Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey by V. S. Naipaul

“Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey” is a non-fiction book written by Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul. Published in 1981, the book is based on Naipaul’s travels through four Muslim countries: Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Naipaul explores the cultural, social, and political aspects of these countries, particularly focusing on the rise of political Islam.

The book delves into the complexities of Islamic societies, examining the impact of political and religious ideologies on the lives of individuals. Naipaul provides insights into the historical, religious, and cultural dynamics of these nations, offering a critical and sometimes controversial perspective on the intersections of Islam, politics, and identity.

Naipaul’s writing is known for its incisive analysis and sharp observations, and “Among the Believers” is no exception. The book is part of a trilogy, with the other two books being “Beyond Belief: Islamic Excursions Among the Converted Peoples” (1998) and “Beyond Belief: The Mind of the South” (2002). Together, these works form Naipaul’s exploration of the Islamic world and its diverse manifestations.