Two Billion Caliphs: A Vision of a Muslim Future

Moghul (How To Be a Muslim) explores what being a Muslim means to him, and some of the underpinnings of his faith. The text alternates among scripture, reflection, and personal experiences, weaving together a narrative that reinterprets what it means to be a Muslim in contemporary times. Drawing from the scriptures (especially the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and Hagar), Moghul starts with the idea of God, human agency, and the personal relationship between each individual and God. Next, he discusses Muhammad’s life and how it should be interpreted as embodying Islamic ideals. Sections of the narrative are specifically devoted to polygamy, slavery, territoriality, and organized religion. Moghul then returns to engaging with God, speaking out and combatting injustice as our individual situations permit, and living as stewards of earth. These are distilled as individual obligations incumbent on all Muslims. Readers may not agree with the conclusions or methods of reasoning Moghul uses; they may even accuse him of omitting other sections of scripture that may challenge his interpretation. However, the work does provide a basis for introspection and debate for Muslims and non-Muslims.