The Shade of Swords

"The shade of swords is not an invitation to kill ; it is an invitation to die."

Thus starts boldly the book by M.J. Akbar 'The Shade of Swords'. I am currently in the perusal of this controversial book which catalogs the birth of the concept of jihad and the spread and effect of the same, the misinterpretation and the undue advantage taken of a religious duty by presenting it in a convenient light. It talks about the age old conflict between Islam and Christianity and traces it though the entire stretch of history.

I use the word controversial with a purpose. Every time we talk about religion in this country we create a controversy. And when you read a book with tends to call a spade a spade , it does get a little hard to digest. One will always be biased towards the faith one has believed in. Religious sentiments of the people are easily abused and used to meet ends. And to fuel the fire of misgiving we are aided by the many many interpretations that tend to divide us further.

Faith has always be a special subject for me. That's the reason I wanted to read this book. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to learn correct facts regarding the history and politics of two major religions in this world. Or anybody who has wondered about the concept of jihad and its hold upon the people.

M.J.Akbar is a pleasure to read. The language is precise and firm. The flow engaging. And as Seymour Hersh says ; An unbelievably sophisticated work that is terribly daring.'