Lesley Hazleton on Reading the Koran

As the Middle East is the place where many religious writings were revealed and written, residents of this region, regardless of their convictions, might well do to suspend their judgment, shun the stereotypes and read the holy books for themselves.

This is what agnostic Jew Lesley Hazleton did with the Koran and in this fascinating TED Talk, she tells of the experience and shares what she discovered.

Accidental Theologist
A psychologist by training and Middle East reporter by experience, British-born Lesley Hazleton has spent the last ten years exploring the intersections of politics and religion, past and present.

Journalist and ‘accidental theologist’ Lesley Hazleton is the author of ‘After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split’.

Exploding the Myths
TED Talks says in the introduction:

“Lesley Hazleton sat down one day to read the Koran. And what she found—as a non-Muslim, a self-identified ‘tourist’ in the Islamic holy book—wasn't what she expected. With serious scholarship and warm humour, Hazleton shares the grace, flexibility and mystery she found, in this myth-debunking talk.”

Find out Yourself
Alan Klein adds this comment about the value of listening to Hazleton’s talk:

“Very interesting perspective. Her talk has motivated me to read and learn more about the Koran and make up my own mind rather than get second hand information filled with hate.”

Listen to the Talk



Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Lesley Hazleton (Photo courtesy of the Female Chaplin)