For many, making sense of Islam from the media coverage has been nothing less than confusing. Mark Gabriel knows firsthand the world of Islam. Having been born and raised as a devout Muslim in Cairo, Egypt, he became a professor of Islamic history at Egyptś famed Al-Azhar University. For numerous years he was exposed to radical fundamentalist teachings, including those of Sheihk Omar Rahman (mastermind of the first World Trade center bombing). As a devout follower of Islam since birth, Gabriel soon found himself trapped in a religion he had practiced all his life and its contradictory stance toward others of different faiths. After questioning Islamś rigid tenets, Gabriel found himself ostracized by family and friends as well as severely tortured for several days. The Islam Dr. Gabriel encountered while teaching at Al-Azhar was similar to some of the teachings of the Quran and Muhammed regarding those who questioned Islam. According to Gabriel, "People in the West have a hard time understanding terrorists ... I can assure you, these people are not lunatics. Nor are they psychopaths who find psychological pleasure in hurting others. No, they are following a philosophy, and once you understand this philosophy, none of their actions will even surprise you."