Amir Makin found Al Islam on an unexpected yet fruitful journey to Africa. Having always been intrigued with issues of the oppressed masses, he quickly learned how this way of life directed all to defend and protect the indigent from tyranny while preserving the dignity of the dispossessed. Since that time, he has instilled in himself and advanced the type of analysis that leads to positive change throughout society.

We interviewed Amir to find out more about his new book, A Worthy Muslim: Quranic Tools Needed to Overcome Oppression and Imperialism in Order to Institute Justice (A.I.C. Publications, May '08), which is all about how to use the Qur’an to fight oppression, gain social and political independence without compromising the Islamic message and its movement.

Thank you for this interview, Amir. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

First, let me thank you for the invitation and opportunity to share this information. I initially accepted Al Islam on an unexpected yet fruitful journey to Africa. I was very impressed by the ability exhibited by the indigent and oppressed in preserving their dignity while resisting their current state of oppression. After studying these and other peoples of oppressed backgrounds, the application of the Qur’an made me realize that the way of life called Islam directed all to defend and protect the indigent from tyranny while preserving the dignity of the dispossessed. Since that time, I’ve instilled in myself and advanced the type of analysis that leads to positive change throughout society. I have since immersed myself in the area of study towards developing solutions for communities most disaffected.

At what point in your life did you make up your mind you were going to become a published author?

I initially began writing to express my thoughts in their totality regarding international affairs and their impact on domestic issues related to poverty and oppression. Since doing this I’ve felt a strange calmness for being able to speak to these underrepresented issues on behalf of some who are not generally heard. After this, I realized that there were other individuals who wanted more information concerning these issues, and the writing journey began.

What is your favorite book at the present?