Reddit mentions of Struggling to Surrender: Some Impressions of an American Convert to Islam

I recommend the Jeffery Lang books: Struggling to Surrender, Even Angels Ask and Losing My Religion.

Jefferty Lang goes over all your questions and more. The books are easy read and you'll enjoy his writing style.

Salam bro, i hope you're being sincere in your path, but i urge to look at things objectively.

Also, maybe ask specific questions, because you're asking us a research paper.

As for the stupidity of people, i think you're being a pessimist, just like in the story of creation of men, God has appointed mankind as khalifas on the earth but the angels ask God:

> And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."

Then God said:

> He said, "O Adam, inform them of their names." And when he had informed them of their names, He said, "Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed."

They acknowledged the bad side of humanity, but they didn't acknowledged the good, intellectual side of it. You're doing the same.

I'd recommend wathcing this the purpose of life by Jeffrey Lang.

And check out his books:

Losing my religion: A call for help: http://www.amazon.com/Losing-My-Religion-Call-Help/dp/1590080270

Even the angels ask: http://www.amazon.com/Even-Angels-Ask-Journey-America/dp/0915957671

Struggling to surrender: http://www.amazon.com/Struggling-Surrender-Impressions-American-Convert/dp/0915957264/ref=sr_1_16?s=english-books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333097284&sr=1-16