul stirring & quite amazing, like life itself. Overall, a remarkable book. A must read for all who want to understand the tensions between the West and the Muslim world today, as well as the fascinating history of the middle East and Europe in the twentieth century.
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Gary Paterson
5.0 out of 5 stars this is the best of reads
Reviewed in Canada on 11 January 2018
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Not often a book sweeps you away, this is the best of reads!
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SSH
5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2017
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An excellent account of Weiss' journey through life, and a life transforming physical and spiritual journey at a time when the centre of Islam, Arabia, was going through political unrest.
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M A S M
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 14 November 2015
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Great book
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Human
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 21 November 2012
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In this extraordinary and beautifully-written autobiography, Asad tells of his initial rejection of all institutional religions, his entree into Taoism, his fascinating travels as a diplomat, and finally his embrace of Islam. Can a modern/secular mind find it way into Islam and appreciate its truth? And if so how is this possible? As I was born in and raised into a Muslim society, I took it for granted that Islam was the true calling of God. At one point in my life, I did some soul searching into what I really believed and found that while I was strong in my faith, I needed help understanding more things about Islam. I found several books that helped but this bok expressed how I really felt. Asad's experience is the perfect testimony of the modern reason finding its way into Islam and at the same time reconstructing the message and significance of Islam for the modern Muslim. It helps us understand the relevance of Quranic message for modernity.
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AJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A man's search for purpose and inner peace
Reviewed in the United States on 28 December 2023
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An excellent book for any individual searching for the purpose of life and inner peace. The book is an English language master class. The words spark such vivid imagery. You feel as if you are walking side-by-side with the author. I just could not put this book down. Plan to re-read it soon.
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charisma enam
5.0 out of 5 stars great over view
Reviewed in the United States on 7 April 2024
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A nice overview of the authors experiences in Arabia and how he viewed Arabs without any biases. Recommend reading for all intersex to know how Bedouin life morphed into the present Saudi Arabia.
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G Martin Qalbun Saleem Shafer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Man behind the translation
Reviewed in the United States on 19 February 2020
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Muhammad Asad's translation I have learned is considered one of the best translations of Al-Qur'an.
Reading this semi autobiographical book, gives the picture of the author and his passion to create the best translation that was possible in his era. Much of what he feels about the path of Islam in his time, the weakness of man, the willingness of man to no longer strive for the highest ideals set forth by the Qur'an, which is even more apparent now. There is no book like Al-Qur'an. His story, somehow for me makes Al-Qur'an even better.
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hassan almustaneer
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful self soul searching …
Reviewed in the United States on 23 January 2020
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Intriguing and full of adventures. It gives a good historical background on the middle east a century ago. Emotional in a good way, and reasonable at the same time. The author succeeded in reflecting a good understanding of islam and its morals. The book shows Arabia in its virgin state and the start of the current Saudi Arabia. The author succeeded also in reflecting the Beduin culture and their habits and way of life. I highly recommend the book.
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khwaja Zaid Sediqi
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2024
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Excellent
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k iwasa
4.0 out of 5 stars charm of the middle east
Reviewed in the United States on 5 November 2015
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This book gives an interesting insight into the conditions of the middle east in late 1920's. A restless and very talented Viennese author joins his secular Jewish cousin at Palestine initially intended for just a half year or so, and fascinated by the Arabs. Based on his experience and knowledge, he started to write newspaper articles to supplement his living expenses in Cairo and ending up a reporter for Frankfurter Zeitung...
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FATOU DIALLO
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book
Reviewed in the United States on 11 April 2024
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Very interesting and instructive book.
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A person in the Work
5.0 out of 5 stars Non-Muslim impressed by Muslim biography
Reviewed in the United States on 17 June 2010
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I was required to read Asad's book "Road to Mecca" for a class. I'm not a Muslim and the book is not small and I dreaded it. That changed when I got into it. Amazing book! VERY well written, this personal journey of a European news investigator who spent years in Saudi Arabia and converted to Islam is full of adventure, history, intrigue, philosophy, culture and sociology and all manner of insights. It gives a rare deep view to Westerners of the world of the Middle East.
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Larissa
5.0 out of 5 stars You will learn so much
Reviewed in the United States on 4 March 2021
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If the Islamic world/Arabian lands interest you this is a great book. I learned so much! It’s well written. I took longer to read just because it became a companion, I didn’t want to let it go.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on 31 March 2020
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Very good, just a bit lengthy, with many anecdotes and overly detailed descriptions I could have done without. Still would recommend.
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Javed Choudry
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Islam and History of The Middle East
Reviewed in the United States on 14 October 2016
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The book presents a unique perspective about Islam, the Qur'an, and the Middle East. The author, Muhammad Asad, was born in Europe in a Jewish family and converted to Islam after living among the Arabs for few years. His reading of the Qur'an and understanding of Islam is based on reasoning not on a dogma or blind faith.
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Ehab A. Ali
5.0 out of 5 stars Best true adventure story
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2011
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This man, Leapold Weis, or Muhammad Asad was truly a great human being. The way he explained his thoughts as he went about telling his story is something to be experienced. You will have a hard time putting this book down until you've finished reading it from cover to cover. I highly recommend this for those interested in the middle eastern culture and religion.
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Panda
5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed reading this book
Reviewed in the United States on 26 April 2016
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I enjoyed reading this book, but it did take some effort as the author was very descriptive about his experiences and feelings. It made me want to have lived during that time to see some of the things he saw, as I know that the countries he visited are so very different today.
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Dana
5.0 out of 5 stars yet I knew I can never be like him! May the Creator be pleased with his ...
Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2018
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A man who was a true human, and his true spiritual journey through physical journey. It made me to be jealous of him, and his adventures, yet I know I can never be like him! May the Creator be pleased with M. Asad.
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David Hitt
5.0 out of 5 stars Great piece of history
Reviewed in the United States on 13 September 2020
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Remarkable account of early 20th century Arabia. What Islam has done for the world is remarkable. Those Men were true Men.
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Syed Najib Syed Abd Bahari
5.0 out of 5 stars Great storyteller of Mohd Asad
Reviewed in the United States on 23 May 2019
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Great storyteller of Mohd Asad on his spiritual journey to reach the house of God in Mecca. Inspiring and a lifetime dream to visit His house of Kaaba.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Epic
Reviewed in the United States on 10 May 2017
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Was a wonderful journey I took with the writer, a great writer, into the depth of their grappling with the existential. Worth your time people. Praise be to the Most High!
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Ree
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most underrated books of all time...
Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2017
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A fascinating historical account of the middle and near east, written by an Austrian journalist. Gives one last glimpse of the region before oil took over and became king.
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Charles Gladman
4.0 out of 5 stars Muhammad's teachings
Reviewed in the United States on 21 December 2013
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I started this book, but I am reading Martin Luther King Jr.'s book right now, so I will read this book later. I pray and I am glad to have The Road to Mecca.
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Abdulghani Daraiseh
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United States on 31 March 2022
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Excellent read
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Guillermo Martin Saiz
4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2013
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A very good book about the experience of conversion to Islam and a very interesting book about Islam from the personal view of one of the most important Muslim intellectuals of the 20th century.
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drnuroz
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it so much that I'd probably read it again ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 October 2016
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A must read! Fascinating story. I read it twice. I loved it so much that I'd probably read it again at some point. He is a prolific writer.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Experience
Reviewed in the United States on 16 October 2015
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It's an outstanding Journey to MAKKAH by the Author who embrased to Islam. Muhammad Assad writes about his Experience. It is a must read for Muslim as well as Non Muslim
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Matt
5.0 out of 5 stars Indiana Jones on intellectual overdrive.
Reviewed in the United States on 11 August 2015
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A glimpse into the last romantic era of Arabia-- before big oil and modern materialism. An epic tale of the crossroads of the past and the modern.
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mmubar
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading!!!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2015
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Excellent book! Author expresses everything in great detail and clarity. Selection of words is extremely impressive. More importantly, the book clearly conveys the core message of religion.
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vinnyb
4.0 out of 5 stars nice book
Reviewed in the United States on 2 January 2013
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nice book about one of Islam pillars. i recommend it for muslims and none muslims, everyone would enjoy this book.
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DOTX
5.0 out of 5 stars Traveler of the world
Reviewed in the United States on 16 March 2019
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Can’t beat a book on Muhammad Saad, what a badass
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Ali
5.0 out of 5 stars Get it you don’t regret
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 January 2020
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A fascinating story and very enjoyable to read
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Z. Elsahli
5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerising
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2015
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This is possibly the most interesting life story I have ever read. It makes me feel we are not living but rather dead ... Walking dead...
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Phamily
2.0 out of 5 stars The author had a huge bias toward Christianity. It ...
Reviewed in the United States on 15 May 2017
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The author had a huge bias toward Christianity. It was not a fair view for both Islam and Christianity. The book is very heavy to read when the author tried to put so many details of history into it.
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kathleen
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book
Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2013
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One of the best books I have ever read, Mohammed Asad is a wonderful writer and takes you right to that time and place in Arabia.
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kareem m. Alkhas
5.0 out of 5 stars Great inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on 18 February 2014
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A great read gives insight to that period of history of Arabia and the Middle East in full detail. basically a great inspiration
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Kate Andalusia
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 4 February 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
So glad a kindle version came out that is fully readable. This is a journey of a book.
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Hello
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on 15 July 2013
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love it and useful
excellent quality, still being used like new 2 years later, i would recommened this product
thanks
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TheDude78
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing life of Asad
Reviewed in the United States on 3 December 2012
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Full story about man who converted to Islam and who dedicated his life to find solution for most problems that region face today ......
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Abdillahi alawy
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 10 June 2016
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excellent read. Heavy on the Shiite thinking but author is excellent
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Haitham
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read
Reviewed in the United States on 8 October 2014
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Very great read for those who are interested in the ideology that created the current Saudi Arabia.
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Numan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2014
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very nicely put biography. there is much excitement when I read the book.
Great, Love it...
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Swaema
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2019
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Amazing book fast delivery
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Hilal Bassam
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2018
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Reconnect with yourself and your Creator. Enjoy!
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Mohammad Abdo
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on 21 February 2013
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A truly refreshing take on Islam and life as a whole. Could not put the book down, a must read.
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Jomama
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 10 April 2018
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Excellent
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SQ
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 21 January 2015
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This is a very gripping narrative. I read it in a single weekend!
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Rana
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2014
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A great read. gives to insight in to so many things first hand.
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Positively Punny
5.0 out of 5 stars very good intro to Islam
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2010
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This book can serve a very good introduction to Islam. I highly recommend this book for people wanting to learn about middle east and islam
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br. T
5.0 out of 5 stars "Europe's gift to Islam"
Reviewed in the United States on 18 December 2009
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The road he took to reach Mecca is such an insightful one that it will keep you wanting to take the journey over and over again...
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2017
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The way this author writes is truly a work of art
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REEM
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 9 August 2017
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Amazing
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Susan Marie
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 18 February 2015
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Excellent book and history of Islam and one mans journey.
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Tariq K.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 4 February 2016
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Great book from a great scholar.
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Mrs R
5.0 out of 5 stars A book full of insights
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 November 2013
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An unusual personal journey that allows a glimpse into an Islamic world that changed the perspective and life of the writer.
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Akin
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 1 February 2016
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great reading
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Hazem H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United States on 21 October 2014
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An amazing journey. Excellent insight.
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Amro Shadi
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 7 November 2014
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A Gem. Enough said
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Sarah C
5.0 out of 5 stars So wonderful!
Reviewed in the United States on 7 November 2014
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Beautiful, moving, heart-feeding.
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Carter
5.0 out of 5 stars What an interesting life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 January 2015
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Now thats an interesting life...
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David Creelman
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Adventure Story
Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2003
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This is a great adventure story from the glorious days of Arabia. It's also the best introduction to Islam I've ever read.
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메카로 가는 길 (The Road to Mecca) 요약
1. 사막의 여정과 회상
이 책은 1932년 늦여름, 저자가 동행인 자이드와 함께 아라비아 사막을 가로질러 메카로 향하는 23일간의 낙타 여정을 기본 축으로 삼는다. 끝없이 펼쳐진 사막의 고독과 침묵 속에서 저자는 자신의 지난 삶을 촘촘히 회상한다. 유럽의 유대인 지식인 레오폴드 바이스가 어떻게 아랍의 사막을 사랑하게 되었고, 마침내 무함마드 아사드라는 이름의 무슬림으로 거듭났는지에 대한 정신적 영적 연대기가 사막의 물리적 여정과 교차하며 전개된다.
2. 유럽에서의 뿌리 상실과 지적 방황
저자는 오스트리아-헝가리 제국의 유대인 가문에서 태어나 헤브라이어 성경과 탈무드를 배우며 자랐다. 그러나 1차 세계대전 이후 유럽 사회를 지배하던 지적 회의주의와 도덕적 공백, 그리고 물질주의적 가치관에 깊은 환멸을 느꼈다. 빈 대학에서 철학과 역사를 공부하고 베를린에서 저널리스트로 활동하면서도, 근대 서구 문명이 이룩한 풍요의 이면에 숨겨진 인간 소외와 영적 갈증을 채울 길을 찾지 못해 방황했다.
3. 아랍 세계와의 만남과 문화적 충격
1922년, 예루살렘에 사는 외삼촌의 초대로 시작된 중동 여행은 그의 인생을 뒤바꾸는 계기가 되었다. 그는 그곳에서 시오니즘이 원주민인 아랍인들에게 행하는 도덕적 부당함을 목격하는 동시에, 아랍인들의 삶에서 서구 사회가 상실한 독특한 가치를 발견했다. 그것은 물질적 소유에 집착하지 않는 내면의 평화, 영혼과 육체가 분리되지 않은 삶의 통합성, 그리고 일상에 깊이 뿌리내린 신앙이었다. 프랭크푸르터 자이퉁의 특파원이 되어 카이로, 다마스쿠스, 바그다드, 페르시아, 아프가니스탄 등 이슬람 세계 전역을 탐해하며 그의 관점은 더욱 깊어졌다.
4. 코란의 발견과 개종
그는 아랍인들의 삶을 지탱하는 근원이 무엇인지 탐구하기 시작했고, 그것이 바로 코란의 가르침임을 깨달았다. 코란은 서구 기독교처럼 영혼과 육체, 성과 속을 대립시키지 않고 삶의 모든 영역을 하나의 유기적 전체로 통합하는 종교였다. 1926년 베를린 지하철에서 물질적 풍요 속에서도 영혼이 죽어 있는 현대인들의 불행한 얼굴을 본 직후, 코란의 타카투르 수라(물질적 탐욕을 경고하는 구절)를 읽고 이것이 인간의 저작이 아닌 신의 계시임을 확신하게 된다. 그는 즉시 이슬람으로 개종했다.
5. 사막이 준 영적 지혜와 종장
개종 후 메카로 성지순례를 떠난 아사드는 사우디아라비아의 이븐 사우드 국왕과 깊은 우정을 나누며 사막의 베두인들과 동고동락했다. 사막은 그에게 신 앞에서의 절대적 고독과 인간의 왜소함을 가르쳐 주는 영적 훈련소였다. 이 책은 메카의 성스러운 카바 신전에 도착해 전 세계 무슬림들이 인종과 계급을 초월하여 하나의 형제애로 결속되는 장엄한 광경을 목격하는 것으로 끝을 맺는다.평론: 근대성의 문턱에서 사막의 일신교를 사유하다
무함마드 아사드의 <메카로 가는 길>은 20세기 이슬람 문학의 이정표이자, 서구 중심적 근대성에 대한 가장 우아하고 날카로운 지적 반론이다. 이 책은 한 이방인이 낯선 종교에 귀의하는 단순한 개종기를 넘어, 영적 파산 상태에 직면한 서구 문명에 대한 처절한 문화 비평이자 보편적 진리를 찾아 나선 세계인의 위대한 여정이다.
저자가 이슬람을 선택한 과정은 감정적 매료나 현실 도피가 아니었다. 그것은 철저히 합리적이고 지적인 사유의 결과였다. 아사드가 보기에 근대 서구는 기술적, 물질적 정점에 도달했으나 영혼의 나침반을 상실한 상태였다. 반면 사막의 아랍인들은 비록 물질적으로는 빈곤했을지언정, 신과 자연, 그리고 자기 자신과 완벽한 조화를 이루고 있었다. 아사드는 이슬람이 과학과 이성, 육체적 삶의 기쁨을 부정하지 않으면서도 인간에게 영적 구심점을 제공하는 가장 균형 잡힌 생활 양식임을 간파했다.
이 책의 문학적 가치는 사막이라는 공간을 영적 캔버스로 변모시킨 뛰어난 서사력에 있다. 낙타를 타고 사막을 걷는 물리적 이동은 저자의 내면 깊은 곳으로 걸어 들어가는 정신적 탐색과 절묘하게 중첩된다. 사막의 잔혹한 더위와 갈증, 그리고 그 끝에 만나는 오아시스는 영적 방황 끝에 다다른 이슬람이라는 안식처의 은유다. 또한, 서구 유대인 지식인의 눈으로 포착한 베두인 문화와 이븐 사우드 국왕의 인간적 면모는 오리엔탈리즘적 편견을 걷어내고 이슬람 사회의 역동성과 도덕적 깊이를 생생하게 증명한다.
결론적으로 <메카로 가는 길>은 귀속감과 정체성의 문제를 거시적 관점에서 재정의한다. 아사드는 자신이 태어난 유럽의 민족적, 종교적 울타리에 갇히기를 거부하고, 인류 보편의 도덕적 가치와 영적 진실이 살아 숨 쉬는 곳을 향해 스스로 망명을 선택했다. 지리적 경계와 문화적 장벽을 뛰어넘어 오직 영혼의 자유와 신 앞에서의 정직함을 추구한 그의 삶은, 물질적 풍요 속에서 여전히 방향을 잃고 방황하는 현대인들에게 삶의 진정한 중심이 어디에 있는지를 묵직하게 되묻는다.
====================
<무함마드 아사드, 『메카로 가는 길』(The Road to Mecca, 1954)>은 단순한 여행기가 아니다. 이 책은 오스트리아 유대계 지식인 레오폴트 바이스가 무함마드 아사드가 되어가는 회심 자서전이며, 동시에 20세기 초 서구 문명 비판, 아랍 세계 체험기, 이슬람 입문서, 사막의 영성 기록을 한데 묶은 독특한 고전이다. 토마스 머튼의 『칠층산』이 현대 서구인의 영적 공허가 가톨릭 수도원으로 향하는 과정을 보여준다면, 『메카로 가는 길』은 유럽 근대의 지적·도덕적 불만이 이슬람이라는 다른 문명적 중심을 찾아가는 과정을 보여준다.
아사드는 본래 레오폴트 바이스라는 이름으로 1900년 오스트리아-헝가리 제국의 렘베르크에서 태어났다. 유대교 전통을 가진 가정에서 자랐지만, 그의 가정은 엄격한 종교적 정통성보다는 지적 자유와 교양을 중시했다. 젊은 그는 빈에서 공부하다가 대학을 그만두고 베를린으로 가 언론인이 된다. 이때의 그는 전형적인 유럽 근대 청년이었다. 종교에 깊이 속하지 않았고, 예술과 철학, 정치와 문학에 끌렸지만, 동시에 유럽 문명 전체에 어떤 피로와 공허가 있다고 느꼈다.
그의 운명을 바꾼 것은 예루살렘 방문이었다. 외삼촌이 예루살렘에 살고 있었고, 바이스는 그곳에서 처음으로 팔레스타인 아랍인들의 세계와 만난다. 여기서 그는 시온주의에 대해 비판적인 태도를 갖게 된다. 그에게 문제는 유대인의 고통이나 유럽 반유대주의를 부정하는 것이 아니었다. 문제는 유대인의 민족적 구원이 팔레스타인 아랍인들의 삶을 희생시키는 방식으로 이루어지고 있다는 점이었다. 그는 처음부터 시온주의를 도덕적으로 불편하게 느꼈고, 아랍인들의 일상, 환대, 언어, 종교적 생활에 점점 끌리게 된다.
이 책의 구성은 단순한 연대기적 자서전이 아니다. 현재의 사막 여행 장면과 과거 회상이 교차한다. 독자는 아사드가 낙타를 타고 아라비아 사막을 통과하는 장면을 따라가다가, 어느 순간 그의 어린 시절, 유럽 생활, 예루살렘 체험, 언론인 생활, 이슬람에 대한 지적 탐구로 돌아간다. 이 구조는 매우 효과적이다. 왜냐하면 아사드의 회심은 한순간의 감정적 사건이 아니라, 긴 여행과 관찰, 우정과 사유, 문명적 불만이 누적된 결과이기 때문이다. 제목의 “메카로 가는 길”도 실제 순례의 길이면서 동시에 존재론적 귀향의 길이다.
아사드가 이슬람에 매혹된 첫 이유는 교리보다 삶이었다. 그는 아랍인들의 태도에서 유럽인이 잃어버린 어떤 직접성, 단순성, 하나님 앞의 평등감, 삶과 종교의 통합을 보았다. 그의 눈에 유럽의 근대인은 풍요롭지만 불안했고, 자유롭지만 중심이 없었으며, 지적으로 세련되었지만 영적으로 분열되어 있었다. 반면 이슬람 세계, 특히 사막의 사람들은 가난하고 정치적으로 약할 수는 있어도 삶 전체가 하나의 방향을 향해 있었다. 아사드는 그 방향을 “하나님에 대한 의식”으로 이해했다.
그의 회심에서 중요한 장면은 베를린 지하철에서 현대인의 불행한 얼굴을 본 뒤, 꾸란의 수라 <타카수르>, 곧 “더 많이 가지려는 경쟁”을 읽는 경험이다. 그는 경제적 번영 속에서도 불만과 초조에 사로잡힌 유럽인들의 얼굴을 보았고, 그 직후 꾸란이 인간의 무한한 소유욕과 죽음, 책임을 말하는 것을 보고 충격을 받는다. 그는 이것이 단순한 고대 아라비아인의 문장이 아니라 시대를 초월한 계시라고 느낀다. 여기서 아사드에게 이슬람은 과거의 종교가 아니라 현대 문명의 병을 진단하는 살아 있는 언어가 된다.
『메카로 가는 길』의 가장 아름다운 부분은 아라비아 사막과 베두인 세계에 대한 묘사다. 아사드는 사막을 낭만적 배경으로만 그리지 않는다. 사막은 죽음의 위험, 목마름, 길 잃음, 고독의 장소다. 그러나 바로 그렇기 때문에 인간은 자기 한계를 절감한다. 그는 사막에서 인간이 자연을 지배한다는 근대적 환상을 버리게 된다고 본다. 광대한 하늘, 끝없는 모래, 물 한 모금의 절대적 가치, 길동무와 낙타에 대한 의존은 인간을 하나님 앞에 세운다. 그래서 그는 일신교가 사막과 깊은 관련이 있다고 느낀다. 고대 히브리인과 이슬람이 모두 사막적 감각 속에서 형성되었다는 그의 설명은 다소 단순화의 위험이 있지만, 종교적 상상력으로서는 매우 강력하다.
또 하나 중요한 대목은 이븐 사우드와 사우디아라비아 초창기에 대한 기록이다. 아사드는 압둘아지즈 이븐 사우드를 직접 만났고, 그의 궁정과 정치 세계를 가까이서 경험했다. 그는 이븐 사우드를 탁월한 지도자, 엄격하지만 인간적 매력이 있는 통치자로 묘사한다. 이 부분은 역사적 자료로서 흥미롭지만, 오늘의 독자는 비판적으로 읽을 필요가 있다. 아사드는 사우디 국가 형성의 안정성과 공공질서를 높이 평가하지만, 그 권위주의적 성격, 종교적 엄격주의, 부족정치의 폭력성, 여성과 소수자 문제에 대해서는 충분히 비판하지 않는다. 그의 사우디 서술에는 체험자의 생생함과 동시에 초기 회심자의 이상화가 함께 들어 있다.
이 책의 장점은 문장과 통찰의 힘이다. 아사드는 뛰어난 기자였고, 관찰력이 예리했다. 그는 풍경을 묘사할 때도 단순히 아름답다고 말하지 않고, 그 풍경이 인간의 내면에 어떤 변화를 일으키는지 보여준다. 또 사람을 묘사할 때도 정치적 지위보다 눈빛, 말투, 환대의 방식, 침묵의 의미를 포착한다. 그래서 이 책은 여행문학으로도 뛰어나다. 그러나 그것은 단순한 이국 취미가 아니다. 아사드는 동방을 서구인의 환상 속 장식품으로 소비하지 않으려 했다. 그의 초기 저서 제목이 “낭만적이지 않은 동방”이라는 뜻이었다는 점도 상징적이다. 그는 동방을 낭만화하지 않으려 했지만, 동시에 어떤 대목에서는 이슬람과 아라비아를 도덕적으로 이상화한다. 이 긴장은 이 책 전체를 관통한다.
신학적으로 보면, 아사드의 이슬람 이해는 매우 윤리적이고 합리주의적이다. 그는 이슬람을 기적과 신비주의의 종교라기보다, 하나님 중심의 삶, 책임, 공동체, 균형, 절제, 정의의 종교로 이해한다. 그의 이슬람은 반지성주의가 아니다. 오히려 그는 꾸란을 인간 이성과 도덕적 직관을 깨우는 계시로 본다. 이런 점에서 그는 후대의 많은 서구 무슬림 지식인들에게 큰 영향을 주었다. 그의 꾸란 번역과 주석 『꾸란의 메시지』가 중요한 것도 이 때문이다. 그는 이슬람을 서구인에게 설명하되, 서구 기준에 맞추어 희석시키지 않으려 했다.
하지만 이 책의 한계도 분명하다. 첫째, 아사드는 무슬림 사회의 현실적 모순을 비판하면서도, 그 원인을 종종 “참된 이슬람에서 멀어졌기 때문”으로 설명한다. 이것은 종교개혁적 언어로서는 힘이 있지만, 사회과학적으로는 부족할 수 있다. 식민주의, 경제구조, 계급, 국가폭력, 젠더질서, 국제정치 같은 요소들이 충분히 분석되지는 않는다. 둘째, 그는 아랍 세계와 이슬람 세계를 깊이 사랑했지만, 바로 그 사랑 때문에 어떤 폭력과 억압을 덜 보거나 덜 강조하는 경향도 있다. 셋째, 그의 회심 서사는 유럽 근대의 공허와 이슬람의 충만함을 대비시키는데, 이 대비는 문학적으로 강렬하지만 때로는 지나치게 이분법적이다.
그럼에도 『메카로 가는 길』은 여전히 강력한 책이다. 이 책은 “왜 한 서구 지식인이 이슬람을 선택했는가”라는 질문에 대한 가장 설득력 있는 답변 중 하나다. 아사드에게 이슬람은 혈통이나 관습의 종교가 아니라, 삶 전체를 하나의 중심으로 묶어주는 질서였다. 그는 유럽에서 지적 자유를 배웠고, 중동에서 신 앞에 선 인간의 단순성과 책임을 배웠다. 그의 회심은 서구를 버리고 동양으로 도피한 사건이 아니라, 서구 근대의 문제를 더 넓은 종교적 지평에서 다시 해석하려는 시도였다.
결국 『메카로 가는 길』은 세 겹의 책이다.
- 첫째, 한 인간의 회심 자서전이다.
- 둘째, 20세기 초 아랍·이슬람 세계에 대한 생생한 여행기다.
- 셋째, 근대 문명의 영적 위기에 대한 비판서다.
그래서 이 책은 이슬람 입문서로도 읽히고, 여행문학으로도 읽히며, 문명비판으로도 읽힌다. 특히 오늘날처럼 소비, 속도, 정보, 경쟁이 인간의 내면을 끊임없이 분산시키는 시대에는, 아사드가 베를린 지하철에서 보았던 “풍요 속의 불행한 얼굴들”이 더욱 낯설지 않다. 이 점에서 『메카로 가는 길』은 1954년의 책이지만, 아직도 현재형의 질문을 던진다. 인간은 무엇을 향해 가는가. 더 많이 갖는 것이 삶의 목적이 될 수 있는가. 그리고 한 삶을 지탱하는 중심은 어디에서 오는가.
아사드의 대답은 분명하다. 그 중심은 하나님이며, 그 길은 메카로 향하는 길, 곧 인간이 자기 욕망의 중심에서 벗어나 궁극적 진리 앞에 서는 길이다.
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