Alvi’s Nonviolent Activism in Islam is a significant work which presents a positive, tolerant, and peace-loving picture of Islam in a scenerio which is inundated with negative stereotypes of Islam and Muslims. A remarkable work, it is a must read for students and scholars interested in nonviolent activism in Islam.
— Islam and Muslim Societies: A Social Science Journal
Skillfully using the writings and contributions of Indian nationalist leader Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Hayat Alvi presents a fascinating mosaic of non-violent activism within Islam. When the faith is often portrayed as synonymous with extremism, intolerance and xenophobia, Alvi offers a persuasive alternate narrative through Azad. Highlighting and shoring up saner voices of such towering figures is critical for a meaningful understanding of Islam and its trajectory.
— P.R. Kuramaswamy, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Dr. Hayat Alvi has produced a masterful work which highlights the pioneering work of a giant of the Indian independence movement who used non-violent Islamic doctrine to support the struggle against occupation and promote social justice. This work deserves wide coverage particularly at a time when Islam is principally associated with jihadism and militancy
— Dr. Azeem Ibrahim, Director, Newlines Intitute for Strategy and Policy
We live in a world that is inundated with negative stereotypes of Islam and Muslims, and the extremists provide ample material for the media to perpetuate these unconstructive and unflattering labels." This riveting work on CVE is much needed at this point in time. It makes a compelling argument that the seemingly weak can win the strong without carrying up arms and through simple means as peaceful resistance. Maulana Azad is the epitome of Islamic nonviolence at a time when violence seemed the only weapon at the hands of the oppressed. This book is an invaluable addition to CVE and a must read for those who seek to know Islam not as presented by terrorists but by peace loving, tolerant devout Muslims as Maulana Azad.
— Ali Rashid Al Abri, PhD, Countering Extremist Specialist, The Sultanate of Oman
By carefully exploring the ideas and telling the story of Abul Kalam Azad, an Indian Islamic thinker and independence activist who was a contemporary of Mahatma Gandhi and an enthusiastic supporter of his non-violent strategy, Professor Alvi presents a powerful articulation of “the moral force and courage of nonviolence” in the context of Islamic thought. In the process, she thoughtfully ties the ideas of freedom, justice, and non-violence to important political issues of the day. Highly recommended.
— Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland
Alvi's is a significant work which presents a positive, tolerant, and peace-loving picture of Islam amid a scenerio inundated with negative stereotypes of Islam and Muslims
— Kashmir Observer