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Acts of Faith

The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation

Author: Eboo Patel

A young Muslim activist explains our critical need to counter the recruitment of youth by religious fundamentalists
Acts of Faith is Eboo Patel's remarkable account of coming of age and coming to understand what led him toward religious pluralism rather than hatred. His story is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people, and to the notion that we find the fulfillment of our identities in the work we do in the world.

"A beautifully written story of discovery and hope."
—President Bill Clinton

"Visionary . . . The tale of a man's increasing understanding that traditions of mercy, compassion, and social justice are embedded in every faith, and accessing them is the key to creating a pluralism that enhances faith rather than threatening it."
—Adam Mansbach, Boston Globe

"An entertaining page-turner that juxtaposes youthful mistakes with remarkable moments of insight."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Highly recommended."
—Library Journal, starred review

“This autobiography of a young activist captures how an angry youth can be transformed—by faith, by the community and, most of all, by himself—into a profound leader for the cause of peace.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Eboo Patel is an exciting new voice of a new America: diverse but not divisive, hopeful but not utopian. He speaks for all of us from a rising generation of bright, brown and bold Americans who have much to offer a country embarking on a new millennium and in need of new blood.”
—Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, executive director of the Zaytuna Institute

“Eboo Patel has crafted an elegantly written and brilliantly argued manifesto—a call to arms, really—about the importance, not of interfaith dialogue, but of interfaith cooperation. His thesis is simple: children are not born to hate; hatred is taught to them. And in a time when religion is used increasingly to justify bigotry and violence, it is up to people of faith everywhere who believe in peace, and tolerance, and pluralism, to stand up to those who preach hatred in the name of God. Acts of Faith is more than a book, it is an awakening of the mind. It should be required reading for all Americans.”
—Reza Aslan, author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam

"[Patel] shows how educating a new generation to reject religious intolerance and work for the common good is the only way the world can avoid growing fanaticism and violence. This hopeful book shows the power that is waiting to be engaged for a better future.”
—Jim Wallis, author of God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It

“A remarkable book by a young Muslim and a Rhodes Scholar with a vast spiritual vision: a future in which young people join hands in service across the lines of religion. Refreshing, honest, and hopeful, it will speak to the soul of a generation yearning for a new way ahead. Give it to every young person in your life—and to yourself.”
—Diana Eck, author of A New Religious America: How a ‘Christian Country’ Has Become the World’s Most Religious Diverse Nation

Reviews

Review: Christian Century - May 6, 2008

“...the best recent American statement about living one’s faith in a pluralistic society. It challenges Christian ethics to try to make a similar statement in its own terms."

View the discussion guide

Click here to see Eboo Patel ranked in the top 100 most powerful Chicagoans in Chicago Mag blog

Click here to read a review of Acts of Faith on the Hebrew Union Continuing Alumni Education blog

Click here to read a feature article by Eboo Patel on the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog

Click here to read an article printed in the The GW Hatchet featuring Eboo Patel and his upcoming address at the Class of 2015's Convocation

Click here to read an article printed in the Christian Century featuring Eboo Patel and the Interfaith Youth Corps

Click here to read an article printed in the New York Times featuring Eboo Patel and the Interfaith Youth Corps

Click here to read a feature printed in US Catholic Magazine about the Dalai Lama's visit to Chicago, and the interfaith event where Eboo Patel moderated the discussion

Click here to read a feature printed in The Chicago Tribune about the Dalai Lama's visit to Chicago, and the interfaith event where Eboo Patel moderated the discussion