Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 176 pages
- Published by: The Book Foundation April 1, 2004
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1904510086
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1904510086
-
Book Dimensions:
9 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
- Weighs: 9.4 ounces
From Publishers Weekly
Rahman, a writer of Bangladeshi descent, expresses deep spiritual themes in this primer, the first book to be published by the Book Foundation of California. Most of Rahman's insight comes from the teachings of his paternal grandfather, Maulana Hedayatullah, who was a spiritual teacher and healer in Northern Bengal. These teachings were passed down to Rahman by his late parents, who added lessons of their own. The real core of the book is Rahman's persistent enthusiasm for developing individual spirituality within the context of Islam. Although some of his spiritual guidance is too abstract to be meaningful to most, he helpfully ends most chapters with a list of "practices" for the reader. Some contain constructive suggestions, such as looking at one's actions at the end of each day, making a list of those people one has lied to and allowing oneself to experience new feelings. The two sections of the bookâ€"the first describing "Three Principles of Islam" and the second on the Five Pillars of Islamâ€"contain short chapters, making for an easy read. Rahman cites Islamic fables (which many Muslim readers will pleasantly recall) to express a point or Islamic value, including the delightful misdeeds of the fictional Mullah Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil. Numerous inspirational quotations from the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets, particularly Rumi, provide foundation for the spiritual striving Rahman espouses. He succeeds in sharing "something of the fragrance of Islam," affectionately introducing a religion based on a vigorous inner journey.
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Product Description
The essence of Islam is conveyed to spiritual students in this practical and heartwarming introduction to the religion and its practices. The ancient wisdom of the faith is lovingly passed down to readers from a distinguished lineage of teachers, including the author's own parents and grandparents. Each chapter features a series of thought-provoking questions and suggestions concerning Islamic spirituality along with a list of actions that will guide new believers in the simple spirituality of the faith while spreading compassion worldwide.
Reader ReviewsThis book serves as an excellent introduction of the Islamic faith to the average Westerner who may have only been exposed to stereotypical presentations of the religion. It also will deepen the knowledge and understanding for people who are interested in the core ideas and fundamental principles of Islam. It focuses on inner practice, fundamental themes (such as surrender, faith, truthfulness, humility, etc.) and applications to daily living. The chapters are short, the message is direct and lucid, but there is nothing simple (or simplified) about the presentation. It is a book you will want to read more than once.
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