Malaysian Scholars Foundation

2009-06-14T09:51:00.004+01:00

Field: Others (Diary)
Title: Journey to Islam- Diary of a German Diplomat
Author: Murad Wilfried Hofmann
Publication: The Islamic Foundation
ISBN: 0 86037 326 6
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

A diary, though different from (auto)biography, tells as much about the author as the latter customarily would. This one in question records the life of the author, his quest of truth, intense curiosity, remarkable analysis and critical thinking, among many others, since the beginning of the second decade of his life.

Being a reader, a characteristic essential for a diplomat, Mr Hofmann acquainted himself with many books including the Qur'an, which he found to be unique. Years before actually becoming a Muslim he has extensively read on the hadith and Islamic philosophy. Finally on the 25th of September 1980 in Bonn, he declared his shahadah.

In the eyes of a German diplomat, a new Muslim, an ex-Catholic, Mr Hofmann saw many things otherwise hidden to both the general Westerners and Muslims. In the many ocassions where the former see Islam as a threat, he sees it as an alternative, and when the latter take something for granted, he appreciates it like anything. It was only a matter of time before his intellect and piety took him to another stage; everywhere in the world people longed to learn from him.

[Discuss]

2009-06-02T18:12:00.004+01:00

Field: Islam, Ummah
Title: Islamic Resurgence in South Africa
Authors: Abdulkader Tayob
Publication: UCT Press
ISBN: 0-7992-1612-7
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

The multicultural South Africa was not left out when then modern Islamic paradigm took shape in the Muslim world. Leading the shift in the early period were the Malays, largely because of the many political exiles who were shown much respect in this 'new home'. They later build mosques, but were divided between racial lines (Malays-Indians-Africans). This was further exacerbated by the different school of thought adopted by each community, until that it was not uncommon to have serious disputes on what would otherwise be trivial matters.

The modern Islamic paradigm, drawn from international experience, serves as a useful source of Islamic knowledge against traditional 'ulama and the grips they had on the community. It has found Islam in new rhetorical slogans, discussion groups, rallies, and campaigns, even disarming the 'ulama who have long claimed the sole right to interpret the religion. This, of course, did not happen without harsh opposition. The 'ulama saw this change as detrimental to their influence, and did not prefer to sit and watch it crippling down.

Later, Islamism came about, as a response to the success of Iranian revolution. By this new paradigm, it was believed that education and preparation (not arms struggle or revolution) would ensure the eventual success for Islam in South Africa. When the Islamic movement (here the Muslim Youth Movement) had to face the changing political terrain in South Africa, they found an alternate approach- i.e. contextualism. In concrete terms, its image became involved in political issues more than anything else, through a contextual reading of the Islamic texts.

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2009-05-06T17:03:00.008+01:00

Field: Wars, Others
Title: Race with Death
Authors: Vahida Demirović
Publication: TA-HA Publishers
ISBN: 1-84200-005-5
Rating: 3/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

“…For a hundred days he had to endure abuse, humiliation and beatings: they kicked him, beat him with iron rods, heavy logs, and anything else they could lay hands on. Nursing his own wounds, he wished he could block out the noise of the sufferings of other inmates… Even worse was the sense of impotence. In particular the cries for help he heard from the Muslim women and girls being raped and tortured… He wondered what his wife was enduring and he thanked God that he had no daughters. Perhaps it would have been better if his wife just died, if she was being tortured like this… And he thought of Risto (his Serb neighbour), how he had transformed from their helpful neighbour into a torturing criminal overnight. What has snapped in his psyche all of a sudden? Or was the good neighbour act all those years a mere façade? Why does he begrudge my existence? What have I done to him to deserve this?”

This book collects within its two covers 22 personal stories of the brutal Bosnian war, as communicated by Vahida’s patients. Reading one after another is painful, but surely experiencing it is worst. Words can describe so much but it needs a higher faculty, strength and endurance to be inflicted with- and survive- such great ordeal. In the words of Vahida, “only a parent who has lost a child could understand the pain of losing a child”. These instances, however distressing, make only an imperceptibly tiny fraction of what happened to Bosna as a whole.

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2009-05-06T16:49:00.019+01:00

Field: Islam
Title: The Clash of Civilisations: An Islamic View
Authors: Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Publication: Al-Hidaayah
ISBN: 978-1-898649-71-7
Rating: 2/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

In a time when Muslims in the West live in an environment of turmoil and difficulty facing new changes daily, they encounter a cultural dilemma, a clash of the Islamic and Western civilizations. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to know the foundations of these cultures, the differences between them as well as understanding Islam correctly taken from its pure sources.

The Western culture has its roots in Greco-Roman civilization, until that its effects can be seen until today. The naming of the days from Sunday to Saturday are all based on their deities, namely Sun, Moon, Tyr, Woden, Thor, Frigg, and Saturn. Even the holy day of Sunday and Christmas can be traced to the Roman pagan’s belief system.

The great transition the West experience to modern science occurred in the battle over Copernicus’s theory, championed by Galileo, whose struggle survived at the expense of his life. The Aristotelians who conspired against him soon lost the war, consequently paving more way for mechanistic explanation which we call science. Later the rise of Voltaire, David Hume, Charles Lyell, Darwin and many others gave a big blow to Christianity- from which it is yet to recover today.

Bilal Philips then expounded on Islamic culture and the roots from where it was derived, making clear between what is original and what characterizes a product of adoption or innovation. Muslims went through several evolutionary phases throughout history marked by the existence of schools of thoughts, a period of blind following, reformation, modernism, and movements. The Islamic creed is however very much protected; its teaching is still preserved and its foundations unadulterated- but the main problem is when they are not practiced.

In the later chapters, the author wrote on each and every pillar of Islam and iman and its consequentially generated character and virtue. Muslims are called to appreciate these pillars to secure not only a new world order but also the much-hoped salvation.

[More...]

2009-05-06T16:33:00.007+01:00

Field: Politics, Palestine
Title: Hamas: Unwritten Chapters
Authors: Azzam Tamimi
Publication: Hurst & Company, London 2007
ISBN: 1-85065-834-X
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

After more than twenty years of accumulating public support and influence, Hamas was born in the middle of what the Palestinians believe to be an endless iniquitous aggression from the Israeli side. The 7 Ikhwan leaders who founded this organization include Syeikh Ahmad Yassin and Dr Abd al-Aziz al-Rantisi, whom, as the future reveals, were later to be martyrs. As a comprehensive Islamic resistance group, Hamas utilizes both political and military means to attain its objective; restoring Palestinian rights.

It was not until after long being suppressed by the Nasiri regime that the Ikhwan, the predecessor of Hamas, could breathe again. Many Arabs were convinced that nationalism is their only train to glory, a state they have lost for many centuries. However the atmosphere changes at the symbolic defeat of nationalism in the 1967 6-day-war between Israel and the Arabs. This already-pared confidence is further inflicted by the Black September of 1970 and Anwar Sadat’s friendly visit to the Knesset (Israeli parliament) 7 years later. The Islamists saw these and grabbed their chance.

With nationalist PLO at war with Israel, the Zionists didn’t in any way see the Islamists as a threat when they started their work at grassroots level. The Ikhwan continued to provide sports facilities, recreational trips, scout events, mosques, kindergartens, schools and clinics- trying to ignore the insolent assaults to their country. However, after the Sabra & Shatila massacre in 1982 the pressure mounted, and they came out with a Jihad plan; a prelude to Sheikh Yassin’s arrest two years later.

Two years after Hamas’ inception, it suffered a near-fatal blow. The leadership began to consider transferring its centre of operation outside Palestine, a task soon taken and headed by Abu Marzuq. For a few years, Jordan warmly welcomed their presence there and for the country to be used as a political base. Things changed when the Jordanian authorities was inundated with too much pressure from the US and Israel, especially after the demise of King Hussein. Hamas was later welcomed by Qatar and then Syria.

Many parties with personal motives are dying to incapacitate Hamas. This includes the Palestinian Authority whose members are mostly American-backed Fatah members. The right to governance Hamas won from the Palestinians in 2006 was undermined by these people, which culminated and made worse by the Israeli who in 29 June 2006 kidnapped 64 Hamas officials, rendering its government handicapped. In spite of it all, Hamas continues to attract more and more support from lovers of freedom and justice all around the world.

[More...]

2009-04-06T10:28:00.000+01:00

Field: Islam
Title: Formula Solat Sempurna
Author: Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman
Publication: Telaga Biru
ISBN: 978-983-3494-98-9
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Intan

Semakin jauh kita berjalan di merata pelusuk bumi,kita akan melihat pelbagai ragam manusia bersolat.Ada yang dilakukan atas dasar kejahilan.Kebanyakannya menjadi pak turut atau mewarisi ajaran daripada nenek moyang mereka.Perkembangan Islam membawa kepada perkembangan perkara-perkara furuk(ranting) yang wujud dalam ajaran Islam kerana makin jauh daripada sumber asal iaitu Rasulullah SAW.Jauh dari segi faktor zaman juga menghambat amalan solat yang tulen.Maka,pengarang yang juga merupakan pemilik kepada website http://zaharuddin.net telah merumuskan cara solat sempurna seperti yang telah dilakukan oleh Rasulullah SAW yang dengan merujuk sumber tradisional dan kontemporari.

Keistimewaan buku ini terletak pada kupasan ringkas dan padat sesuai untuk masyarakat dari latar belakang yang pelbagai termasuklah mereka yang mempunyai pengetahuan yang minimum dalam kefahaman syariah.Buku ini dibahagikan kepada 5 bab yakni:

Persoalan taklid mazhab dan mencampuradukkan mazhab
Maklumat asas berkaitan solat
Tatacara solat berkualiti
Zikir dan doa nabawi
Hakikat dalam mendapatkan khusyuk dalam solat.
Menariknya,selain daripada merungkaikan tatacara solat mengikut pandangan para ulamak fiqh daripada 4 mazhab utama ahli sunnah wal jamaah iaitu Hanafi,Maliki,Syafi’i dan Hanbali,pengarang juga menyisipkan faktor-faktor yang menyumbang kepada kegagalan dalam memperoleh khusyuk dalam solat.Kesan kerosakan akidah dan kepercayaan (bomoh dan ramalan,terlibat dalam gejala sihir,tangkal azimat,kepercayaan zodiak etc) dan pengambilan makanan,minuman dan pakaian daripada harta haram memberi kesan kepada munajat dan doa seseorang.Di dalam buku ini juga pengarang menekankan dosa besar yang melibatkan harta haram termasuklah dosa riba(2:278-279) dan dosa rasuah/sogokan (2:188) yang mana selalu dipandang remeh oleh masyarakat.

Kesimpulannya,buku ini amat bagus untuk dijadikan bahan bacaan semua setelah diambil kira dari semua aspek termasuk penggunaan bahasa mudah,isi yang komprehensif,tulisan yang bersaiz besar,glossari dan gambar-gambar yang memudahkan pembaca memahami tatacara solat sempurna.

[More...]

2009-04-06T10:21:00.000+01:00

Title: Matter The Other Name for Illusion
Author: Harun Yahya
Publication: Arastirma Publishing
ISBN: 975-6579-70-6
Rating: 5/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

Another fantastic book by Harun Yahya. The book discusses the topic of matter, substances made from tiny particles called atoms that learn in science that makes up the whole world. Harun Yahya introduces a new point of view in seeing and perceiving the world we know. His arguments are scientific yet based corely on the noble Qur’an. The book presents a very interesting concept and it requires a change in the view of the world almost completely 180 degrees. When you fully comprehend the book, it is life-changing. You will lose your love for this world and materials and start to love something more. A highly recommended book.

For a more personal review, please visit my blog [here].

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2009-04-06T10:08:00.000+01:00

Title: War and Peace in the Life of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Author: Zakaria Bashier
Publication: The Islamic Foundation
ISBN: 086037520X
Rating: 4/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

The book discusses the times of wars and peace in Arabia during the of the Prophet s.a.w. The difference between this book and the rest is that it uses modern terms and current words and language. And, so, you feel like the author is not talking about faraway story in some faraway land. You feel like you can apply the story to now and the current situations of the coined War on Terror and the politics nowadays. It also helps one to understand how the situation were actually were during the time of the Prophet s.a.w and why the war had to be done, and why the timing of the war were the way it were. There’s also many justifications presented and rebukes on the statement that Islam was spread swords. A good book.

[More...]

2009-03-16T18:07:00.000Z

Field: Others, Islam
Title: From my sisters’ lips
Author: Naima B. Robert
Publication: Bantam Books, Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-553-81717-1
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

The book revolves around the reversion of the author to Islam. Divided into 10 chapters that elaborates the journey to reversion, joy and aches and issues of faith and contemporary, the author took a narrative approach intertwined with stories from other fellow reverts (only women/sisters). For non-muslims, the books offers an insiders view to what it is like being a women muslim, a veiled one at that, from fashion, to family, to marriage, even to sex. For muslims, the book uncovers the discovery of truth, the challenging journey of a revert and most extraordinarily, the meaning of Submission. The book, at times, however, is elaborative and winded, and therefore requires patience in reading. A highly recommended book nonetheless.

The best thing I like about the book is Mrs. Robert’s faith and determination. The depth of her beliefs and how it made her want to follow Allah’s commands without question. It is amazing to read her story of growth and the ups and downs of faith. An inspiring book to help us again and again fight against lure of this world and build up our iman.

[More...]

2009-03-16T18:06:00.000Z

Field: Science, Islam
Title: Keabadian Masa Dan Hakikat Takdir
Author: Harun Yahya
Publication: Saba Islamic Media Sdn. Bhd.
ISBN: 983-9384-58-9
Rating: 5/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

In this book, Harun Yahya explain the concept of timelessness and fate using the methodology of science based on verses of the Quran. His target audience is the general public, resulting in simplification of the language used in an attempt to make his work understandable to the public. This is not an easy task and the book therefore becomes repetitive, some chapters redundant. The concept itself is simple, yet, grasping it is another matter. Students of science will be able to relate to the concept much easier than the public, but still, the concept is one that is difficult to digest.

Understanding the concept is not essential to the faith per say. But, if one could grasp and comprehend it fully, the outlook on the world will never again be the same. For me, this is an amazing book. It helped me understand Qada’ and Qadar (God’s Decree and Destiny) much faster and easier, and I recommend this book to anyone who’s searching and is patient and interested.

[More...]

2009-03-16T14:57:00.000Z

Field: Others
Title: Overcoming Depression – A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
Author: Paul Gilbert
Publication: Robinson Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 1-84119-125-6
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi

Despite the title, I am not under depression. Just partially interested in the condition. Now, back to the book. In all its glory, the book speaks true to its title, at the least, half of its title. It is, as it stated, a book on cognitive behavioral technique. The book focuses heavily on the definition of depression, on its various divisions and types and colourful external expressions.

At the end of every chapter, a small portion was dedicated to self-help tips. At the end of reading it all, I get the feeling that I now know a lot a more about depression than the actual ways of overcoming it. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But then again, that is what cognitive behavioral technique is all about. Cognition literally means, to be aware of a sensation and also aware of its source. The emphasis here is on awareness. Most sufferer of depression aren’t aware of their condition. Hence, they think that the sadness that they feel is a part of them, it’s who they are and they do not recognize it as something pathological that needs to be addressed. In that dimension, the book tries to cover as many part and type of depression as possible to induce cognition of the disorder in sufferers.

However, although I think the book therefore has a noble intention, I do not believe actual depressionist will pick up the book. They are not aware of their condition and hence will not be interested in picking up the book in the first place. In conclusion, from my perspective, the book is not a self-help book per say. It is more suitable for medical students or student of psychology. It covers many aspects of depression and gives many interesting and valuable information of the much misunderstood disorder.

[More...]

2009-03-01T20:03:00.000Z

Field: Qur’an
Title: Beginilah Al Quran Mengajar Kami- Tadabbur AlQuran
Author: Mohammad Nidzam Abdul Kadir, Mohd Zamri Mohd Zainuldin
Publication: Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd
ISBN:967510215-2
Rating: 3/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Nurzemy Dania

Al- Quran merupakan panduan hidup manusia yang utama. Malangnya, rata- rata antara umat Islam semakin kurang menghayati dan menggarap prinsip-prinsip yang telah diturunkan Allah dalam Al-Quran. Buku inimengajar anda tentang prinsip-prinsip asas tentang tadabbur Al Quran. Ditulis oleh dua orang figure yang tidak asing di Malaysia, buku ini membawa pembaca memahami pelbagai prinsip yang penting di dalam AlQuran.

Buku ini dibahagikan kepada tiga bab asas:

1)Bab 1 : Tadabbur Al Quran
Bab ini mengupas tentang makna tadabbur, kaedah baik dalam menafsir AlQuran dan beradab dengan AlQuran

2) Bab 2: Prinsip-prinsip Umum Tadabbur AlQuran

Prinsip 1: Penerangan tentang tafsir bi al athar dan tafsir bi al Ra’yi
Prinsip 2: Kesinambungan ayat-ayat yang bertaburan dalam AlQuran
Prinsip 3: Kepelbagaian tafsiran setiap ayat
Prinsip 4: Nasikh Mansukh
Prinsip 5: Antara Mutlaq dan Muqayyad
Prinsip 6: Kisah-kisah dalam AlQuran-tujuan dan faedah
Prinsip 7: Faedah penutup ayat
Prinsip 8: Marhalah yang berbeza dalam penurunan ayat AlQuran
Prinsip 9: Ayat Makki dan Madani
Prinsip 10: Asbabun nuzul
Prinsip 11: Muhkamat dan mutashabihaat
Prinsip 12: Riwayat Ahli kitab
Prinsip 13: Sumpah
Prinsip 14: Pengambilan Hukum(istinbat hukum)
Prinsip 15: Nilai-nilai dalam AlQuran
Prinsip 16: Memberi perhatian degan kadar perhatian Al Quran
Prinsip 17: AlQuran dan sains
Prinsip 18: Seruan Khitob dalam AlQuran
Prinsip 19: AlQuran sebagai sumber pertama
Prinsip 20: Tafsiran yang tidak diketahui
Prinsip 21: Soalan dan jawapan di dalam Al Qurn

3) Bab 3: Prinsip-Prinsip Bahasa Tadabbur dalam AlQuran
Bab ini merungkai tentang maksud sesuatu lafaz, konsep hazaf dan nahu-nahu dalam bahsa arab seperti yang terdapat di dalam AlQuran

Secara kesimpulan, buku ini banyak membawa pembaca mengenali AlQuran dengan lebih dekat dari segi kefahaman terhadap ayat-ayat AlQuran. Sebagai seorang Muslim yang percaya kepada AlQuran, pemahaman atau tadabbur ini amat penting dalam usaha kita menjadi mukmin realiti, sebagaimana yang termaktub di dalam kitab suci AlQuran.

[More...]

2009-03-01T19:42:00.000Z

Field: Politics, Sociology
Title: Islam and Secularism in the Middle East
Authors: John L. Esposito, Azzam Tamimi & other contributors
Publication: Hurst & Company, London 2002
ISBN: 1-85065-541-3
Rating: 3/5
Level: Advanced
Reviewed by: Safwan

Eleven well-written article compiled, this book presents to the readers a wide range of issues and discussions on the relatively new and very much controversial world dogma; secularism. This ideology, or religion (as some argued), has always claimed to be the sole promoter of material advances, modernization, civilization, democracy and human rights. Such claim, however, is unequivocally rebutted and trashed by this book and countless others.

Historical facts alone would argue against the picture of a sacrosanct secularism. When it claimed to be the proponent of democracy, we have helplessly witnessed how they toppled the Islamic Liberation Front (Algeria) and Refah Party (Turkey) despite them being elected by the people. On top of that, they have painted a false picture of the incompatibility of Islam and democracy; a depiction true only about themselves.

Secularism, an advanced form of laicism, is a product of the West, and only suitable for such people. We, ‘the Rest’, do not share their history of being oppressed by a group of ecclesiastics claiming to be intermediaries between us and our Creator, thus granting themselves the status of infallibility, half-mortal, or godly. In fact, Islam has been protecting Muslims from tyrannies, authoritarianism and obscurantism until the moment it was foolishly abandoned. Unlike the Western experience of Church oppression, under the banner of Islam modernism was and is preached by countless esteemed thinkers like Rifa’a al-Tahtawi, Khairuddin al-Tunisi, Jamaluddin al-Afghani, Abdel Rahman al-Kawakibi, Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, and Rachid al-Gannouchi.

In fact, John Keane and other authors found perilous limitations within the ideology. Keane argued that it is far from possible to replace certainty of religiosity with existential uncertainty. It’s affinity with political despotism and corruption is also a major concern for many people until today. Perhaps this is why, according to Berger, Islam and Evangalism is on the rise in many parts of the contemporary world.

Helplessly, secularism is bombarded with heaps of philosophical arguments that fail to agree with it. While presenting itself as a champion of drawing a line between public and private life, it actually penetrates deepest into our private sphere- as told by the undeniable experience of civilians in the West. By making the world godless and reducing man to natural matter, it is unclear whether our dignity and rights will still be retained. It advocates nature at the expense of God, but ironically men, as claimed to be the product of the former, never cease to conquer and rule over its ‘creator’. The impossibility reaches its peak as the ‘immanent’ man creates another logos and thus dualism and polarity, which culminates into the incumbent assimilation and annihilation of one or the other.

[More...]

2009-01-28T09:09:00.000Z

Field: Qur’an
Title: ‘Ulum al-Qur’an
Author: Ahmad Von Denffer
Publication: The Islamic Foundation 1983 (Revised 1994)
ISBN: 9780860372486
Rating: 3/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

An introduction to the sciences (‘ulum) of the Qur’an includes the development of the disciplines and branches of knowledge related to the understanding of the Qur’an. Interestingly, Ahmad Von Denffer has succeeded in putting this heavy and broad subject into simple writing; being concise, brief, and yet comprehensive.

After defining and making distinct what are Qur’an, Hadith, and Hadith Qudsi, the first few chapters deal with the history of Qur’anic revelation, and later how it was memorized, preserved, compiled and book-ed. The latter tasks, which was undertaken and headed by Zaid bin Thabit al-Ansari, was extremely burdening, although far from impossible. The author then takes us to and through the ‘variants’ that existed between copies of personal Qur’an and the recognized standardized collection; and showed how (insignificantly) they varied, and (even so) how they were destroyed.

Besides the above, the subject of understanding and interpreting the text was also dealt with much attention. This book explains on the concepts, principles and debates on asbab al-nuzul, al-nasikh wa al-mansukh, variant modes and readings, and translation of the sacred text. On tafsir, the different approaches are laid out, helping readers to understand and appreciate their significance and importance.

Among other topics discussed are miracles, past and contemporary, of the Qur’an. The Holy Book contains prophesies; some are proven to be true, while some are waiting for events to unfold, anytime. Moreover, the literary aspect of the Qur’an is unchallenged, both to the people of the past and our proud generation, nor will anyone in the future succeed in producing anything equal in content and composition. Yet with these numerous miracles, more is disclosed to us as we advance into the century. More recently, computer and scientific studies only add to the greatness of the revered Book.

For completeness, discussions on Orientalism, manners, and approach to the Qur’an were briefly included. More is of course to be read from other works, if a student of the Qur’an seeks to gain what is best attainable from it.

[More...]

2009-01-15T15:06:00.000Z

Field: Travel, Contemporary Issues
Title: In the Land of Ayatollahs Tupac Shakur is King
Author: Shahzad Aziz
Publication: Amal Press 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9552359-2-4
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

As a British-born Pakistani, the writer, like many others, lived and grew in a society and culture unknown to his forefathers. It didn’t take him long to begin developing a critical and skeptical mind; that there is little that he did not question. It is easy to understand, that in the quest of ‘a reality closer to truth’, Shahzad decided that media alone isn’t enough a source. He set off to visit the controversially-dubbed Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Jerusalem.

His shrewd analysis of almost everything encountered is very much an added-value to his travels. In Iran, the writer described how the supposedly America’s enemy country has failed to prevent the super power’s influence from penetrating deep into the countrymen’s hearts. He met, observed, and talked to many laymen who are proud of the West, and would do much to try to accommodate Western values into their Persian Muslim identity. This happens against the setting of a government who would use force to compel its citizens into abiding its religious rulings.

Throughout his journeys, whether in Iran or elsewhere, Shahzad explored a satisfying amount of history and public opinion. In many occasions, he engaged himself with academics in the universities, trying to explore and if necessary, question their ideas. This might not give an accurate picture of the Iranians, but most of them whom the writer met were not completely happy with their government.

The next country, Syria, is very different from his expectations. Not as many people were seen with their scarves on. He described the dominance of the “flesh-showing, head-turning” culture in Damascus. In fact, Shahzad himself had more than once been offered prostitutes by those who had mistaken him as a potential customer. So that is how Syria becomes ‘modern’.

His encounters with different social, economic, political, and religious environments have unavoidably prompted and challenged his thoughts, alongside his perceptions. All through the work, readers can find his insight, argument, and discussion concerning various issues like terrorism, The Big Oil, revolutionaries, political ideas, ideologies, hijab, moral enforcement, and last but not least, the Palestinian Question. This he dealt with very often during his travels in Jerusalem, a destination he has long dreamt to stop by. His main message in the book is that the East and the West can interpret the same events very differently, with catastrophic results.

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2008-12-19T15:08:00.000Z

Field: Quran
Title: How to Approach and Understand the Qur’an
Author: Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo
Publication: Al-Basheer Company 1999
ISBN: 1-891540-06-8
Rating: 3/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

More often than not there is a missing link between a Muslim and the Qur’an, and this is what the book seeks to address and re-establish. Using strong arguments from the Qur’an, al-sunnah, and reasoning, Zarabozo splendidly points and clears out some very interesting core issues concerning Muslims and the Sacred Text.

Before he could lay out his well-warranted formula in approaching the Qur’an, alluding to that, he makes it clear to readers about what al-Qur’an actually is, and with that, the responsibilities and obligations that comes with it. There are numerous examples on how this Text has been viewed, read, and practiced by the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and his companions, which compel us to reflect on ourselves- our relation with the Qur’an. Their mere statements make a very clear and vivid picture of the role this Book played in influencing their beliefs, actions, and emotions. Their achievements stand until today as unequivocal proof on the virtue of Allah’s guidance and blessings that could be derived from the Qur’an.

Consistent with his enlightenment on the major goals of Qur’an, Zarabozo condemns what he described as the practices of most Muslims today. These include not reading the Qur’an, reading it only for the sake of blessing; cure and healing; studying scientific miracles; cultures and knowledge; and protection from evil. On top of that, he argued that the Qur’an should not be recited without its meaning being pondered, and hence acted, upon. This made clear, he then proposes a set of guidance to answer the question raised by this work’s title, including the correct manners of interpreting the Sacred Text.

In essence; the Qur’an has brought dignity and success to the earlier generations. It is the same Qur’an that we have in our hands today- except that at present, nobody can deny its ‘dormancy’. If we want to start changing the world, change first our approach and attitude toward the Qur’an.

[More...]

2008-12-19T14:28:00.000Z

Field: Islam
Title: Fikah Luar Negara
Author: Maszlee Malik dan Hamidah Mat
Publication: PTS Millenia Sdn. Bhd
ISBN: 978-983-3603-00-8
Rating: 4/5
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

Fikah Luar Negara adalah buku wajar dimiliki oleh setiap pembaca dari segenap lapisan masyarakat, terutamanya bagi individu Muslim yang selalu bermusafir ataupun telah berada di luar Negara dan mereka yang berminat untuk mengetahui selok belok fiqh semasa musafir.

Buku ini padat dengan topik-topik fekah kontemporari yang seringkali menjadi perbincangan dan perbahasan bukan sahaja orang awam malahan para ulamak, dan majlis fatwa seluruh dunia. Buku ini dimulakan dengan memperkenalkan kepada pembaca mengenai prinsip-prinsip fikah luar Negara yang banyak bersangkut paut dengan Maqasid Syariah dalam menetapkan hukum-hukum Islam serta keharusan dan penyesuaian berdasarkan kadar semasa umat Islam.

Seterusnya, penulis mengeksplorasi tajuk-tajuk seperti kaedah menyucikan daripada najis Babi, Keharusan menyapu khuf, stoking atau kasut semasa bermusafir dan perbincangan para ulamak mengenai syarat-syarat melakukannya berdasarkan dalil-dalil quran dan sunnah serta rasional setiap perkara. Penulis dengan bijak mengemukakan dalil dan perbahasan ulamak dalam bentuk ‘point form’ agar pembaca tidak terlalu terkeliru dengan perbincangan yang panjang lebar, sebaliknya hanya mengambil intipati penting perbahasan tersebut. Suatu perkara lagi yang menarik mengenai perbincangan fikah di dalam buku ini adalah keluasan pengamatan pendapat para ulamak dan tidak terlalu rigid dan hanya berdasarkan pendapat mazhab imam syafie.

Seterusnya, dengan menggunakan teknik yang lebih kurang sama seperti tajuk sebelumnya dengan menyelitkan sedikit unsur humor, penulis menerangkan kepada pembaca tentang rukhsah solat jamak yang dipinggirkan. Kontrari kepada pendapat sesetengah ulamak pondok dan mazhab hanafi, rukhsah solat jamak menurut penulis boleh dipraktikkan bukan sahaja semasa musafir tetapi juga semasa hujan, sakit dan hajat atau kepayahan yang timbul, berdasarkan dalil-dalil dan hujah para ulamak. Penulis juga menerangkan serba sedikit mengenai solat qasar walaupun umum telah mngetahui perihal mengenainya. Dalam tajuk ‘saya pilih koshe’ pula, penulis membincangkan perbezaan pendapat ulamak mengenai perihal sembelihan ahli kitab (orang yahudi dan kristian) dan sejauh mana keharusan umat Islam dalam memakan sembelihan mereka

Selain itu, penulis juga membincangkan perihal pakaian wanita dan lelaki Islam yang wajib dipatuhi tetapi telah mula dilupakan dek kerana mengikut-ikut budaya barat yang tidak selari dengan Islam. Penulis juga membidas pendapat-pendapat sesetangah individu berpahaman feminis liberal yang menyatakan Islam agama yang anti-feminist dan male chauvinist kerana ‘mengurung’ wanita di dalam pakaian mereka. Berkait rapat dengan fahaman ini juga, penulis dengan tegas membidas hujah-hujah golongan ‘wadudiyah’ diketuai Dr Aminah Wadud yang membolehkan wanita mengimamkan solat jumaat dengan rasional, berdalil dan tidak emosional seperti yang mungkin dilakukan oleh sesetengah penulis lain.

Selain membincangkan mengenai ibadah solat dan bersuci, penulis juga membuka tajuk perbincangan fiqh kepada perkara-perkara kebudayaan yang dicedok oleh umat islam tanpa ‘tapis seperti hukum bertatu dan bertindik, perihal meraikan hari kekasih atau ‘valentine’s day’ dan budaya meraikan tahun baru yang tidak islamik dan hanya merugikan dan merosakkan muda mudi umat Islam. Penulis juga tidak lupa memeberi peringatan di dalam buku ini akan kewajipan yang semakin dilupakan oleh umat Islam iaitu menyampaikan Islam kepada orang Islam dan bukan Islam sama ada di dalam ataupun luar Negara.

Secara keseluruhannya, buku ini mampu memberi sedikit sebanyak panduan kepada pembaca berkenaan fiqh seharian dalam kehidupan seorang Muslim. Ia jua merupakan buku yang mampu menjadi pencetus kepada pembaca agar tidak hanya ‘bertaklid buta’ tetapi juga mengkaji dan mengambil kira dalil, hujah dan pandangan banyak pihak terhadap fiqh seharian.

[More...]

2008-11-30T18:49:00.000Z

Field: Contemporary issues, Sociology
Title: The Power of Israel in the United States
Author: James Petras
Publication: Clarity Press, Inc. 2006
ISBN: 0-932863-51-5
Rating: 4/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

In almost two hundred pages, James Petras seeks to enlighten readers, especially Americans, on how he believes his country has been nodding to Israel’s orders. In this relatively brief work, the American Professor of Sociology has laid copious evidence and facts, from which he worked his theory out, of which many have found it in better harmony with truth and contemporary reality.

The pre-assessment starts as he reviewed and makes readers ponder the Palestine issue; how Zionists have been intractably belligerent, the many international laws let alone human rights it has ignored, and the astonishingly ‘dynamic’ stand the US held on democracy in Gaza. He did not miss mentioning the fact that 60 and 35 percent of democratic and labour party’s funding comes from affluent Jewish pro-Zionist organizations, rendering any candidate from these parties an incumbent serviceman to Israeli interest.

On the Big Oil theory, Professor Petras have found some major inconsistencies. He discloses about most American companies’ interest in establishing good rapport and business ties with the middle east, and that the last thing they would want is instability in that region. With the Iraq invasion, dubbed by many as the US’ greed for oil, ironically not one US company has benefited from such gruesome act. Instead, facts tell us the opposite: they directly and immediately suffer a great deal of losses- in fact, the whole world was affected.

The writer, all along this work, tries to put forward his evidence-supported theory of Israel’s power in the US. It is Israel who largely benefits from Iraq’s power vacuum, which used to be its real threat only a few years back. The nature of Iraq’s war itself is self-explanatory; universities bombed, libraries raided, hospitals destroyed, citizens massacred, and intellectuals assassinated- to leave Iraq disabled for a ‘safe’ number of years, or even better, never to stand again.

The presence of Zionist Firsters like Wolfowitz, Abrams, and Feith (to name but a few) as top-ranked officials in the Pentagon ensures the perfusion of Israeli interest- on top of the diehard lobby they could and are mustering. Even the CIA is struggling to win the infamous Zionist-oriented OSP (Office of Special Plans) in the race to supply intelligence to the presidency. In the writer’s words, “it’s a war within”.

Professor Petras continued filling the pages with more facts contradicting the Jewish-controlled media propaganda, covering Lebanon War, Iran nuclear threat, terrorism, suicide bombers, Israeli betrayal of America, etc. He ends the book with countering the arguments from a celebrated professor’s theses, whose work denies the existence of Israeli Lobby in the American administration.

[More...]

2008-11-09T08:25:00.000Z

Field: History of Islam, Contemporary Issues
Title: The Myth of Muslim Barbarism and its Aims
Author: S.E. Al-Djazairi
Publication: Bayt al-Hikma Press 2007
ISBN: 095511564-7
Rating: 4/5
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

“From Pope Urban’s depiction of Turkish horrors to justify the launching of the crusades (1095-1291) or the church ranting about Muslim crimes in Spain to justify their extermination (16th-17th century), or the horrific Western accounts of Mamluk rule of Egypt to justify the invasion of Egypt (1798), or the Turkish and Algerian barbaric despotism and piracy to justify the invasion of Algeria (1830), or the Muslim ruler of India suffocating British subjects to justify the onslaught against him (late 18th century), and multiple other similar instances, Islamic violence and barbarism has always been the justification for attacks on Muslims…”

This book, in brief, incorporates historical reality into today’s practicality. The author dedicates more than three quarter of this work to arranging the facts in excellent order, so as to help readers get the real picture of reality itself, while setting his theories too exact to be refuted. Thus, it was shown how, from the days of the monarch to the rule of democracy, mainstream western treatment (mistreatment) of Muslims have changed but imperceptibly.

Having painted Muslims as cruel oppressors, mistreating captives, indulging in slave trade, and violently racist, the West then proceeds to invade, ravage, and loot their countries. This is not only the artful machination of their kings and imperialists, which can be understandable, but the main contribution comes from their academicians. In fact, as al-Djazairi explicitly shows, righteous voices against their evil will be dampened at any cost- the tragic story of Craig Murray, the then British ambassador in Uzbekistan, being one of the many instances.

Citing some proves, the author suggests that this misrepresentation is deliberately made on Islam and Muslims mainly out of their fear for the religion. Islam has, in the past, awakened an illiterate community to wrestle with the giant Roman Byzantine; it is hence not impossible for it to do the same today. Islam is not only seen as an antagonist to the West, but also as a ponderous rival potential.

In the last chapter, the author reminds us of the trail of atrocities that befell the Muslims. The crusades and Spanish Inquisition as the starting points, it continues until Egypt was invaded in 1798, then Algeria, India, African countries, and more recently Bosnia & Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and Iraq in the 21st century. He maintains that if this isn’t changed for the better, no one can guarantee the world to be free of Muslim massacres in the near future.

[More...]

2008-10-26T06:48:00.000Z

Field: Autobiography

Title: Inescapable Questions

Author: Alija Izetbegović

Publication: The Islamic Foundation 2003

ISBN: 0-86037-367-3

Rating: aaaaa

Level: Intermediate

Reviewed by: Safwan

“Every people has its promised land. Our promised land is Bosnia. We call upon you to fight for it and win it.”

The multi-ethnic setting in Bosnia & Herzegovina is not too different from Malaysia. As outlined in the beginning of the book, major races in the country; i.e. Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats played and still play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s integrity.

Alija Izetbegović’s self-written biography starts with some accounts of his teenage life; a young man and his reflections; whose faith had to be taken care by his mother. At a time when the Serbs (from Serbia )was in power, Alija dodged the draft (military service) and was hunted for it. It was in his teens when the second world war erupted, and around that time, he served his first imprisonment.

Alija spent some time to write books in the next chapter of his life. In fact, in 1983 he was again imprisoned, this time principally due to his writings. After serving the term, at a time when the communist regime of Yugoslavia was considerably weakened, Alija- with some friends- formed the SDA. The party did not take long to win the votes and more importantly hearts of Bosnian citizens. However, the path ahead is thorny, that only few dare to traverse.

With Crotia (president: Franjo Tudjman) leaving Yugoslavia, Bosnia & Herzegovina was left to choose between a war of independence and living as a second class citizen, under the feet of Serbs (president: Slobodan Milosević), in a new-but-rump Yugoslavia. As history witnessed it, dignity was preferred, and Bosnia & Herzegovina fought to earn it. The bloody, one-sided, draconian war that followed cannot be adequately described, to say the least. Bosnia was bent, but not broken. With the president's leadership, they in fact came out of it stronger and better experienced; far from what their enemies would expect of them.

This book recorded many experiences of the president and his remarkable life. His principles, decisions, and determination, above all, are unique and invaluable; they are for everyone to appreciate. Leading his people with nerves of steel, he lived by his principles both as a European and a Muslim.

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2008-10-07T06:36:00.000+01:00

Field: Economy, Islam
Title: Wang, Anda dan Islam
Author: Zaharuddin Abd Rahman

Publication: True Wealth Publishing
ISBN: 978-983-3364-47-3

Rating: aaaaa

Level: Beginner

Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

Tulisan Al-Fadil Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman (UZAR) ini merupakan pembuka mata bagi semua pihak berkenaan muamalat perbankan, kewangan, kerjaya semasa dan hutang menurut persepsi Islam. Sebagai orang yang berkelulusan dalam bidang Syariah dan pernah bekerja di institusi kewangan Islam, UZAR telah berjaya merungkai permasalahan berkaitan riba, unsur gharar dan syubahat yang terdapat dalam institusi kewangan konvensional dan seterusnya membandingkan dengan sistem ekonomi Islam seperti yang dipraktikkan oleh bank islam dan ‘jendela-jendela’ Islam bank konvensional yang lain.

Buku ini dimulakan dengan memberikan pemahaman kepada pembaca akan betapa pentingnya ilmu berkenaan halal dan haram dalam kewangan, bahaya riba’, nas-nas berkaitan dan salah faham masyarakat hari ini terhadap konsep zuhud dalam Islam. Seterusnya, pembaca dihidangkan pula dengan pengenalan asas berkenaan Ilmu Fiqh Mu’amalat iaitu asas-asasnya, jenis-jenis kontrak (mudhrabah, musyarakah, ijarah, dsb.) dan syarat jual beli dalam Islam secara amnya.

Seterusnya, penulis mengeksplorasi riba’, jenis-jenisnya, konsep gharar (ketidaksamaran) dan judi yang terdapat dalam kerjaya dan perniagaan semasa dan bagaimana cara pembaca boleh mengelakkan diri dari terjebak ke kancah syubahah yang mendekati haram. Penulis seterunya membuat perbandingan secara menyeluruh antara perbankan dan insurans konvensional dengan perbankan Islam dan takaful, sekaligus membetulkan salah faham yang berlaku di kalangan orang awam berkenaan kedua-dua sistem ini. Dalam bab 8 (Isu perbankan dan takaful), UZAR merungkai satu persatu urusniaga konvensional bermula dari simpanan sehingga pelaburan dan mendedahkan kepada pembaca keterdapatan riba’, gharar dan unsur jahalah yang menjadikan kebanyakan skim yang ditawarkan konvensional tidak menepati Syariah. Urusniaga perbankan Islam dan takaful yang menjadi alternatif kepada pengguna juga diterangkan dengan ringkas dan mudah dengan contoh yang praktikal. Semuanya juga dibuat berdasarkan dalil dan nas serta keputusan ijmak ulama dan persidangan ulama peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa.

Selain berbincang mengenai topic perbankan, penulis juga membicarakan tajuk harta haram dan pelbagai cara untuk melupuskannya dalam bab ke 9. Tidak kurang dipentingkan dalam buku ini juga adalah Isu Syariah dalam jualan langsung (Direct selling- Multi Level Marketing), keraguan Syariah dalam skim ini, dan syarat minimum untuk menjadikan MLM suatu skim yang harus, walaupun umum telah mengetahui akan kaburnya skim ini. Tambah menarik tentang buku ini dan menjadikannya lain dari yang lain adalah komentar informatif berkenaan skim pelaburan internet semasa seperti Swisscash, ABB Fund, Eaindex, Winlifund, Dinar Iraq, dan instrumen-instrumen kontemporari seperti ‘leverage’, ‘options’, ‘futures’, jualan saham dan banyak lagi beserta pandangan syarak dalam perkara ini; semuanya bersandarkan nas, dalil dan keputusan ulama’ mu’tabar silam dan kontemporari.

Secara keseluruhannya, buku ‘Wang, Anda, dan Islam’ adalah sebuah buku yang sesuai untuk semua umat Islam yang mementingkan akan halal haramya harta mereka, dan memberi ‘guidline’ kepada pembaca tentang kewangan dan perbankan yang suci dari sudut kaca mata Islam.

[More...]

2008-08-27T01:10:00.000+01:00

Field: Medicine
Title: How Doctors Think
Author: Jerome Groopman
Publication: Houghton Mifflin Company
ISBN: 0-547-05364-9
Rating: aaa
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

This brilliant, myth-shattering piece of work digs into the minds of the physicians (doctors), the processes of decision making and the pitfalls in their cognition which makes them arrive at a right diagnosis or a misdiagnosis. Unlike some other authors of the medical literature, Groopman utilised the narrative style of writing, telling stories of individuals consists of doctors, patients and their family members and also other staff like nurses and how both doctors and patients could help each other in arriving at a cogent diagnosis and to avoid thinking errors.

Suitable for both laymen and healthcare professionals, the book transcends the typical case that physicians from many specialities face in their daily practice, and how by being too simplistic or too wary could do harm to the patients once the wrong diagnosis is made. Quoting real life stories from doctors, patients and their loved-ones, Groopman shows how ‘misdiagnosis is the elephant in the living room’ by summarising the cognitive errors into 3 A’s; anchoring error, attribution error and availability error. Basically, anchoring error is to seize initial symptoms and making snap judgement out of them; attribution error is to stereotype a patient as a complainer and keep attributing benign condition to the patient; and availability error is when physicians simply considers the patient to be fine since the previous patients he/ she have met with the particular symptoms were fine too.

He also outlined the danger of satisfaction of search; i.e. being satisfied once almost all the symptoms can be explained without further analysis of multiple causes, and confirmation bias where an abnormal test result, though minor is instead of seeking explanation and follow-ups was put aside in favour of a more conclusive diagnosis though not explanatory . He also addresses the reality of time-constraints that doctors nowadays face with the increase burden of workloads and the tension that medicine should be cost-effective but safe.

Nevertheless, the author advises the patients to look for 3 C’s in a thinking doctor: communication, critical reasoning of thought process that generated the diagnosis and compassion: denoting respect for a patient’s value and spiritual needs. Three cardinal queries should be asked doctors to make them re-evaluate their diagnosis- “What else can it be?” to avoid the 3 A’s cognitive errors, “Could two things be going on to explain my problem?” eradicates ‘satisfaction of search’ and “Is there anything in my history or physical examination or lab tests that seems to be at odds with the working diagnosis” to safeguard against confirmation bias.

[More...]

2008-08-13T00:32:00.000+01:00

Field: History
Title: The Golden Age and Decline of Islamic Civilisation
Author: S. E. al-Djazairi
Publication: Bayt al-Hikma Press 2006
ISBN: 095511563-9
Rating: aaaa
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

The golden age of Islamic civilisation was a witness to Islamic hegemony in practically every area of knowledge and culture; leaving behind a treasure which has never been fully covered even by the whole modern literature combined. The author claims that this work, as lengthy as it appears, depicts but a fraction of what Islamic civilisation was more than 10 centuries ago.

Al-Djazairi started his work by giving a 200 page overview of the then Islamic civilization, hardly challenged by any civilization after it. Paper, textile, glass, sugar, and other industries thrived healthily, with the Muslims developing the technologies accompanying their production. For example, Muslim paper industry, which was indebted to China, progressed further by making cotton an alternative to the bark of a tree. This industry played a great role in the massive book production thus literary advancement of the Muslims especially after 1000 C.E. The author also gives an explicit account of the civilisation’s exotic cities, vast green gardens, and the highly assiduous learning and scholarly attitude prevalent in it.

The next part amazes any reader even more. Al-Djazairi made an extensive writing of the science and scientists that lived at that time; themselves being a product of the flourishing civilization. He covered the accounts concerning agriculture, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, geography, mathematics, medicine, and physics, to spare the rest. These are all but manifestations of how glorious the civilisation was, indeed, as he adds, a product of the infallible teaching of Islam itself. It is impossible to list all the scholars here, but a few names, to give an illustration, are; astronomers al-Biruni, al-Sufi, ibn Yusuf, al-Battani, ibn Khaldun (geographer), ibn al-Haytham (most renowned optician), physicians ibn Sina, al-Razi, al-Idirisi (first world map), ibn Jubayr, Jabbar ibn Hayyan, ibn Firnas, al-Muradi, al-Zarqali, and the founder of algebra; al-Khwarizmi.

Throughout the work al-Djazairi did not fail to refute the mainstream western orientalists, giving convincing facts to counter their unfounded theory which generally claims that Islamic civilisation was stagnant; void of any significant development, and that the period of 1000 years between 5th to 15th century was a dark age to the whole world, broken only by the west’s exaggerated renaissance. At the end of the work, the author devoted a whole chapter to illuminate on the real causes of decline of Islamic civilisation, again in opposition to the many baseless assumptions given by many ‘scholars’.

[More...]

2008-08-07T13:03:00.000+01:00

Field : Palestine
Title : Palestine; peace not apartheid
Author : Jimmy Carter
Publication : Pocket Books
ISBN : 978-1-84739-154-4
Rating : aaaa
Level : Intermediate
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

Informative, argumentative, and provocative, the book offers to readers of different background; i.e. friends of Palestine, Israel or both the perspective of an American statesman who was heavily involved in the issue of Israel-Palestine in the Middle East. Carter has chosen to write the book in a simple but clear language as to suit the readers of different level. This is surely a must-read book for readers of interest in the issue concerning Palestine-Israel and the struggle for peace in the Middle East. It is also completed with Maps of the region based on the events that happened, historical chronology and appendices of the various peace agreement proposed by the US, UN and other parties.

Carter starts with his view on the prospect of peace in the troubled region and examined the root of the conflict, history of main key players and the hurdle for peace in Israel and the occupied land of Palestine. Carter shares his intimate experience with various prominent individuals of Arab leaders of Syria, Saudi, Jordan, and Lebanon, generations of Israeli leaders, the Palestinians and US officials and managed to address the sensitive political issues many western officials shied away according his experience working directly inside the White House as presidents and outside as the founder of The Carter Centre.

The book also elaborates on the various measures taken by him and other US presidents, especially Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush in tackling the complex problem in the middle east, and how usually Israel has always been reluctant to dismantle the illegal settlements and continue to occupy the Palestinian land. Readers are also given a brief account of the episodes of both the Palestine’s and Israel’s election and the aftermath.

The end chapter entitled ‘the wall as a prison’ describes the situation of apartheid-like treatments that the Palestinians experienced combined with constant building of illegal settlements in their territory. He finally concludes the book by prescribing the long-abandoned role of the USA as the mediator of peace between the two disputing sides combined with the two-state solution which shares the Holy Land based on UN approved border 1967 without a system of apartheid or the constant fear of terrorism from both sides.

[More...]

2008-07-29T09:37:00.000+01:00

Field: Christianity

Title: The True Message of Jesus Christ

Author: Dr. Bilal Philips

Publication: International Islamic Publishing House 2006

ISBN: 9960-850-82-X

Rating: aaaaa

Level: Intermediate

Reviewed by: Safwan

In the midst of the celebrated ideologies of pluralism, tolerance, and cohesion, this book stands out distinctively as one of the best made efforts in reconciling truth between two religions, i.e. Islam and Christianity. The author, who has walked the paths of both ‘ways of life’, maintains a consistent elegance in presenting bullet-proof arguments in attainment of the absolute truth.

After giving a compact explanation on the manuscripts that give rise to the Bible, which he argues to be of doubtful authenticity, Dr Philips goes on to disclose to the readers the many versions of the ‘Holy Book’, with many of them a revision to another, or in some cases, an urgent replacement. This is manifested in the many ‘revisions’ of the Bible made in 1560, 1611, 1881, 1901, 1952, 1971 and so on, producing versions which are hardly consistent. As a result, for instance, in the RSV one will never find some verses that are clearly printed in many other versions (John 7:53-8:11, I John 5:7).

Dr Philips argued that countless scholars and researches, including himself, despite the widely accepted legitimacy of the Bible, have not succeeded in shedding off doubts from the question of the Book’s authorship. He presented how the Christian scholars themselves are void of such knowledge, expressing significant dubiety even on the authors of the four Gospels. He further showed how many verses in the Bible, contrary to the Glorious Qur’an, are found to be directly contradictory- inconsistencies that can never be resolved.

The subsequent chapters are devoted to highlighting the unchallenged truth of Islam, mainly the Qur’an, and refuting arguments for Jesus’ divinity from the Bible itself. In the last two chapters, ‘the Message’ and ‘the Way’, Dr. Philips rightly presents Islam in its own skin, i.e. pure and simple.

[More...]

2008-07-09T00:47:00.000+01:00

Field: History of Islam
Title: The Crusades
Author: S. E. al-Djazairi
Publication: The Institute of Islamic History
ISBN: 0-955331-31-5
Rating: aaaa
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

This magnificent work by the honourable Muslim historian, al-Djazairi explicitly addresses us readers on the very subject that not many of his Muslim counterparts would want to delve in, especially after being disfigured and demeaned so badly by the mainstream western (or western-influenced) historians, i.e. the Crusades.

The 11th-13th century C.E. event and disaster, as the author holds, has scarcely been dealt with justice in the literary world. A large early section of the book deals on this matter, perceived important to the author, in order that readers have a better idea of the conspiracy before learning anything about the subject. One of the many unfounded story-telling goes, as told by Wiet et al, who referred to the taking of Jerusalem in 1099 as ‘the splendid occasion’, without even a slight mention of the massacres that ‘embellished’ the occasion. The instances are further outlaid by al-Djazairi covering at least 45 pages thick.

Being true to history, al-Djazairi did not make any effort to hide or diminish the weaknesses prevailing within the Muslim realm which has contributed to Crusader armies’ assault. On the other hand, he disclosed, unsparingly, the factors that have pushed leaders in Western Christendom to take up arms against the Muslims.

The crusades, occurring for almost 200 years, witnessed many Muslim successes and glory, despite the many losses and destructions they had to contain. The efforts of Godly, pious kings like Imaduddin Zangi, Nuruddin Zangi, Salahuddin, the Seljuks, the Mamluks; Aibek, Quttuz, Baybars, Qalawun and Khalil, to name but a few, have lead to successive retaining of the Muslim lands, until eventually, on 1291, 18th May, Sultan al-Malik al-Ashraf retook Acre from the Franks (Christians), altogether symbolizing a total victory of Muslims in the Middle East, having repelled every single then-remaining Christian force.

[More...]

2008-06-29T03:41:00.000+01:00

Field: Hadith

Title: al-Muhaddithat

Author: Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Publication: Interface publications 2007

ISBN: 978-0-9554545-1-6

Rating: aaaa

Level: Intermediate

Reviewed by: Safwan

‘The people said: O Abu Nasr, narrate hadith to us. He (Abu Nasr) said: Do you pay the zakah on hadith? One man among them asked: O Abu Nasr, is there zakah on hadith? He said: Yes. When you hear hadith or remembrance of God you should apply it.’

The writer started off elegantly by answering one of the feminists’ favourite questions- “If men can, why can’t women?” to which the commonly derived answer is- “Men can and women can too”, which, according to Akram, is correct, but not right.

Akram tells us in this work that women’s status, if compared rightly, is nothing less than what men are predisposed to. He convincingly argues the legitimacy of women’s authority as established in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and by their own actions. Concerning matters that are most important to the religion, such as fiqh and practice, not even a trace of gender bias can be found. For example, in establishing the fiqh and the transmission of ahadith (sing. hadith), men and women are equally preferred; their integrity and depth in knowledge being the criteria where lines are drawn.

Numerous examples are beautifully presented in this work, illustrating how women from many generations have contributed to Islamic learning and development. Fatimah bint Sa’d al-Khayr, a muhaddithah of 6 century A.H., traveled from China to many places, only to eventually settle down in Cairo and made it prosperous in hadith learning, undoubtedly due to her presence. Umm al-Darda’, a women in the generation of tabi’in, was a reputed muhaddithah admired by her contemporaries. ‘A’ishah bint al-Hadi (d. 816) was appointed the principal teacher of Sahih Bukhari in the Great Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, unchallenged by men in her time. There is of course a longer list of similar feats in this book.

Other than such accounts of great learners and teachers of ahadith, Akram also presents some categorisation and arguments that have been going on in this field that are worth knowing. This work, being only to serve as a muqaddimah (introduction) to his 40-volume-dictionary of muhaddithat, ends with some re-establishment of his points.

[More...]

2008-06-11T01:04:00.000+01:00

Field: Hadith

Title: 20 Hujah Golongan Anti-Hadis & Jawapan

Author: Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah

Publication: Jahabersa 2005

ISBN: 983-170-345-6

Rating: aaa

Level: Beginner

Reviewed by: Safwan

Mengingatkan pembaca tentang bahaya golongan anti hadith, penulis tegas meletakkan mereka sebagai tidak jujur dalam berhujah. Antara lain, golongan ini mengambil sebahagian ayat Quran dan meninggalkan sebahagian lainnya, berkadaran dengan selera dan motif mereka. Golongan yang menolak hadis ini berpendapat Quran dengan sendirinya merupakan sebuah modul lengkap dan tidak perlukan sebarang penambahan.

Selain susunan hujah yang teratur dan rapi, buku ini juga telah dibahagikan kepada tiga bahagian. Bahagian pertama menyenaraikan 20 hujah golongan anti hadith yang mungkin tampak menarik dan benar pada orang kebanyakan. Setiap hujah ini diikuti pula oleh analisa, pembahasan, dan jawapan bangkangan yang meyakinkan. Penulis berkeyakinan bahawa hujah-hujah lain yang dibawa oleh golongan ini semuanya akan dapat dibidas mudah, kerana hujah-hujah itu masih akan berkisarkan 20 hujah yang dibincangkan dalam buku ini.

Seterusnya Hafiz Firdaus membawa hujah-hujah yang membuktikan status Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. serta hak beliau dalam menggubal hukum-hakam islam.

Dalam bahagian terakhir, ragam serta kajian para orientalis barat terhadap hadis dibongkar oleh penulis. 10 ‘kelalaian’ mereka telah disenaraikan, sekaligus menjadikan perbincangan mereka tidak diyakini kesahihannya.

[More...]

2008-06-03T03:41:00.000+01:00

Field: Ummah
Title: Muslims in France
Author: Tariq Ramadan
Publication: The Islamic Foundation 1999
ISBN: 0 86037 299 5
Rating: aa
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

Like many other muslims in western non-muslim countries, the French muslims are having difficult time integrating into the society they live in. Worse, many have yet to see a way forward.

Muslims in France is by large a contribution from North American immigrants, to an extent that it spurred a degree fear of an “Arab-Muslim” invasion and consequently the loss of French identity. In this book, Professor Tariq Ramadan describes the social engagement that baffles both muslim and non-muslim sides. When the French government often looks at the Islamic associations with suspicion, leaders of various Islamic groups seems to fall into the trap and assume an extreme position. To have yet another door towards peaceful coexistence closed, the French muslims lack the ability to understand the French Constitution.

Prof Ramadan then aptly quoted the scarf affair and explained how the French’s law of 11th December 1905 (which is still in force today) backs and serves the muslims. Presenting concrete corollaries, he then maintains that muslims are at advantage if they make use of the five rights contained by the French Constitutional framework, which are the right to (1) knowledge, (2) practice Islam, (3) form associations, (4) autonomous representation, and (5) appeal.

With approximately 1400 Islamic organizations around, the author emphasized that the room for integration and unity is vast. Official and unofficial encounters have multiplied within years, and there definitely is a bright future to peaceful cohesion.

[More...]

2008-05-28T14:52:00.000+01:00

Field: Humanism
Title: Humanism in Islam
Author: Marcel A. Boisard
Publication: Islamic Book Trust 2003
ISBN: 983-9154-53-2
Rating: aaaa
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: Safwan

This book, extensively written, covers many aspects of humanism that Islam has to offer to our civilization. The author, Dr. Marcel Boisard tackles the topic by frequently comparing Islamic teachings to that of Christianity and Judaism.

He argued that Islam is unique in that it offers no clear demarcation between judicial obligation and pure ethical duty, but promoted both means in guiding the society. Being a universal way of life, it didn’t escape dogmatic evolution throughout history. Nevertheless, what Islam has gone through is never comparable to the problems that other religions have had to suffer. This is due to its simple creed which has always been practical throughout the course of time.

Dr Boisard has succeeded in putting much light on the importance of the 6 beliefs that make the central creed of Islam. He pointed out how each creed is relevant in today’s society, and in what way it would influence a believing community. The principles of cohesion and amar ma’ruf nahi munkar were also highlighted as being a check mechanism to help a collective attainment of moral dignity. He maintained that the concept of morality in Islam is unchallenged even by western ideas.

Revising the history and contemporary events, the religion has remained united despite political, philosophical, and economical reality. In the author’s own words, “In Islam, all is unity”. Subsequently, the five pillars’ close connection with unity and cohesion of the muslim ummah was established within a few paragraphs of his work.

The book also discussed about issues on liberty, slavery, justice, charity, muslim city, caliphate, war and international relations; on which his insight tells very convincing arguments to support the superiority of Islam above all other possible ways of life. Moreover, in this piece of work Dr Boisard addressed and cleared some prevalent misconceptions regarding women, ahlu zimmi, and jihad.

The author ended this magnificent work quoting some facts, problems and realities of the muslim world today, without forgetting to propose some ways forward.

[More...]

2008-04-21T20:02:00.000+01:00

Field: Wars, world history
Title: The second world war
Author: Alan Farmer
Publication:
ISBN: 0-340-88493-2
Rating: aaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

As one of the series of ‘teach yourself’, this book is useful for people with little or rather no knowledge about the second world war. The book outlines the events of WW2 in a rather narrative but concise way that would be found appealing to the readers of all walks of life.

Instead of going through the chronologies of events in the war, Farmer brings the readers towards the event itself and explains its importance in the point of view of history. The first chapter; ‘origin’ explained the dissatisfaction of Germany, Italy and several Baltic states over the Treaty of Versailles 1919 which is explained in the ‘trouble peace 1919-1933’ subtopic and the emergence of Hitler and his Nazi regime in 1933 and Mussolini in Italy . Hitler which his sleek strategy was able to demolish the Versailles and the war officially started when the Nazi Germans invade Poland in 1939. The combination of military advancement, sleek strategy, the Axis formation and the spirit of ultra-nationalism contributed to Hitler’s victory during the first few years of war, both in the east against Russia and in the west against the West European Nations. This brought western European countries including France to their knees and at one point, Britain was seen as being alone in the war. Nazi regime was ruling most of western and eastern Europe and some became Germany’s satellite countries.

However, operation Barbarosa which is the invasion of Soviet territory changed the tide of the war. Though the Nazis gained territory, the attack made Germany a common enemy among the 3 leaders; Roosevelt from USA, Churchill of Britain and Stalin of Soviet. The Allies were formed with a common vision; i.e. to make defeat the Nazi and made them accept unconditional surrender. However, Germany was still pushing for territorial gain in the east (soviet territory) and the west by bombing Britain. Several operations like the operation Blue which increases Germany’s territory but rather fatal as the increase in area is not matched with increase in resources and development.

In the east, the emergence of Japan which conquered many colonies of British, French and Dutch was also elaborated in-depth, ensuing with the Pearl Harbour tragedy and the Nazi-Japanese coalition in their heights of the war.

As other historians, Farmer also highlighted several events such as the Holocaust, the battle of Atlantic, D-day (operation Overlord), the Manhattan Project (atomic bomb project) and how the Allies gain the upper hand and the Axis gradually lost- mainly due to military war development, economic rations and the rise of resistance powers in Greater Germany areas. Japanese defeat was also explained-mainly the release of Fat man and Little Boy in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the end, the book explores the reasons behind the contributing factors for Allies win and the consequences of the war from then till today.

[More...]

The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize outlines his vision for a new business model that combines the power of free markets with the quest for a more humane world—and tells the inspiring stories of companies that are doing this work today

In the last two decades, free markets have swept the globe, bringing with them enormous potential for positive change. But traditional capitalism cannot solve problems like inequality and poverty, because it is hampered by a narrow view of human nature in which people are one-dimensional beings concerned only with profit.

In fact, human beings have many other drives and passions, including the spiritual, the social, and the altruistic. Welcome to the world of social business, where the creative vision of the entrepreneur is applied to today's most serious problems: feeding the poor, housing the homeless, healing the sick, and protecting the planet.

Creating a World Without Poverty tells the stories of some of the earliest examples of social businesses, including Yunus's own Grameen Bank. It reveals the next phase in a hopeful economic and social revolution that is already under way—and in the worldwide effort to eliminate poverty by unleashing the productive energy of every human being.

Muhammad Yunus, a native of Bangladesh, was educated at Dhaka University and was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study economics at Vanderbilt University. In 1972 he became head of the economics department at Chittagong University. He is the founder and managing director of Grameen Bank, a pioneer of microcredit, an economic movement that has helped lift millions of families around the world out of poverty. Yunus and Grameen Bank are winners of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.

Taken from publicaffairsbooks
Available on Amazon
Fields: Economy

2008-04-10T16:53:00.000+01:00

Field: Autobiography
Title: Return of the Pharaoh
Author: Zainab al-Ghazali
Publication: The Islamic Foundation 2006
ISBN: 0 86037 240 5
Rating: aaaaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

“This is but one story, but represents countless similar stories which have never become known to the general public” – Translator’s note.

The true story, which holds readers’ breaths, happened in Egypt, during Jamal Abd al-Nasir’s regime after the successful military coup against the King. The ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ better known as Ikhwan, was a very active and influential spiritual, economical, and political group under the leadership of it founder, Hasan al-Banna. The author slightly touched on her relation with Hasan al-Banna, issues they had, and eventually her bai’ah (pledge) to him only some time before his assassination.

The large bulk of the narration concentrates on the era of the despots. Jamal Abd al-Nasir, indeed was an ikhwan, received ikhwan’s popular support in the coup. But it did not take the ikhwan long before they realised that Jamal had no interest in upholding the values of Quran into his system. In no time, the atrocities began.

The author, along with Sayyid Qutb and Abd al-Fattah Ismail, tried to revive the group, then weakened by the demise of its founder and all the restrictions and banning imposed by Jamal’s regime. Abiding to the Islamic teachings of not to wage war against muslim rulers, they opted a path purely educational. Their aim was pure and simple- to educate the ummah, but the plan was meticulous, requiring piles of integrity and perseverance.

However, as the author tells, Jamal was afraid of them. He accused ikhwan of planning his assassination. No later many of its members, including Zainab herself, was taken into military prisons. She was quick to realise that they were not dealing with human beings any longer. These people are barbarous, brutal and ruthless- if only words can describe. In the words of Zainab, “they are worse than the beasts”.

The subsequent chapters depict situations where one with a sense will hesitate to talk about. The sufferings that the author went through were unimaginable. In a captivating manner, she described the ordeal she went through in the notorious Egyptian prisons. It was a real trial and test from Allah. The pharaoh had returned, in order that Allah takes more martyrs out of his evil acts.

The book ended with the author’s release. She was behind bars 1965-1971.

[More...]

2008-04-10T15:54:00.000+01:00

Field: Others
Title: First things first
Author: Stephen R. Covey, A Roger Merrill, Rebecca Merrill
Publication: Prentice Hall & IBD; Reprint edition (1 Jun 1995)
ISBN: 0-684-80203-1
Rating: aaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

From the 7 habits of highly effective people, Covey and the Merrill’s extracted the 3^rd habit which is to ‘put first thing first’ and elaborated the framework of time management in a more relevant perspective of today’s hassle and bustle life. The book discussed on the levels of time management and to the 4^th generation of management which incorporates all the other 3 generations’ strength transcends readers to enhance their techniques from being in the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd generation and eliminates their weaknesses. As the title suggests, the book is relevant to busy people and the alike.

The book also incorporates the other 6 habits into the 3^rd habit and enhances discussion on the importance of people to realize the need and capacities of human; i.e. the need to live, love, learn and to leave a legacy. He argued that human achievement are not based on ‘numerical’ values such as money in the bank, properties, number of friends etc, but rather it’s the quality of those few that matters. Putting first things first also coincides with the four endowments- self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination all of which needed to fulfill our needs and capacities in a principle-centered way.

Covey and the Merrill’s also introduced the concepts which could be foreign to other non-reader of his book such as ‘setting the compass right instead of the clock’, avoiding ‘cotton-candy’ satisfaction, living on a ‘true-north principle’ etc. Rather than confusing, these concepts are highly relevant in our lives today as we are used to be living on a ‘quick-fix’ world instead of endeavouring the rough lane. He also outlined the ‘four quadrants’ of activities, which many of us would have missed out and showed how the power of vision and personal leadership could govern the time management. Balanced in roles and seeing the roles as interdependent rather than competing each other is also the essence of his discussion in this book.

Although most of the sections in the book concern personal time management, there is also a section of interaction with other people in putting ‘first things first’. Here, he discussed the ‘think win-win’ manifestation in a company and how to create synergy from difference and to always seek a 3^rd solution to the problems that arise. The book is loaded with a lot of real life examples based on the experience of the Covey and the other 2 authors in handling seminars to improve companies and their experiences with individual people in their daily lives in realizing the reality.

The end section of the books emphasizes the importance of ‘the peace of the results’ with the realization that all are not governed by us, only are actions are, but the results are based on the ‘natural law’. As M. Scott Peck observed on the ‘Road Less Traveled’:

“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. Its is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we know that life is difficult- then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”

[More...]

2008-04-05T19:09:00.000+01:00

Field: Islam, Politics
Title: Muslims under non-Muslim Rule
Author: Yahya Michot
Publication: Interface publications 2006
ISBN: 978-0-9554545-6-1
Rating: aaa
Level: Advanced
Reviewed by: Safwan

The highly academic work was written to shed a light on Ibn Taymiyya’s fatwa regarding muslims ruled by non-muslims. The fatwa is very much concentrated around Mardin, a city in Syria which was ruled by the invading Mongols. The book started with an adequate explanation of its background; being a Turkish town under Najmuddin Ghazi II, allegedly a ‘slave’ of the Mongol Sultan.

It then went on to expound on Ibn Taimiyya’s ruling (fatwa) as understood and quoted by six modern readings, in which five of them have interpreted it in a way that would never be concurred by the Damascene theologian should he be alive today. The arguments were presented around the issues of ‘domain of peace’ (dar al-islam) and ‘domain of war’ (dar al-harb), legitimacy of migration, and jihad against rulers. Ibn Taimiyya’s own arguments from translated texts were laid so as to disown the theologian from the misled justifications used by some islamists today.

The book was then continued by embodying the very six modern readings (mentioned earlier) into its pages. This was done after all the arguments (mainly) against them were presented, aiding the readers to better recognise their fallacies. Yahya Michot very much regretted how the world today- muslims and non-muslims, media and academic- have illustrated the great and respected theologian contemptuously; in a way that he never deserves to be pictured. Often he has been misquoted as the ‘father of Islamic extremism’. Yahya Michot even convincingly showed how Guy Sorman, a reputed professor at the Institut des Sciences Politiques of the University of Paris, blatantly erred when he blamed Ibn Taimiyya for giving rise to every single fundamentalist movements to this date.

Finally, a very helpful chronology of events in Ibn Taimiyya’s life was laid down in the last few pages of the book.

[More...]

2008-03-23T21:29:00.000Z

Field: History of Islam
Title: Islam dalam Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu
Author: Syed Naquib al-Attas
Publication: Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 1972
ISBN: -
Rating: aaaa
Level:
Reviewed by: Muslihah

Hati yang hampa tiada mengandungi Sejarah Bangsa,

Tiadakan dapat tahu menilai hidup yang mulia,

Penyimpan Khabar zaman yang Lalu menambah lagi

Pada umurnya umur berulang berkali ganda.

Bahasa dan kesusasteraan itu sebenarnya lebih daripada sekadar keindahan kata-kata, bait-bait puisi dan rangkaian prosa-prosa meruntun hati. Daripada pembacaan makalah ini akan dapat kita temui satu kesimpulan yang sangat kukuh tentang bahasa Melayu dan peranannya dalam penyebaran Islam serta pengekalannya hingga ke hari ini. Sebetulnya menurut Syed Naguib, pendakwah dan Ilmuan Islam pada zaman tersebut telah memilih bahasa yang disebut sebagai bahasa Melayu itu menjadi bahasa pengantar Islam di nusantara/ Asia tenggara bukan secara kebetulan. Sedangkan pada waktu itu, bahasa Melayu bukanlah bahasa sehari-harian utama masyarakat meskipun bahasa Melayu dikenali sebagai lingua-franca (bahasa perdagangan). Penggunaan bahasa Melayu tidak sehebat penggunaan bahasa Jawa pada peringkat tersebut di mana pengaruh hindu dan buddha bertapak kukuh. Pemilihan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa pengantar Islam sangat unik dan bukanlah sesuatu yang mengejutkan pula jika dinilai pada ciri-cirinya yang tersendiri.

Walaupun mungkin ramai yang meragui ketulenan dan keistimewaan Bahasa Melayu, namun sangat tidak keterlaluan jika dikatakan Bahasa Melayu ini ibarat bahasa Arab pada zaman Jahiliyyahnya. Bahasa ini masih suci dan dara. Masih belum terdapat pengaruh daripada agama-agama dan falsafah-falsafah lain. Bahasa ini senantiasa bersedia untuk dikembangkan mengikut corak agama Islam, menggunakan istilah-istilah yang sesuai untuk Islam sahaja pula. Dan tentunya perkembangan kedua-dua bahasa ini ( Arab dan Melayu) sangat-sangat dibentuk oleh Quran karim. Jika ada yang meragui kesucian Bahasa Melayu ini seperti yang didakwa, mungkin mereka harus mencari bukti yang menunjukkan kitab-kitab bagi agama buddha dan hindu dituliskan di dalam bahasa Melayu. Dan sejujurnya, agama-agama tersebut tidak pernah melahirkan ahli fikir atau failasuf Melayu-Buddha atau Melayu-Hindu seperti yang berlaku di negara-negara asalnya dan sepatutnya berlaku jika benar kedua-dua agama ini menjadi pegangan hidup masyarakat Melayu waktu itu. Sedangkan Islam telah berjaya melahirkan tokoh-tokoh intelek Melayu seperti Hamzah Fansuri, Nuruddin ar-Raniri, Abdul Rauf Singkel dan ramai lagi setelah kebangkitannya di Nusantara.

Amat menarik juga untuk melihat corak dan pola kebudayaan masyarakat nusantara sebelum ketibaan Islam ke sini. Mengikut catatan sejarawan Belanda Pirenne, buddhisma, hinduisma dan animisma menjadi anutan masyarakat pada waktu itu. Kenyataan ini benar tetapi konsep anutan ini sama sekali berbeza kerana yang terserap oleh rakyat jelata waktu itu adalah sekadar hasil seni atau kebudayaan estetik agama seperti ritual-ritual dan penceritaan hikayat dewa-dewa. Kecenderungan masyarakat Melayu adalah kepada sifat seni daripada falsafah dan mereka tidak mendalami metafisika dan falsafah hindu dan buddha walaupun nilaiannya memang sangat elok. Rakyat telah menolak ke tepi pemikiran akliah, rasionalisma dan juga intelektualisma. Mereka sebaliknya pula telah menjadikan nilaian golongan bangsawan sebagai nilaian hidup mereka. Perlu diingatkan di sini bahawa pada zaman itu, hanya golongan bangsawan yang benar-benar mengambil berat terhadap anutan mereka. Ini kerana golongan bangsawanlah yang menentukan nilai hidup dan cita yang perlu dipegang oleh rakyat jelata. Justeru, kedua-dua agama ini sebenarnya tidak berjaya mengubah pandangan hidup masyarakat Melayu dan membentuk kefahaman mereka terhadap nilaian beragama. Yang diwariskan zaman berzaman hanyalah sekadar kebudayaan yang sangat luar dan tipis yang tidak bersandarkan kepada pemikiran akliah.

Memang benar kesenian adalah suatu ciri yang mensifatkan tamadun, namun pandangan hidup yang berdasarkan kesenian itu adalah semata-mata merupakan kebudayaan estetik, kebudayaan klasik, yang dalam penelitian konsep peradaban sejarah bukanlah menandakan suatu masyarakat yang bersifat keluhuran budi dan akal serta pengetahuan ilmiah. Bahkan sejarah telah mengajar bahwa semakin indah dan rumit gaya senirupa, maka semakin menandakan kemerosotan budi dan akal....dalam menilai peranan dan kesan Islam, ciri-ciri yang harus dicari oleh mereka bukan pada tugu dan candi, pada pahatan dan wayang - ciri-ciri yang mudah dipandang mata jasmani - akan tetapi pada bahasa dan tulisan yang sebenarnya mencarakan daya budi dan akal merangkum pemikiran. – muka surat 19.

Petikan di atas menggambarkan cara terbaik untuk kita menilai kebudayaan Melayu iaitu melalui bahasa dan tulisan. Turut diterangkan adalah kefahaman tentang kesusasteraan sendiri iaitu penulisan yang merangkumi bidang-bidang ilmiah seperti pemikiran politik dan pendidikan, juga meliputi bidang-bidang kebudayaan seperti hasil agama, falsafah, sejarah , hukum, undang-undang serta adat istiadat. Kelihatannya zaman sekarang telah merubah kefahaman generasi baru terhadap sastera dan kita lebih cenderung untuk mendefinisikan sastera sebagai gaya penulisan yang indah dan berasingan daripada penulisan akademik juga ilmiah. Kedatangan Islam ke nusantara sebenarnya sangat banyak membentuk dan mencorakkan kebudayaan masyarakat Melayu.Tidak keterlaluan jika kita katakan bahawa kebudayaan Melayu memang tidak boleh diasingkan daripada nama Islam itu sendiri.

Kedatangan Islam ke Asia Tenggara telah banyak mempengaruhi cara hidup dan gaya berfikir masyarakat Melayu. Pada abad keenam belas dan ketujuh belas selepas kedatangan Islam, pembangunan rasionalisma dan intelektualisma sangat pesat berlaku. Ini menandakan peralihan zaman, pandangan hidup serta dasar kebudayaan masyarakat daripada dasar estetik kepada dasar saintifik. Dasar saintifik yang dimaksudkan adalah sesuatu dasar yang mempunyai bawaan dan sifat akliah berdasarkan ilmu pengetahuan, yang mempunyai cara dan gaya menganalisa sesuatu mengikut tatatertib ilmiah. Islam telah datang dan menerangkan konsep perihal Wujud secara rasional dan membuka lembaran baru kepada satu bahasa yang bakal dikenali sebagai Bahasa Melayu. Bahasa ini berkembang sejajar dengan kehendak pengetahuan Islam dan menjadikannya bahasa bertata logika, bahasa pemikiran akliah yang mengutamakan analisa. Aliran baru bahasa ini bersifat ringkas dan padat serta kemas gayanya. Inilah bentuk penulisan sastera ilmuan zaman lampau seperti ahli tasawwuf, ulama’, golongan ilmiah dan pensyarah. Hamzah Fansuri telah dimajukan oleh penulis sebagai pelopor aliran baru penulisan ini kerana beliau awal-awal sekali menulis secara rasional dan kritis, inteleknya telah berjaya menonjolkan fikiran murni manakala olahan bahasanya terkesan di fikiran serta keberaniannya menempuh saujana lautan falsafah.

Zaman telah banyak berubah sejak hari Bahasa Melayu diangkat sebagai pengantar agama ulung ini. Penghijrahan bentuk tulisan Bahasa Melayu daripada jawi kepada rumi sebenarnya merupakan salah satu agenda barat untuk memisahkan kita daripada identiti sebenar kebudayaan Melayu. Melayu kini telah menjadi seolah-olah asing dari Islam dan kabur tentang masa lampau yang sebenarnya cuba dipadamkan sedikit demi sedikit, hari demi hari. Kehilangan sejarah Islam inilah menjadi faktor kehilangan identiti bangsa kita yang dicari-cari lewat masa ini. Sastera itu lambang kebudayaan utama kita.Sastera pada zaman lampaunya tidak wujud sebagai novel-novel picisan bahkan sastera merupakan wadah utama segenap ilmu-ilmu untuk diperkembangkan di Asia Tenggara. Penulis diakhirnya telah memetik kisah Laila Majnun dalam memperkatakan tentang kedalaman cinta yang harus ada pada para sarjana Islam terhadap sejarah kita. Meskipun buruk di pandangan orang tetapi hakikat cinta yang benar dan jujur itu menembusi pandangan zahir.

Sebagai penutup ; kesusasteraan itu mencerminkan tamadun, yang merupakan kehidupan intelek...bahasa dan kesusasteraan itu memang merupakan intisari hasrat dan pemikiran insan dalam kehidupan – muka surat 65.

[More...]

2008-03-16T18:19:00.001Z

Field: Islam
Title: Duties of the Muslim Youth
Author: Shaykh Yusuf Al-qaradawi
Publication: Islamic Institue of Da’wah and Research
ISBN: 0-921-6585-0-5
Rating:
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

In this era of globalization and constant need for human resource in al fields, the youth are the targeted group to bear the brunt of responsibility either in worldly matters or spiritual matters. Not only that, this specific group of people are at their best of times (golden age) in terms of mental, physical and emotional capacity, though most of them are ignorant and reluctant to burst into full performance. This book is intended to address the issue of the duty of Muslim youth, in which Dr Yusuf Qaradawi deals the issues in a very simple yet eloquent manner. Having himself involved in the Call (da’wah) and the pursue of knowledge, Qaradawi highlighted the 4 most important responsibility to Muslim youth in a conference which is then compiled in this treatise and translated into English.

Of the four questions to be asked on the Day of Judgement, 2 are related to the concept of time. Life- what did you spend it? Period of youth- how did you spend it? It is this realization of youth hood immense importance that motivates Muslim youth of the glorious Islamic history that perpetrates martyrdom in their hearts. It was also based on such insight that 17 years –old such as Muhammad Ibn Qasim could conquer the world. It has also been proven that the youth are the backbone of Islam in the early advent of da’wah; such as the Khulafa’ Rasyidun (Rightly-guided sucessors).

The first and the most important duty of Muslim youth is to the need for a correct understanding of Islam. In the age when Muslims are in the period of backwardness, decadence and disorder, to gain a sound understanding is Islam is a challenge that Muslims have to endeavour. Fabricated and week ahadith (sayings of the prophet), interpolation by customs, the mixture of Israeli tradition (Israiliyat) have altered the true message of Islam. Thus, Qardawi emphasized on referring to the Quran and the authentic hadith and understanding of the Salafus Salih, and this can only be done with learning which requires reading. Qaradawi also emphasizes that firm understanding of Islam does not mean neglect in other aspects of Islam; i.e. to excel in studies etc but rather to place along with all other obligations in such a way that one does not undermine the other.

Secondly is the need to practice Islam, in its true form after understanding it. This is the action and behaviour that should characterize each Muslim especially the youth, for knowledge without the action and practice is void and pointless. Hopefully, the elucidation of the wonderful character of true Muslims would contribute to the rectifying the misunderstanding that the world have on Muslim. The lawful and prohibited should constantly be observed in their daily life.

Moreover, showing good example is not enough for a Muslim youth, but rather they have to respond to the Call to Islam (Da’wah) while observing himself. Having prepared with the spiritual, knowledge and passion towards Islam, Muslim youth carry the brunt of duty to invite others to the true path of God. Qaradawi argued that if he/she urges others to the truth, he will try and become a good model for what he calls to and thus making him adhere to the Islamic teachings as well. Steadfastness is the central tenet of da’wah for in this time’s Pharaoh, Namrud and Abu Jahal is more than just an individual, but rather an ideology; be it Communism, Socialism, Fascism etc.

Finally, the 4^th duty is be cohesive in Islam. The youth who understand Islam in a correct manner, believe in it wholeheartedly, and urge each other to abide by it and invite others to it, need to assist each other and remain bonded together. He said that no action appears in an individual light, and the individual action does not benefit nor it is sufficient. There would be individualism and vacuum domination on the side of Truth when there is no cohesion. Muslim youth should therefore always bear in the minds of these four duties and be ashamed of the absence of a truly Islamic state which embraces belief (aqidah), shariah (jurisprudence), akhlaq (morals) and hadarah (civilization). Qaradawi also quoted from the quran (Al-rum: 4-6) that the day will arrive when Islam is glorious again the eyes of mankind.

[More...]

2008-03-16T18:09:00.000Z

Field: Islam
Title: Fiqh Ikhtilaf
Author: Yusuf Qardhawi
Publication: As-Syabab Media 2003
ISBN: 983-9435-63-9
Rating: aaaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

Perbezaan pendapat (ikhtilaf) merupakan isu yang melanda umat Islam di seluruh dunia. Hal ini boleh jadi kritikal, dan boleh juga menjadi kebaikan yang dikongsi bersama- bergantung kepada pemahaman umum terhadap ikhtilaf. Buku yang ditulis oleh Dr Yusuf Qardhawi ini telah berjaya memberikan penjelasan yang mudah dan menyeluruh terhadap isu ini. Tajuk penuh buku ialah “Fiqh Ikhtilaf, Perbezaan Pendapat Antara Gerakan Islam- yang Dibenarkan dan Dilarang”.

Setelah menerangkan jenis dan sebab ikhtilaf, beliau dengan tegasnya membicarakan kewajipan untuk umat islam bersatu, dan memberi amaran akan dosa perpecahan. Hadith “perpecahan umat menjadi 73 golongan” juga telah dibahaskan statusnya, lalu meletakkan kedudukan hadith tersebut sebagai daif (lemah).

Buku ini diteruskan lagi dengan suatu perbahasan yang ringkas tetapi cukup kukuh, akan sebab perlunya berbeza pendapat dalam masalah cabang. Menurut penulis, ia bukan sahaja suatu kemestian, malah rahmat dan kebebasan untuk semua. Faktor ikhtilaf dalam masalah cabang juga disenaraikan sebagai empat: tabiat agama, bahasa, manusia, dan alam kehidupan.

Setelah menyentuh dan menjelaskan isu ikhtilaf dalam masalah-masalah kecil dan cabang, beliau tidak lupa untuk menasihati pembaca akan masalah-masalah yang lebih besar dan utama yang perlu semua orang tumpukan. Nasihat-nasihat lain, seperti toleransi, kerjasama, dan bersederhana juga telah disuarakan di bawah tajuk-tajuk khusus. Moral atau sikap yang sepatutnya umat Islam amalkan dalam berikhtilaf juga telah dihuraikan dengan panjang dalam bab yang tersendiri.

Sebagai penutup, penulis telah membicarakan sedikit-sebanyak tentang Imam Hasan al-Banna dan sumbangannya terhadap pemahaman fiqh ini. Juga disuarakan bahawa adalah mustahil untuk mencapai ijma’ (konsensus) dalam persoalan furu’iyah (cabang).

[More...]

2008-03-14T06:45:00.001Z

Field: Politics
Title: Speeches that changed the world
Compiled by: Simon Sebag Montefiore
Publication: Quercus Publishing 2006
ISBN 10: 1-84724-087-9
Rating: aaaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Shamil Semanat

The book as the title suggests provides readers with a number of speeches delivered from as early as Prophet Moses's 'The Tenth Commendments' to George W. Bush's 'Address to the Nation' after the 9/11 incident. It also includes an introduction from Simon Sebag Montefiore, a historian and writer by profession. Valued at £25, I find the book not only worthwhile but has the ability to rouse and inspire even those who have no interest in world event. The layout and arrangement are particularly amazing in that it introduce the person referred to before his speech. In this, it provide those anew to history of the world a ground basis to understand and appreciate not only the speech but also the event taken place during the era.

One speech I personally admired was this one, from John F. Kennedy for his inaugural address;

..."We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

..."So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us."

..."All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

..." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

And this one is from The Closing Speech of Clarence Darrow, a defense lawyer from States which i find it too imposing to just leave out;

"Now, gentlemen, just one more word, and I am through with this case. I do not live in Detroit. But I have no feeling against this city. In fact, I shall always have the kindest remembrance of it, especially if this case results as I think and feel that it will. I am the last one to come here to stir up race hatred, or any other hatred. I do not believe in the law of hate. I may not be true to my ideals always, but I believe in the law of love, and I believe you can do nothing with hatred. I would like to see a time when man loves his fellow man, and forgets his color or his creed. We will never be civilized until that time comes.

I know the Negro race has a long road to go. I believe the life of the Negro race has been a life of tragedy, of injustice, of oppression. The law has made him equal, but man has not. And, after all, the last analysis is, what has man done?--and not what has the law done? I know there is a long road ahead of him, before he can take the place which I believe he should take. I know that before him there is suffering, sorrow, tribulation and death among the blacks, and perhaps the whites. I am sorry. I would do what I could to avert it. I would advise patience; I would advise toleration; I would advise understanding; I would advise all of those things which are necessary for men who live together.

Gentlemen, what do you think is your duty in this case? I have watched, day after day, these black, tense faces that have crowded this court. These black faces that now are looking to you twelve whites, feeling that the hopes and fears of a race are in your keeping.

This case is about to end, gentlemen. To them, it is life. Not one of their color sits on this jury. Their fate is in the hands of twelve whites. Their eyes are fixed on you, their hearts go out to you, and their hopes hang on your verdict.

This is all. I ask you, on behalf of this defendant, on behalf of these helpless ones who turn to you, and more than that,--on behalf of this great state, and this great city which must face this problem, and face it fairly,--I ask you, in the name of progress and of the human race, to return a verdict of not guilty in this case!"

In short, I believe the book will be very beneficial to those who have interest in global events; especially to those who appreciate the art of speech writing. Besides, upon reading, I'm sure some will find a number of speeches written here to be of utmost relevant to our condition nowadays; eventhough years have past since.

[More...]

2008-02-22T07:07:00.000Z

Field: History of Islam
Title: Islam; a short history
Author: Karen Armstrong
Publication: Weidenfield and Nicolson, The Orion Publishing Group Ltd
ISBN: 1-84212-583-4
Rating:
Level: Intermediate
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

It has always been the case where Islam is being misunderstood by the masses. Islamophobia, the presentation of fear and ignorance of the Western society towards Islam haunts their popular imagination of the religion as an extreme faith that promotes authoritarian government, female oppression, civil war and terrorism. This book could be a vital corrective of the stereotype which demonstrates the idea of social justice and compassion which are and had always been the centre tenet of Islam.

Completed with maps and the chronology of the Islamic history, this book gives a bird’s view on the events in history dated back from 610 AD till the year 1998. There is also a list of A to Z of political, religious and academician throughout the History of Islam which is useful for readers to refer.

Beginning with the advent of preaching of Islam by Prophet Muhammad pbuh with dated back more than 1400 ago, Karen Armstong highlighted the era of tribulations and the uproar of the mushrik (infidels) as a retaliation against Muhammad’s teaching of Islamic Monotheism until the times of Madinah where the first Islamic state is founded. Followed heed is the history of the Khulafa’ Ar-rasyidun (Rightly-guided caliphs) and the First Fitnah (upheaval) which is an important marker of the commencement of division of the ummah.

Despite the emergence of sects due to political collision, Muslims continue to develop and explore new lands. However, Muslims would particularly disagree with the author on the point of the judgment of conquering other lands merely for material gain and influence backed by the upholding of the Shariah Law; which is unparallel to most of our (Muslim) believes and the description of the Umar II (Umar Abdul Aziz) tenure. Nevertheless, the Umayyads dynasty continued to flourish alongside the establishment of religious movement such as the Kharajites, Qadarites, Shiis until the last years of the dynasty when change in the leadership of the ummah is inevitable. The Abbasids through the manipulation of the Shiis came to power and brought the ummah to the level which is oftenly described as the ‘Golden Age of Islam’. The author also explains the origin of split between Shiis and Sunni Muslims and the emergence of Sufi mysticism and the beginning of esoteric movement of Shiis at a time when there is influx of information, new scientific discoveries and the translation of the Greek and Roman scriptures were occurring.

On the other hand, like any other civilization, Islam had to face the shattering effects of new orders which divide the empire but has its benefit as well. They are the Mongols from Central Asia and the Crusades from Christendom in the early till mid second Christian millennium. However, Islam and its empire were able to rise from the deadly culmination period and triumphs as the Ustaziyatul Alam (World Order) in which the author named as the period of ‘Imperial Islam’ between 1500 to 1700. The worlds saw 3 huge Islamic empires; the Safavid (Shiism inclined), Moghul Empire (Sufism inclined) and the Ottoman Empire.

In the mean time, the rise of the West particularly forces from Europe and the USA which is industrial-based bloomed the ideas of secularism, colonialism, capitalisme, socialism, facism, and the mostly-affecting idea of nationalism by which the states in began to demand for a local authority instead of a central authorization. The First World War, in which the Ottoman Empire fought along Germany and lost, is an event so significant that it topples the caliphate in favour for a secularized modern state of Turkey led by Mustafa Kamal the Attartuk.

Since then, Muslims continuously tried to rise from the defeat of which we saw the founding of the hard-line fundamentalist such as movement led by Syed Qutb and the moderate such as Dr Yusof Abdallah Al-qardhawi. The history has seen transformation of Islam through time in which the tenets of the deen (way of life) should be uphold. The author also made a point at the end that Western did contribute to the extremism in Islamic faith.

[More...]

Approaching the Qur'an

2008-02-22T04:26:00.000Z

2008-02-21T08:20:00.000Z

Field: Islam
Title: Sharh al-Aqeedat-il-Wasitiyah
Author: Ibn Taimiyah
Publication: Darussalam Publications 1996
ISBN: 9960-899-63-2
Rating:
Level:
Reviewed by: A.S Abd Mokti

This treatise Sharh Al-aqeedat-il-wasitiyah, describes the belief of the genuine followers of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah based on the Quran and Hadiths. The belief of this saved and successful sect (Al-Firqatun Naajiyah Al-Mansoorah) includes the fundamental belief of faith to Allah and His attributes, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers, the hereafter and in having good or bad destiny. These faiths which forms the articles of Iman (faith) are thoroughly discussed in this book.

The saved sect believes that Allah has attributed those attribute to Himself and neither negation nor alteration should be done, as Allah has stated clearly through his book (Quran) and sent guidance to the prophet s.a.w.

Ibnu Taimiyah portrayed a rather clear, striking and elegant method of addressing the readers. This book is so richly stepped in references to the Quran, to Ahadith, to the saying of the rightly guided companions and their followers, and to opinion of other experts in jurisprudence, that make as if the Muslim reader feels that he is leaving in the blessed age of Islam.

Sharh Al-aqeedat-il-wasitiyah starts the discussion of faith with the meaning of Bismillah, Hamd and Madh followed by the meaning of the Shahadah itself. He then kicks of the introduction of the Saved Sect and its Faith by describing the attributes of Allah. Among the attributes discussed are hearing, seeing, intention, love, justice, mercy, pleasure, wrath, curse, coming etc and the controversially-understood attribute of Istiwa’ for Allah. It is important to note that these attributes of Allah are as what that suits His Majesty and neither negation nor measurement with His creatures should be made. Ibnu Taimiyah also stressed on the importance of avoiding ta’weel (to interpret into another meaning) as the Quran is the word of Allah and Allah knows best what He said. But, rather it is the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah to have faith in the attributes which Allah qualified for Himself.

The faith to the prophet as messengers and the life after death then ensues with illustration of the day of resurrection and its events, Haud, Sirat, and Intercession as stated by the Quran and Ahadith. Discussion continues with the belief in Qadar(Divine Decree) in which the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah are the moderate between the Qadariyah and Mu’tazilah, In the mater of the Sahabah (companions) and the Ahlul Bait (family of the prophets), Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah should believe and love them.

The author ends the book with the affirmation of belief in karamah of auliya, following the Sunnah of the prophet, and the basic principles of Shari’ah.

Sheikhul Islam also affirmed that Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah are the moderate sects among the Ummah, which is described in one of the chapter as follows:

“In such Ahadith in which the prophet pbuh gives information about Allah the Almighty and Glorious, the men of the saved sect have faith in the same manner as they have faith on the information given about them by Allah in His book without distortion and negation and without adding adding quality and resemblance. In fact, among all the sects of the Ummah, this sect is moderate just as the community of Muslims is a moderate one among all the communities.

The followers of ASWJ occupy a moderate position between the Ahlul Ta’teel (Jahmiyah: deny names of Allah and attibutes) and Ahlul-Tamtheel (Mushabbiha-resemble Allah’s attribute with His creatures), and are moderate between the Jabariyah sect (belief that slaves has no will and power to do good or bad) and Qadariyah (belief that slaves have full will and power after himself) regarding the act of Acts of Allah, and are moderate about the promise of Allah between Murjiah (believe that action are not part of faith, only testimony and confession are) and the Wa’eediyah sects among Qadariyah (believe that the believer who commits major sins and do not repent will enter hell forever) and moderate on matters of the Faith and names of the religion between Harooriyah (Khawarij-rebellion against Ali) and Mu’tazilah and between Murhi’ah and Jahmiyah, and are moderate regarding the companions between Raafidah (Shia) and Khawarij.”

[More...]

2008-02-17T16:44:00.000Z

Field: Biography
Title: Malcolm X
Author: Michael Benson
Publication: Lerner Publications Company
ISBN: 0-8225-5385-6
Rating: aaa
Level: Beginner
Reviewed by: Safwan

Intending to present "just the facts" of his life, the book started with a simplistic overview of the setting at the time Malcolm Little was a boy. At a time where racism presided, Malcom's family lived without assurance of safety. It explained how Malcom's father, Earl, was closely associated to Marcus Garvey which consequently made their family a target of Ku Klux Klan's brutality.

A significant part of the book narrated about Malcom's dark years of his life. When he was in his teens, he took up drug dealing, burglary, and other illegal businesses to earn his living. His imprisonment in 1945, when he was 20 years old marked yet another phase of his life- as a follower of Nation of Islam.

The author correctly described Nation of Islam as deviating from the original teachings of Islam, and Malcolm's participation in it strengthens the organisation significantly. Described as confident and eloquent in his speech, he quickly won the support of many.

His life-changing journey to Makkah was surely recounted as well. This was when he also took to Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and several other african countries to meet with their Leaders. Being comprehensive, the book also recorded Malcolm's meeting with Mohammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr.

Describing his assasination in 1965, the book emphasised that although he is dead, his message of liberation and equality continued to live. In a straightforward and easy manner, the book tells its readers more about the course of Malcolm's life than the message he died for.

[More...]

2008-02-16T09:50:00.000Z

Field: Palestine and Zionism

Title: A History of Palestinian Resistance

Author: Dr Daud Abdullah

Publication: Al-Aqsa Publishers 2005

ISBN: 0-9536530-3-x

Rating: aaa

Level: Intermediate

Reviewed by: Safwan

The author has successfully presented the whole complicated history in a simple and understandable manner. The book is however, he stressed, mainly written for students studying history. It recounts the incident from as early as 1880's, when the World Zionist Organisation was founded to the Hebron Protocol in 1990's.

An example of how Zionists struggled to attain the support of World Powers was clearly depicted through the first part of the book. How years after years, and pressures upon pressures, their pursuit of a new 'homeland' in Palestine culminated in British's willingness to help.

The book gives an overview of how the Palestinians didn't just sit and watch while their lands and homes were being taken by the newcomers. As early as March 1886, even before the establishment of World Zionist Organisation, the Farmers of Mullabis stood against the occupation. The resistance got a new wave especially after the Buraq Uprising in 1929 and the 1948 Nakba (Catastrophe).

Among the political actions are efforts made by Higher Arab Council, Fateh, and Palestinian Liberation Organisation. The book also highlights events that seem to have been increasingly forgotten by many- Phony War, Battle of Karamah, and Sabra Shatila massacres.

Another effort to make known to the world not only the Palestinians' sufferings, but the Palestine Question in a comprehensive overview.

[More...]

"These days you can't live without an education," a common enough quote that pops out of the mouths of millions of American parents and grandparents every day. But how many times have you heard a thirteen year old girl say those words? Billed as "the diary that changed lives," The Diary of Ma Yan is an extraordinary tale both in content and in the way the diary became a published bestseller in France and its author a celebrity throughout Europe.

Today Ma Yan is sixteen and a high school student in China, but her story begins in the year 2000 and ends in December, 2001. We meet Ma Yan when she's thirteen and in the last year of her primary school. She lives in the dormitory during the week and makes the twelve and a half mile walk home every weekend. Her life revolves around school and the absolute necessity for her to do well, while her very existence is consumed with thoughts of food and constant hunger.

Ma Yan's story is of her struggle to survive and break out of this terrible poverty.
"How wonderful it would be if I could stay in school forever," says Ma Yan, but in 2001 she knows that will never happen. Life in rural China is hard. In the village of Zhangjiashu, thousands of miles northwest of Beijing, the way out is by getting an education. If a family is able to provide the funds for school, the boys are the lucky recipients. When Ma Yan cries out, "Why can boys study and not girls?" her mother says, "When you grow up, you'll understand."
But Ma Yan does not understand; while, despite her harsh words, Ma Yan's mother does understand her daughter's passionate plea to remain in school. Determined that her daughter have a better life, Ma Yan's thirty-three year old mother sacrifices even more and travels two hundred and fifty miles away to earn the money needed for her daughter to return to school. In many ways, this is as much the story of the mother as it is the daughter.

In May 2001 when French journalist Pierre Haski arrived in Zhangjiashu, it is the mother who appeared out of nowhere and pushed "a letter and three small brown notebooks" into his hands. Scribbled on the back of a seed packet for green beans, Ma Yan had written her now-famous cry, "I want to study." Tears on the paper attested to her anger. Later Haski learned Ma Yan had gone fifteen days without food to have the money to pay for the ballpoint pen.

In short daily entries, Ma Yan tells of life in and out of school. Her desperate need to succeed, her emotional upheavals, the intense rivalry between students, the enormous sacrifices made by her parents, and the "cruel life" lived by her octogenarian grandparents pull the reader deeper and deeper into Ma Yan's world and reveal an ordinary girl living a life few of us can imagine.

First published in France, The Diary of Ma Yan is finally reaching American shores with this edition. As a direct result of Ma Yan's diaries being read, the Association for the Children of Ningxia now helps children like Ma Yan stay in school. Although this is essentially a young adult book, the story has the power to capture the imagination of adults. In my humble opinion, Ma Yan's Diary should be mandatory reading for all.

Taken from blogcritics
Available on Amazon
Fields: Humanism

2008-02-14T07:24:00.000Z

All

Palestine and Zionism

reAwakening

2008-02-12T18:13:00.001Z

[click picture to enlarge]

Committee

2008-02-12T16:47:00.000Z

President

Ahmad Safwan Ahmad Kamal Hayati
University of Newcastle, United Kingdom
MBBS Medicine 2011
safwan_akh-yahoo.com

Vice President

Ahmad Shamil Semanat
Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
MBBCh Medicine 2011
shamil_chaserg-hotmail.com

Members

Nurzemy Dania Jailuddin
University of Melbourne, Australia
MBBS, Bach Med.Sc Medicine 2012
nurzemy_dania86-yahoo.com

Mohamed Azad Noor Azman
Cardiff University, United Kingdom
MESci Exploration & Resource Geology 2010
azad282-yahoo.co.uk

Nor Maisarah Mohamed Shukri
Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
MBBS Medicine 2010
put_humaira-yahoo.com

Muslihah Rosman
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
MBBS Medicine 2011
xyglore86-yahoo.com

Mus'ab Umair Hassan
University of Otago, New Zealand
MBChB Medicine 2011
kl_2ptn-yahoo.com

Siti Nadiah Abd Rahim
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
MPharm 2010
nadiah_bebe13-yahoo.com

Adibah Abdullah
University of Manchester, United Kingdom
MBChB Medicine 2011
adelei_ephsilon-yahoo.com

Abdullah Shamshir Abd Mokti

Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

MBBS Medicine 2011

mic_lans86-yahoo.com

Arif Makhdzir
University of Toronto, Canada
BASc Electrical Engineering 2010
thermodyn4mics-hotmail.com

Intan Nadia Taib
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
BA Management Studies 2009
sis_nadia-yahoo.com

Nur Nabilah Ahmad Puzi
Charles University, Czech Republic
MuDr (MBBS) Medicine 2012
belle_labong-yahoo.com

2008-02-12T14:41:00.000Z

Constitution

Apprentices’ responsibilities

■ Read up at least 10 books per year
■ Produce a self written review for each book read
■ Books read fall into one of the categories enlisted by MSF
■ Submit updates to website every other month
■ Look forward for the events and programmes organized by MSF

External contribution

■ Non-member contribution is generally welcomed
■ Contributors need to fill in the relevant forms
■ Anonymity of contributors will not be preserved
■ MSF has the right to reject any submissions which are not in line with the organisation’s interest

2008-02-12T14:40:00.001Z

Philosophy

Insight and deliberateness: In the increasingly developing world, knowledge needs to be circulated while its authenticity preserved. MSF recognises wisdom as the most powerful influence in bringing about a wave of change to the world. Knowledge should never be exploited to gain any particular group’s interests, but to be presented in its pure authenticity. Preserving such condition safeguards a positive and comprehensive development of the society. It further welcomes us to the doors of truth- a dream-state everybody wants to achieve.

2008-02-12T14:36:00.000Z

RATIONALE:

Vision

To change the world by first growing Malaysian society in a scholarly atmosphere

Mission

MSF will become the centre of reference in scholarship, offering many fields of mastery, holding perpetual events of knowledge interchange

Objective

·To create understanding on the importance of reading
·To instill awareness and enthusiasm in reading; among members
·To promote a scholarly attitude towards knowledge
·To set up a foundation for scholars to gather, easing the process of compiling and collating knowledge
·To found an independent library with features meeting all the needs of scholarship by 2019

President's Statement

2008-02-12T12:31:00.000Z

The Muslims have always very much revered the teaching and accounts of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A glimpse at the invaluable history depicts how hard he and his companions had struggled to ensure the spread of Islam. They faced severe oppositions, oppressive treatments, and unexpected trials all along the path they determined to walk. Nevertheless, their successes have pulled a myriad of admirations especially from the subsequent generations who ardently wish to revive and rejuvenate Islam, bringing it back to its once highly regarded status.

The peace and world order Islam stored some time ago was clearly recorded and recognized by any sound historians. Wherever the army reaches, the soil is planted the seeds of Islam, gently and carefully, only to win localities’ affection and later becoming fruit-bearing trees. The soldiers might have looked fierce and solemn during the battle, but they were the nicest and most well-mannered towards the civilians. They understood the significance and urgency of each war they waged: with the forts and citadels standing in power, the oppressed will never have the option- let alone freedom- to choose. How beautiful and blessed was the message and its dissemination!

Fortunately for us, the barricade and castles are no longer intact, rendering wars much less relevant these days. The message needs a new vector to ride on. If Muslims are serious about inviting people to Islam, the call desperately needs a genuinely pure means; relevant to today’s social atmosphere and development. The visible barriers might have no longer existed, but that by no means rule out its invisible and intangible form. Ideologies, politics, education, media, protocols, and regulations- to name but a few- might work better than stone walls in safeguarding power and maneuvering oppressions.

The Muslims have to rise. Not just that, they have to do it wisely, full of insight and deliberateness. This mission is old, but the method required is anew. The promise God gave will definitely come to light- no doubt in that. It is now entirely on us to decide whether we are part of it or not.

Ahmad Safwan Ahmad Kamal Hayati
MSF Founder & President

2008-02-12T12:14:00.000Z

OVERVIEW:
Areas of concern

IMAGINE JOINING A CIRCLE WHERE YOU GO TO KNOWLEDGE AND IT COMES TO YOU

Promoting reading culture
Reading is always known as one of the largest gates to knowledge. With a culture of reading, we mean an atmosphere where peers promote and inspire each other to read, thus becoming part of one’s motivation to continue reading.

Spread of supplementary knowledge among peers
Knowledge need to be spread healthy and proactively. Organised, friendly, and consistent programmes are useful tools in helping the knowledge spread and circulate. With these links connecting the people, public awareness can be raised in no time.

Knowledge hub
Students today grow in an unrestrictive environment, imbibed with the spirit of enquiry. An appropriate channel needs to be established to get the questions answered. The knowledge hub will ensure the questioner’s question be answered by qualified experts; in this way secures authenticity.

Ahmad Von Denffer

2008-01-28T10:00:00.000Z

Ahmad Von Denffer was born in Germany in 1949. He studied Islamic and Social Anthropology at the University of Mainz. He was in the Islamic Foundation, Leicester as Reaserch Fellow in 1978-1984. He is currently working with the Islamic Centre, Munich, Germany. His other publications include: Der Koran (Translation of the Qur’an in German), Literarture on Hadith in European Languages: A Bibliography; a German translation of Nawawi's Forty Hadith; A Day With the Prophet in both English and German; and Islam for Children. His latest work, a new translation of the Quran in German, is published in 1996.

‘Ulum al-Qur’an

2008-01-28T09:57:00.000Z

Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts?
(Muhammad:24)

It was only less than 10 years ago when people went around telling everyone not to ponder on the Qur’an, lest they interpret things wrongly, thus paving their way to the Hellfire. The Qur’an, we were told, was there only for us to recite, and you can hope to gain everything from the recitation. It was its melody that we held sacred, not its message. At least that is true for the general laymen.

Many, but not all, doors to the Qur’anic message were closed and perhaps locked by the social stigma. Those who really aspired to know it, was told to learn from a teacher’s tongue. Not from books, but directly from these people. Plus, their credibility cannot be questioned.

Back then, all we knew about the Qur’an was its tajwid, recitation, and not to touch it without ablution or place it anywhere below your navel. Back then you could be labeled a deviant if caught pondering on the translations. We tried to get as excited as we can when reading the Qur’an, but stumbled. It wasn’t at all rare to find people rejoicing at the recital of Allah’s warning of retribution, when, to the same verse, the Prophet would have been distressed.

Praises be to Allah, for His plan is above all others’. Today more and more people have begun to appreciate the Qur’an as it should be valued. They now know the difference between tafsir and translation, between what is clear and what is equivocal. Those who seek to know Allah, they read, ponder, and reflect on the Qur’an, not without putting its message into action. Perhaps the abrasive anti-Islam attitude has also contributed to this change. Debates, discussions, and propagation (formal or not) on the Holy Text are taking place all over the world.

If you’re reading this, and do not think that you’re in the same world, then hop on the boat. Get your copy of the Qur’an and start sailing, for you don’t want to be left behind when everyone is rapidly moving forward.

In the Land of Ayatollahs Tupac Shakur is King

2008-01-15T15:25:00.000Z

It is not uncommon to read a travelogue that often wanders, because that is actually the state of mind of a traveler. Shahzad Aziz however, has managed to pretty much restrain himself from doing this. He puts a great deal of facts and insight on the issues and environment he was dealing with- and this is a great help to us amateur readers. I found it very helpful of him to have briefed about a certain country’s history before actually incising more about it.

As much as we enjoy reading a man’s travel experience, we have to always keep in mind that his ideas are his ideas, and they might or might not be true. A good example is with this book itself- Shahzad might have had a certain fixed idea about a country simply because he has spoken only to people of similar ideology. It could also be due to his presumptions; when they are challenged and proven wrong, this could have a big impact on him, thus causing him to over-express it in the same manner. In fact, it’s normal for us to emphasize on one thing but at the same time being lax or completely ignore the other, due to our subconscious selective interest. At one point Shahzad wrote about how he met many people who ignored the calls of prayer on Friday, but he could have, at the same time, missed stressing or even mentioning the overwhelming attendance in the mosques.

So we readers have to be extra careful. Don’t blame the writer though; he can never include everything in the book, if he wants to keep it at a readable size.

If I remember correctly, this is only the second book I read of this nature. I personally like it because this is how, I feel, a man can travel without passports and whatever hassles, but only with a valued book in his hands.

p/s- Don’t be a nerd.

Shahzad Aziz

2008-01-15T15:21:00.000Z

[No details found]

How to Approach and Understand the Qur’an

2007-12-19T15:29:00.000Z

If you haven't noticed it already, I rated this book 3/5, and intermediate. To be honest, although I found this book really helpful and interesting, I would not recommend this book to those who seek to start a relationship with the Qur'an from scratch. But if you're the type of person who likes to analyse and argue, this book is a perfect match.

Based on this book and Khurram Murad's Way to the Qur'an, MSF has composed a mini-course on Approaching the Qur'an.

Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo

2007-12-19T15:19:00.000Z

Sheikh Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo embraced Islam in 1976 at age 16. His family is from Spain, yet he was born in

France

. He studied Economics at the University of California at Berkley and Davis and holds a Master's Degree in the same field. He is the author of numerous books and articles on different topics in Islam. Some of the books include "How to Approach and Understand the Qur'an", "Purification of the Soul", "The Authority and Importance of the Sunnah", Towards Understanding our Religion", and others.

He has lectured in North America, Europe and Australia. Some of his recent lectures were about Extremism, its Manifestation, its Prohibition by Shar'iah, its Evils and Solutions.

He is currently working on a book titled, “Jihad and Western Attitude toward War”

INCOMPLETE LIST OF JAMAL ZARABOZO'S WORK

Authored:

A Commentary on the Forty Hadith of Nawawi (A 3-volume Book of over 1500 pages)
Towards Understanding Islam - Part I
How to Approach and Understand the Quran
The Authority and Importance of the Sunnah
Purification of the Soul
He Came to Teach you your Religion
The Fiqh of the Friday Prayer
The Friday Prayer - Khutbas I
The Friday Prayer - Khutbas II
Easy Fiqh
Extremism in Islam
Life, Teachings, and Influence of Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab [pdf]

Translated (from Arabic into English):

The World of The Jinn and The Devils
Author: Omar Al-Ashqar
Words of Remembrance and Words of Reminder
Author: Salih al-Sadlaan
The Fiqh of Marriage
Author: Salih al-Sadlaan
Marital Discord
Author: Salih al-Sadlaan

Other Books Edited or Compiled:

A Brief Illustrated Guide to Islam

[islamicboard.com]

You can listen to his lectures here. [1] [2] [3]

Also visit his website, for online classes etc., here.

Fikah Luar Negara

2007-12-19T15:04:00.000Z

This book is simple yet useful for us to understand the difference in opinion in the daily Fiqh. Its not loaded with the minute details, yet quite useful in the sense of giving the reader a ‘bird’s eye’ view on the topic itself.

Hamidah Mat

2007-12-19T14:56:00.000Z

Hamidah Mat dilahirkan di Jitra, Kedah pada tahun 1976. Mendapat pendidikan awal di Sekolah Kebangsaan Siputeh, Kodiang, Kedah. Kemudian bersekolah di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Kedah daripada tahun 1989 hingga 1991. Pengajian beliau di peringkat menengah diteruskan di Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Kajang daripada tahun 1992 hingga 1923.

Kemudian beliau melanjutkan pelajaran ke Jordan pada tahun 1994. Ijazah dasar beliau dalam bidang fikah dan usul fiqh daripada University al-Bayt, Jordan dan ijazah sarjana dalam bidang sama daripada Universiti Malaya. Beliau kini bertugas sebagai pensyarah di Jabatan Bahasa Arab di Pusat Matrikulasi UIAM.

Beliau mula berjinak dalam bidang penulisan sudah menghasilkan rangkaian siri pembelajaran Bahasa Arab bagi beberapa pusat pendidikan di SIngapura. Selain itu, beberapa artiket beliau sudah diterbitkan dalam akhbar Berita Harian dan Majalah I terbitan Karangkaf.

Maszlee Malik

2007-12-19T14:53:00.000Z

Maszlee Malik dilahirkan di Johor Bahru dan membesar di sana sejak tahun 1974. Mendapat pendidikan awal di Sekolah Temenggong Abdul Rahman 2 (STAR), Johor Bahru dan kemudian di Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (English College) daripada tahun 1987 hingga 1989.

Kemudian, beliau bertukar haluan ke bidang agama dan akhirnya berjaya melanjutkan pelajaran ke Jordan pada tahun 1994. Ijazah beliau adalah dalam bidang fikah dan usul fiqh daripara Universiti al-Bayt, Jordan dan ijazah Sarjana dalam bidang yang sama daripada Universiti Malaya. Beliau kini adalah pensyaraj di Jabatan Ilmu Wahyu dan Ilmu Kemanusiaan di Pusat Matrikulasi UIAM dan sedang melanjutkan pelajaran ke University of Durham, United Kingdom dalam bidang politik.

Beliau juga aktif dalam lapangan NGO danaktiviti-aktiviti kemasyarakatan. Selain menjadi Ahli Jawatankuasa Hubungan Antarabangsa Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) daripada tahun 2000 hingga kini, beliau pernah menjadi penasihat agama Pertubuhan Kebajikan Saudara Baru Darul Fitrah. Beliau juga adalah ahli aktif Pertubuhan kebajikan Islam al-Nidaa yang berpusat di Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur dan pertubuhan Muslim professional (MPF)

Selain itu, beliau adlah penasihat bagi beberapa pusat pendidikan Islam di Singapura. Selain menjadi pensyarah dan juga guru seni mempertahankan diri Sin Bao Qi Gong, beliau aktif menulis di majalah-majalah seperti majalah I, Milenia Muslim, remaja I, dan Perspektif. Beliau juga adalah kolumnis tetap laman web seperti http://www.palestinkini.info/ dan http://www.eramuslim.com/ di Indonesia.

Kebanyakan bidang penulisan beliau adalah berkisar isu palestin, isu umat Islam antrabangsa dan fikah kontemporari. Sehingga kini, beberapa buah buku tulisan beliau sudah diterbitkan antaranya ‘Biografi Syeikh Ahmad Yassin’, ‘Persoalan asas isu Palestin’, ‘Aspek-aspek Keislaman isu Palestine’, ‘Road to Beirut’, ‘Soal Jawab Remaja Islam’ dan disertai sarjanyanya yang bertajuk ‘Hukum Talfiq dalam Muamalat’

James Petras

2007-11-30T19:00:00.000Z

He is the author of more than 62 books published in 29 languages, and over 600 articles in professional journals, including the American Sociological Review, British Journal of Sociology, Social Research, and Journal of Peasant Studies. He has published over 2000 articles in nonprofessional journals such as the New York Times, the Guardian, the Nation, Christian Science Monitor, Foreign Policy, New Left Review, Partisan Review, TempsModerne, Le Monde Diplomatique, and his commentary is widely carried on the internet.

His publishers have included Random House, John Wiley, Westview, Routledge, Macmillan, Verso, Zed Books and Pluto Books. He is winner of the Career of Distinguished Service Award from the American Sociological Association's Marxist Sociology Section, the Robert Kenny Award for Best Book, 2002, and the Best Dissertation, Western Political Science Association in 1968. His most recent titles include Unmasking Globalization: Imperialism of the Twenty-First Century (2001); co-author The Dynamics of Social Change in Latin America (2000), System in Crisis (2003), co-author Social Movements and State Power (2003), co-author Empire With Imperialism (2005), co-author)Multinationals on Trial (2006).

He has a long history of commitment to social justice, working in particular with the Brazilian Landless Workers Movement for 11 years. In 1973-76 he was a member of the Bertrand Russell Tribunal on Repression in Latin America. He writes a monthly column for the Mexican newspaper, La Jornada, and previously, for the Spanish daily, El Mundo. He received his B.A. from Boston University and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

[petras.lahaine.org]

The Power of Israel in the United States

2007-11-30T18:58:00.000Z

‘Too many instances of this nature’ is very unlikely to be a mere coincidence. From the Denmark’s insulting of the Prophet to Iran’s nuclear threat, the outcomes serve Israel invariably- and many times have they inflicted US’ reputation. The Europeans even, are now slowly shunning from the US, with France taking the lead.

Professor James Petras has done a good job in analyzing the facts with an eagle’s eyes view, thus sewing the puzzle into one hidden reality within an evil agenda. There are too many examples supporting his theory, and it is much less inconsistent than other hasty accusations blaming the Big Oil or WMD.

That is as far a statement I can make. By no means can we, by reading one or two books, tell ourselves that this is definitely happening and that is not, this is absolutely right and that is not, and so on and so forth. Eventually the reality and truth will come to light, if not here, there in the Last Judgment. Try appreciate and understand this from the spirit of al-Qur’an, more specifically through your journey into al-Anfaal or better still al-Haaqqah.
Should you want to discuss the matter further, it is very much my pleasure. The book certainly has incomparably much more to offer than my far-from-perfect review.

The Myth of Muslim Barbarism and its Aims

2007-11-09T08:34:00.000Z

I have tried, but realized that the review is wholly insignificant if put side-by-side with the actual work. The book clearly explains how these lies are made against Muslims and then successfully used to justify their extermination.

There is undoubtedly something gravely wrong with the world today. In place of religion, ethics (of every specialty) is introduced, but its transgression is not uncommon, even at the top international ranks. Al-Djazairi explains in the book how BBC, a supposedly independent and unbiased-reporting media, acted as a military propaganda in the Iraq war. The same station also showed inconsistent reporting, saying one thing when it suits their interest, and saying another when it doesn’t.

I am very much enlightened when the author again emphasized that he strongly believe, from historical realities, that much of the chaos in Iraq today is the work of US intelligence, although we daily see it as a strife between two previously harmonious communities that could live together. He did not lay down much proof for this, but let’s keep the option open.

The thing with truth is; it is ever consistent. With falsehood, contradictions will surface every now and then. So let the thinking minds judge for themselves, whose depiction of reality they want to ingest.

Inescapable Questions

2007-10-26T08:55:00.000+01:00

How this book can potentially affect a reader (a diary's note):

Five or six days ago I started reading Izetbegović’s Inescapable Questions, and Bosnia has been visiting my dreams since. I dream of taking up arms, signing truce, drafting constitution; in short- all the serious governmental affairs an invaded country would have to delve into. Sometimes it struck me that this material I’m reading resides too intimately with me, or yet precisely- with my searching soul. I would also at times imagine myself enduring a future having similar scales of trials and tribulations, whence I alone- with God Almighty’s help- can and should decide my own, and perhaps others’, fate.

The memories of The Dayton Accord are still very vivid to me, as though I was present upon it being agreed. I was- and am still- deeply emotionally disturbed with the content agreed upon, but all other alternatives were undeniably worse. As reluctantly as one can imagine, the Bosnian Presidency- the only people who seemed to truly care for Bosnia- conceded to the taking of 49% of their long-defended soil by the Serb renegades. It was through these pages, paragraphs and lines that I found my hands, eyes, and heart even; paralysed, not wanting to accept the inconvenient fact hailing the victory of the makers of atrocity.

Izetbegovic would have had to live 5 years longer to witness the long-awaited trial on his enemy, in fact the enemy of every peaceful community; Karadžić the Notorious. As history has clearly shown, it took the whole world a while to even start voicing up against his atrocities; massacres, mass raping, pogroms and expulsions of inhabitants, let alone using force to stop him. As the trial- the first hearing- resumed, I watched closely with all but hatred boiling in my blood, ravaging all other conscience. Indeed, what more conscience can be applied to someone so undeserving of any- like him? Needless to say, with such predisposition, I saw only evil in him.

Alija Izetbegović

2007-10-26T08:48:00.000+01:00

Alija Izetbegovic, the former Bosnian president who steered Bosnia through independence and the worst bloodshed in Europe since World War II, died on 19 October, 2003 aged 78.

Born on August 8, 1925 in Bosanski Samac, Izetbegovic and his family moved to Sarajevo in 1928. He graduated high school in 1943, and studied agriculture for three years. His bookish manner making him an unlikely warrior, Izetbegovic nonetheless demonstrated steely will, long before the start of the Bosnian conflict.

He was sentenced twice for his anti-Communist political views and spent nearly nine years in jails in Communist Yugoslavia - the state created by Josip Broz Tito. Under the motto 'Brotherhood and Unity,'Tito and his immediate successors stamped on any expression of freedom. After serving three years in prison, he was released in 1949 and earned a law degree from Sarajevo university in 1956, later working as a legal adviser to city transport firms. He was imprisoned again from 1983 to 1988 for daring to defy the Communist dictatorship.

Abandoned by Western governments who merely offered platitudes, he courted Muslim nations during the Balkan wars, resulting in financial support for the fledgling Bosnian army in its fight against the Serbs and Croats. When the Serbs policy of 'ethnic cleansing' came to light, hundreds of Islamic fighters came to Bosnia from Arab and other Muslim countries to defend their fellow brothers and sisters.

[kitaabun.com]

Zaharuddin Abd Rahman

2007-10-07T06:54:00.000+01:00

Pengalaman
Kaunselor Shariah, Ingress Corporation Bhd
Felo Akademi, Pusat Kajian Modeniti & Masyarakat Madani
Kolumnis, RHB ISLAMIC Speaks, NST Business Times
Pengurus Kanan, Shariah Compliance Department, RHB ISLAMIC Bank Berhad
Setiausaha Majlis Penasihat Shariah, Asian Finance Bank Bhd ( Anak Syarikat Qatar Islamic Bank)
Penasihat Shariah Luaran, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad ( sehingga Feb 2008)

Sekarang
Felo Akademik (Pensyarah), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia
Panel Soal Jawab Agama, Majalah I, Terbitan Karangkraf Sdn Bhd
Kolumnis Ruangan An- Nur, Harian METRO AHAD
Kolumnis Majalah Iktisad, terbitan Yayasan Muslimin Berhad
Ahli Majlis Penasihat Shariah, C & S Consulting & Investment Ltd, British Virgin Islands ( Bersama Prof. Dr Monzer Kahf)
Pengerusi Majlis Penasihat Shariah, OSK Investment (Islamic) Bank Berhad
Ahli, Konsultan Shariah, Standard Chartered (Sadiq) Bank (Malaysia) Berhad

Kelulusan
B.A ( Hons) , Usuluddin, Universiti Malaya dan
M.A, Shari'ah ( Jayyid Jiddan) , Univ. Al-Yarmouk, Jordan
Tawliah Berceramah dari Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (JAWI) No Ruj : pmwp/600/2klt.6(138)

[zaharuddin.net]

Wang, Anda dan Islam

2007-10-07T06:53:00.000+01:00

Buku ini banyak menolong saya untuk memahami perbezaan perbankan Islam dan perbezaanya dengan bank konvensional. Semua sangat jelas berdasarkan dalil, nas dan ijmak ulamak silam, kontemporari, nasional dan antarabangsa. Pada pendapat saya, buku ini sepatutnya disebar luas agar masyrakat Islam di Malaysia khususnya dan amnya dapat memahami isu perbankan dan kewangan yang semakin hari semakin kompleks sehingga tidak mampu dihuraikan oleh individu biasa mahupun yang berkelulusan syariah. Semoga Allah merahmati UZAR atas usaha 3 tahunnya mengkaji skim, instrument dan sistem perbankan konvensional dan Islam sebelum menulis buku yang banyak memberi maklumat dan membetulkan salah faham masyarakat Islam kita hari ini.

Jerome Groopman

2007-08-27T01:24:00.000+01:00

Jerome Groopman has been a staff writer in medicine and biology for The New Yorker since 1998. He is also the Dina and Raphael Recanati Chair of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Chief of Experimental Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and author of four books. He has published approximately 150 scientific articles and has written several Op-Ed pieces on medicine for the New York Times, the Washington Post, and The New Republic.

Groopman received his BA and MD from Columbia College, Columbia University and was at the Massachusetts General Hospital for his internship and residency in internal medicine. This was followed by fellowships in hematology and oncology at the University of California and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Much of Groopman’s research has focused on the basic mechanisms of cancer and AIDS. He did seminal work on identifying growth factors which may restore the depressed immune systems of AIDS patients. He performed the first clinical trials in a technique that augments blood cell production in immunodeficient HIV-infected patients and has been a major participant in the development of many AIDS-related therapies including AZT. Recently, Groopman has extended the research infrastructure in genetics and cell biology to studies in breast cancer and neurobiology.

The first book written by Groopman was The Measure of Our Days, published in 1997. He also published Second Opinions in 2000 and Anatomy of Hope in 2004. His latest book, How Doctors Think, has rapidly risen to the top of the New York Times bestseller list since its release in March of 2007. Groopman was the guest editor for the 2008 edition of the yearly anthology The Best American Science and Nature Writing.

[wikipedia]

How Doctors Think

2007-08-27T01:23:00.000+01:00

I like the book as a whole, with the errors we might face and should be avoided when becoming a doctor. However, the book is too narrative with too many stories and I was forced to browse through the previous pages to refresh my memory to which story the author is referring at any point of the book. Nevertheless, it is a good book, a mind-blowing one since I am going to starts clinical placement this September.

Also a good book to read in order to prepare our mind as a physician-to-be. The book clearly recognize the fact that doctors are not infallible and their judgment should be question critically to avoid harming patients.

The Golden Age and Decline of Islamic Civilisation

2007-08-12T23:38:00.000+01:00

The names are hard to remember though. Pessimist I may sound, but I’m almost sure that they will not stick in my head the moment I lay my hands on another book. Anyway nice knowing them, though it was a short encounter :)

Illuminations, discussions, opinions, and questions are welcomed!

Jimmy Carter

2007-08-07T12:14:00.000+01:00

Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.), thirty-ninth president of the United States, was born Oct. 1, 1924, in the small farming town of Plains, Ga., and grew up in the nearby community of Archery. His father, James Earl Carter, Sr., was a farmer and businessman; his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse.

He was educated in the public school of Plains, attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and received a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. In the Navy he became a submariner, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and rising to the rank of lieutenant. Chosen by Admiral Hyman Rickover for the nuclear submarine program, he was assigned to Schenectady, N.Y., where he took graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics, and served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew of the Seawolf, the second nuclear submarine.

On July 7, 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. When his father died in 1953, he resigned his naval commission and returned with his family to Georgia. He took over the Carter farms, and he and Rosalynn operated Carter's Warehouse, a general-purpose seed and farm supply company in Plains. He quickly became a leader of the community, serving on county boards supervising education, the hospital authority, and the library. In 1962 he won election to the Georgia Senate. He lost his first gubernatorial campaign in 1966, but won the next election, becoming Georgia's seventy-sixth governor on Jan. 12, 1971. He was the Democratic National Committee campaign chairman for the 1974 congressional and gubernatorial elections.

Jimmy Carter served as president from Jan. 20, 1977, to Jan. 20, 1981. Significant foreign policy accomplishments of his administration included the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II treaty with the Soviet Union, and the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. He championed human rights throughout the world. On the domestic side, the administration's achievements included a comprehensive energy program conducted by a new Department of Energy; deregulation in energy, transportation, communications, and finance; major educational programs under a new Department of Education; and major environmental protection legislation, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

[cartercenter]

The True Message of Jesus Christ

2007-07-29T09:11:00.000+01:00

I can’t help admiring the arguments he presents in this work, hitting the nail directly on its head. This book has also explained how, many of the verses that make the basis of Jesus’ divinity come with at least an equal amount of verses that nullify them. Interesting. Give it a read. And as usual, am happy to discuss or answer questions within my capacity, with reference to the book.

No wonder Imam Syafi’e preferred to memorise. The amount of useful knowledge in here is substantial, to say the least.

Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

2007-07-29T09:10:00.000+01:00

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada, where he accepted Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic and a B.A. from the College of Islamic Disciplines (Usool ad-Deen) at the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1979. At the University of Riyadh, College of Education, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985, and in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, he completed a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology in 1994.

Abu Ameenah taught Islamic Education and Arabic in private schools in Riyadh for over ten years and for three years he lectured M.Ed. students in the Islamic Studies department of Shariff Kabunsuan Islamic University in Cotobato City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since 1994 he has founded and directed the Islamic Information Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (which is now known as Discover Islam) and the Foreign Literature Department of Dar al Fatah Islamic Press in Sharjah, UAE. Presently, he is a lecturer of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the American University in Dubai and Ajman University in Ajman, UAE.

Bilal Philips, once a Christian, is now an Islamic scholar. He received his B.A. degree from the Islamic University of Madina and his M.A. in Aqeedah (Islamic Philosophy) from the King Saud University in Riyadh. His deep study and understanding of Islam has won him the respect of ordinary Muslims as well as many learned scholars of Islam.

“There is no time for holidays”, says Bilal Philips, “when you realise how little time there is, and how much work has to be done for Islam.”

Born in Jamaica in 1947, he comes from a family of educationists. Both his parents are teachers, and one of his grandfathers was a church minister and Bible scholar.

[bilalphilips.com]

Dr Salah Eddin Zaimeche al-Djazairi

2007-07-08T23:01:00.000+01:00

Dr Salah has lectured and researched at the University of Constantine ( Algeria ) for more than ten years. He also tutored at the Department of Geography of the University of Manchester .

More recently, he has worked as a research assistant at UMIST ( Manchester ) in the field of history of science.Dr Salah has published many academic works. Publications in scientific journals include papers on environmental degradation, and desertification, as well as papers on politics and change in North Africa , and problems of economic and social development.

He has also contributed historical entries to various encyclopaedias such as the Columbia Gazetteer, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and Francophone Studies. The largest written contribution by the author has been on the subject of Muslim science and civilisation, where many of his articles, can be found (in PDF format) on the website: http://muslimheritage.com/

[kitaabun.com]

al-Muhaddithat

2007-06-29T03:35:00.000+01:00

His work is a marvel. It tells so much about the virtues of women, how they are loved by Allah and how they have contributed to Islamic knowledge. I felt compelled to memorise the various ahadith of Ibn al-Athir, Abu Dawud, al-Bukhari, and others beautifully narrating the excellence of women.

It was also very educating when Akram explained the differences of ahadith compilations, between jami’ (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sahih Saghir), sunan (Abu Dawud, an-Nasa’I, ibn Majah), musnad (Abu Hanifah, ibn Hanbal), mu’jam, mashyakhah, arba’in, ajza’ and musalsal. InsyaAllah readers can better appreciate them once this has come to knowledge.

Akram is but one of the few writers in whom integrity, scrutiny, and prolificacy are obvious.

Mohammad Akram Nadwi

2007-06-29T03:33:00.000+01:00

Mohammad Akram Nadwi is an Islamic scholar. He is from the Indian city of Jaunpur. Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi studied and taught Shari'a at the prestigious Nadwatul 'Ulama (India).

He is a Muhaddith who has specialised in 'Ilm ul Rijal or the study of the narrators of Hadith. He has Ijaza (licenses) from numerous scholars including Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali Al-Nadwi, Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah and Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. He has a doctorate in Arabic Language from Lucknow University, India, Mohammad Akram Nadwi studied Islamic sciences at the prestigious Nadwat al-Ulama in Lucknow, specializing in hadith and fiqh, subjects which he also taught at that madrasah. He did his doctorate at the University of Lucknow.

He has written over 25 books, in Arabic, in the fields of hadith, fiqh, Islamic biography, and Arabic grammar and syntax. He has recently completed a 40-volume biographical dictionary of the muhaddithat, the women scholars of hadith. He has translated and adapted the muqaddimah of this work in English under the title al-Muhaddithat: the women scholars in Islam (2007). Also now available in English is Madrasah Life (2007) the translation (from Urdu) of his personal memoir of a student’s day at Nadwat al-Ulama.

His al-Fiqh al-Islami vol1 published by Angelwing Media is an original compilation of the fiqh (the codified legal rulings) of Imam Abu Hanifah and his school. For the first time in the English language, the detailed rulings of this school are presented together with the evidence on which they are based; every argument is fully and carefully referenced. Also, the author has taken present day circumstances into consideration, making al-Fiqh al-Islami the first authentic, reliable and relevant account of Hanafi practice in the English language.

As a leading scholar steeped in traditional Islamic learning and in modern academia, Shaykh Akram is currently a research fellow at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford.

[wikipedia]

Journey to Islam

2007-06-14T11:03:00.002+01:00

This is a good book to read, he is definitely someone to aspire to. He has written some other books as well, particularly Islam: The Alternative, which became controversial for some time before its publication.

He looks up to many people, intellectuals of this era as he calls it, among them Muhammad Asad (whom he had the opportunity to meet), Syaikh Sabri Kotchi from Albania, Mufti Yakub Efendi Slumic from Bosna, Professor Jeffrey Lang the American mathematician, and Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Murad Wilfried Hofmann

2007-06-14T11:01:00.000+01:00

He was born in a Catholic family in 1931.

In 1957, he completed his studies of German Law with a doctorate and his bar exam.

In 1960, he did his Master’s degree at Harvard Law, in American Law.

Murad Wilfried Hofmann embraced Islam in 1980. There were protests by the German public that a man of such high profile should embrace Islam.

When he reverted to Islam, he was a member of the German Foreign Service and a specialist on issues of nuclear defense.
He attended the annual conferences of the Egyptian High Islamic Council.

He also served as Director of information for NATO at Brussels (1983-87), Ambassador to Algeria (1987-90), and Ambassador to Morocco (1990-94).

He has written several highly acclaimed books on Islam.

He was the member of the Board of Directors of the Ibn Rushd Islamic University of Andalucia, Cordoba, Spain.

He was the Corresponding member of the Academy of Islamic Civilization Research, Amman, Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan.

He was the honorary member and advisor to the Central Council of Muslims in Germany (ZMD).

He currently lives with his Turkish wife in Istanbul. His son from his late first wife is also a diplomat.
Commendations
· Federal Cross of Merit, Germany.
· Commander of the Order of Merit, Italy.
· Order of Merit in the Arts and Sciences, 1st Class, Egypt.
· Grand Cordon

[IslamOnline]

Hafiz Firdaus Abdullah

2007-06-11T01:00:00.001+01:00

Hafiz Firdaus bin Abdullah lahir di Kuala Lumpur pada tahun 1971 dan mendapat pendidikan rendah dan menengah di St. John's Institution, Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur. Pada tahun 1989 beliau menyertai Penerbangan Malaysia (Malaysia Airlines) sebagai seorang juruterbang.

Sejak awal beliau memiliki minat yang besar dalam ilmu-ilmu agama. Kerjayanya sebagai juruterbang memberi banyak kelebihan (advantage) bagi beliau untuk memahami agama dari perspektif yang lebih luas. Pada waktu yang sama beliau juga dapat menimba ilmu daripada pelbagai tokoh dan sumber di serata dunia.

Berpegang kepada konsep "Bukan siapa yang berkata tetapi apa yang dikatakan", Hafiz Firdaus mula menulis sejak tahun 1999. Manhaj beliau ialah mengkaji sesuatu topik daripada sumber khazanah ilmu tokoh-tokoh terdahulu lalu menyusun dan menyampaikannya dalam bentuk yang mudah lagi relevan dengan isu-isu terkini.

Alhamdulillah sambutan yang baik daripada para pembaca menjadi pendorong kepada beliau untuk terus menulis topik-topik yang lebih penting dan besar. Sehingga kini Hafiz Firdaus telah menulis belasan buah buku bersama Penerbitan Jahabersa dengan sambutan yang luas di Malaysia dan negara-negara jiran.

[hafizfirdaus.com]

20 Hujah Golongan Anti-Hadis & Jawapan

2007-06-11T01:00:00.000+01:00

Antara hujah golongan anti hadith, mungkin saya boleh senaraikan sebahagiannya di sini, untuk sesiapa yang nak tahu sedikit sebanyak pegangan mereka, dan mungkin pada masa yang sama menguji kemantapan kepercayaan kita sendiri. Mereka menolak hadith kerana;

-AlQuran lengkap dan sempurna
-AlQuran terjamin kesahihan, hadith tidak
-Rasulullah melakukan kesilapan, alQuran tidak
-Rasulullah, Abu Bakr, dan Umar telah melarang penulisan hadith
-Hadith-hadith tidak ditulis selama 200 tahun selepas kewafatan nabi
-Terdapat banyak percanggahan antara sesama hadith
-Terdapat banyak hadith aneh, pelik, dan tak masuk akal

Walaupun buku ini bertemakan 20 hujah mereka, namun bukti-bukti jelas yang dikemukakan tentang autoriti Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. yang diberikan langung oleh Allah s.w.t. patut juga dititik beratkan. Banyak sekali ayat-ayat Quran yang menegaskan hal ini.

Akhir sekali, saya ingin mengesyorkan mereka yang gemar membaca atau banyak terdedah kepada penulisan para pengkaji barat, selidikilah informasi yang ditatapkan kepada kita dengan mendalam. Banyak sekali cara mereka untuk meruntuhkan keyakinan kita terhadap agama suci ini, apatah lagi jika kita sendiri ‘menyokong’ berlakunya perkara seperti ini.

Muslims in France

2007-06-03T03:31:00.000+01:00

Nice, and as academic as he ever is. I can imagine how PhD students and scholars all around the globe will admire his works- which reach to among the highest standards. As you can expect, “Muslims in France” is another contribution from Prof Ramadan to bridge muslim and non muslim worlds.

Works of this kind (analytical and objective) is yet to be produced by us Malaysians, who much need it.

Included in the book is the distribution of mosques in France- which could be helpful if anyone is planning on going there during the breaks.

Professor Tariq Ramadan

2007-06-03T03:30:00.000+01:00

Professor Tariq Ramadan holds MA in Philosophy and French literature and PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Geneva. In Cairo, Egypt he received one-on-one intensive training in classic Islamic scholarship from Al-Azhar University scholars.

Tariq Ramadan has resigned from the post of Professor of Islamic Studies at Notre Dame University (Classic Department) and Luce Professor at the Kroc Institute (Religion Conflict and Peacebuilding).

Prof. Tariq Ramadan is Professor of Islamic Studies (Faculty of Theology at Oxford) He is also a Visiting Professor (holding the chair : Identity and Citizenship) at Erasmus University (Netherland).

He is currently Senior Research Fellow St. Antony’s College (Oxford), Doshisha University (Kyoto, Japan) and at the Lokahi Foundation (London). In October 2007, he was offered a Professorial Chair in Islamic Sudies at the University of Leiden. He decided to turn down the offer.

Through his writings and lectures he has contributed substantially to the debate on the issues of Muslims in the West and Islamic revival in the Muslim world. He is active both at the academic and grassroots levels lecturing extensively throughout the world on social justice and dialogue between civilizations. Professor Tariq Ramadan is currently President of the European think tank: European Muslim Network (EMN) in Brussels

[tariqramadan.com]

Abdulkader Tayob

2007-06-02T18:36:00.002+01:00

Abdulkader Tayob teaches at the University of Cape Town in the Department of Religious Studies. He has published on Islamic movements in South Africa, and his present work is focused on a comparative study of Islam and public spheres in Africa. He is also editor of the Journal for Islamic Studies in Cape Town.

Here's one of his journal.

Islamic Resurgence in South Africa

2007-06-02T18:33:00.001+01:00

An interesting book, but very academic and may be dull to some. The MYM (Muslim Youth Movement) makes a good case study for other movements in the world; there are so many similarities to serve as reminders, and differences to be appreciated as new learning.

Islam in the community, anywhere, has always been stained with histories of shameful disputes on frivolous matters, which I sometimes get really annoyed about. This opens a massive opportunity for our enemies to claim their attacks infallible- and this is certainly not favourable for anyone. In Islam, there is no need to argue on the peripheral matters- Allah himself is not in need of such incidents. Us living in peace as implied and endorsed by our Islamic greeting is far more pleasing to Allah than would our quarrels on small matters.

Please refer to one of my books earlier. I think it’s absolutely important for every Muslim to know the fiqh of disagreeing.

Humanism in Islam

2007-05-28T14:04:00.000+01:00

I don’t know if Dr Boisard is a muslim- if that even matters. But from the unwavering stand and convincing arguments he presented in almost every issue he touched on, he must’ve have a deep-rooted conviction in the truth of this religion.

The abundance of Islamic conferences and talks these days allows me to listen to debates and explanations that seek to brush away the endless misconceptions on Islam. Nevertheless, I’m still astonished by the arguments this book presents. Not only that he talked about the typical issues of women, slavery, jihad and jizyah- even the basic tenets of Islam were made clear.

This work sought to weigh Islam on the scale of humanism, and it has successfully done so (to an extent). The ideas and arguments it presents with respect to this field (humanism) is invaluable, though some weaknesses quickly manifest themselves when he had to dwell on issues that are foreign to his expertise.

Some of you might be interested in this work, since we can’t ourselves help but hearing many people having scanty or even adulterated understandings of Islam. I’ll be happy to be a little ambassador of this book to share the message among those who are interested.

Dr Marcel A Boisard

2007-05-28T14:01:00.000+01:00

Dr Marcel A Boisard was born in Geneva in 1939. He studied at the University of Geneva and followed postgraduate courses in Hamburg and Cairo, and at the Institute of World Affairs, USA. He received his Ph.D. from the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, Switzerland.

He was a programme officer in the Technical Cooperation Directorate of the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and served later as the economic adviser of the government of Burundi. In 1996, he was the president of the Experts of African countries associated to the European Economic Commission, based in Brussels.

For some twelve years, he was Delegate and Chief of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), principally in the Arab world. In 1980, he joined the United Nations as special fellow of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). He became director of UNITAR European Office in 1983 and was appointed Executive Director in 1992.

Dr Boisard is the author of over 40 books and articles dealing with international cross-cultural relations, Arab and muslim world, multilateral negotiation and intergovernmental organizations.

Vahida Demirović

2007-05-06T17:15:00.000+01:00

A Bosnian psychiatrist who volunteered her services at a hospital in Sarajevo during the Bosnian war.

Race with Death

2007-05-06T17:13:00.001+01:00

I shouldn’t actually go on, because my words can only give a limited description of anything I want to share. The Bosnians have suffered so much, and it was not long ago- nothing more than 15 years. Today they live with the physical, mental, and spiritual scar of what happened then. They have survived the war, but they live with its most disturbing memories.

Allah tests and rewards us according to our excellence. Indeed the worldly torments are unpleasant, but the reward is blissful. Each one of us has to be prepared for whatever it is to come, easy or hard, with one conviction: we belong to Allah, and to Him shall we return. Some people have secured great positions in the eyes of Allah, so we have to work to achieve the same, if not better.

Whoever has the chance, make an effort to visit Bosna. Read about them, and learn from their fountain of experience. You’ll find the people there inimitably hospitable inshaAllah.

Here's my travelog.

The Clash of Civilisations: An Islamic View

2007-05-06T17:01:00.000+01:00

I started embarking on my journey through this book with a fair expectation: to see how these clashing civilizations could be tamed and thus reconciled. I was wrong in that I had hoped for more than what this title says. In fact, this book tells nothing more than the origins and foundations of both civilizations. No facts or any explanation on this conflict were touched on. I’m guessing Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips want us to figure that out ourselves, either by observing our immediate surrounding or putting more effort to read detailing such topic.

I loved this author’s book that I first read, The True Message of Jesus Christ, but I found this one somewhat patronizing, especially if the reader is a non-Muslim. It could be just me, so this discussion is solely based on my personal opinion. However as far as the facts on the West are concerned, they are so enlightening.

Happy reading.

Hamas: Unwritten Chapters

2007-05-06T16:41:00.000+01:00

H – Harakat
M – al-Muqawamah
S – al-Islamiyah

Hamas; the Islamic Resistance Movement. It’s good to read this book, for me at least. I’ve learnt to know and accept the fact that in this world it is greed that governs some people, and they would do anything- even if it’s unimaginably spiteful- to safeguard their own wealth, self-importance, and positions. Of course Allah has prepared them an appropriate ‘reward’ in the Hereafter.

Obviously the review is not even close to satisfying your knowledge on Hamas. If you have any relevant questions that I might be able to help answer, please post them in the comments section below.

Return of the Pharaoh

2007-04-09T17:04:00.000+01:00

Excellently written, with simple language; engaging, full of motivations. How people like these were chosen by Allah to lead the martyrs of their time- something to ponder on.

I definitely admire and am in astonishment in the degree of patients they exhibit. When one can understand that these are derived from their intimacy with Allah, I still wonder- what made their oppressors (in the regime) so cold-blooded, wicked, and heartless? They saw how saintly and pious she was; persevering throughout the trials, spoke not but truth. They heard the message of truth, conveyed in between the whips, kicks, and punches they heinously delivered.

True are the words of Allah, that He guides whomever He wills, and leads astray whomever He wills. When a heart is veiled, the sun will not be seen even in a bright day. What else is left for us but to ask for His mercy and guidance?

Zainab al-Ghazali

2007-04-09T16:59:00.000+01:00

Zainab Ghazali al-Jubaili (1917-2005) was born in Egypt. At the age of twenty she formed a major women’s charitable organisation which rendered valuable service to the poor, orphans, and underprivileged. Although she had acquaintance with Hasan al-Banna, the founder of Ikhwan, since the late 1930s, and actively participated in many Islamic programmes, she formally joined them in 1948.

After the assassination of Hasan al-Banna in 1949, she played a major role in the reorganisation of the group. She was arrested in 1965 for an alleged conspiracy to kill Jamal Abd al-Nasir and overthrow his government. She was released in 1971 during Anwar Sadat’s presidency. In addition to being very active in da’wah work, Zainab al-Ghazali has been a prolific writer, contributing regularly to major Islamic journals and periodicals. Her latest book is a two-volume study on the tafsir of the Quran.

Stephen Covey

2007-04-09T16:46:00.000+01:00

Stephen R. Covey (born October 24, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah) wrote the best-selling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Other books he has written include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families. His latest book, The 8th Habit, appeared in 2004.

Covey lives with his wife Sandra and their family in Provo, Utah, home to Brigham Young University, where Dr. Covey taught prior to the publication of his best-selling book. A father of nine and a grandfather of forty-seven, he received the Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative in 2003.

Dr. Covey established the "Covey Leadership Center" which, on May 30, 1997, merged with Franklin Quest to form FranklinCovey, a global professional-services firm and specialty-retailer selling both training and productivity-tools to individuals and to organizations. Their mission statement reads: "We enable greatness in people and organizations everywhere".

Covey holds a BS degree in Business Administration from University of Utah in Salt Lake City, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education (DRE) in Mormon Church History and Doctrine from Brigham Young University. He also holds membership of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey's most well-known book, has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide since its first publication in 1989. (The audio version became the first non-fiction audio-book in U.S. publishing history to sell more than one million copies.) Many of the ideas and much of the language recast the content of the classic 1966 Peter F. Drucker book The Effective Executive, wherein Drucker wrote: "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit", and which includes a chapter called "First Things First". In Covey's version, he argues against what he calls "The Personality Ethic", something he sees as prevalent in many modern self-help books. He instead promotes what he labels "The Character Ethic": aligning one’s values with so-called "universal and timeless" principles. Covey adamantly refuses to confound principles and values; he sees principles as external natural laws, while values remain internal and subjective. Covey proclaims that values govern people’s behaviour, but principles ultimately determine the consequences. Covey presents his teachings in a series of habits, manifesting as a progression from dependence via independence to interdependence

The Habits

Habit 1: Be Proactive: Principles of Personal Vision
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind: Principles of Personal Leadership
Habit 3: Put First Things First: Principles of Personal Management
Habit 4: Think Win/Win: Principles of Interpersonal Leadership
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood: Principles of Empathetic Communication
Habit 6: Synergize: Principles of Creative Communication
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal

Honors and Awards

2003 Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative
The Thomas More College Medallion for continuing service to humanity
The Sikh's 1998 International Man of Peace Award[2]
The 1994 International Entrepreneur of the Year Award[3]
The National Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership[4]
One of Time Magazine's 25 most influential Americans (1996)[5]
Accepted the inaugural nationally-acclaimedCalifornia University of Pennsylvania's Corporate Core Values Award from the California University of Pennsylvania on behalf of the FranklinCovey Corporation at the "national Franklin Covey Conference" (December 2006).^[6]

Formula Solat Sempurna

2007-04-06T10:36:00.000+01:00

Matter The Other Name for Illusion

2007-04-06T10:27:00.000+01:00

Dr. Zakaria Bashier

2007-04-06T10:16:00.001+01:00

DR. ZAKARIA BASHIER was born in the Sudan and educated at the Universities of Khartoum, Durham (UK) and Pittsburgh (USA). He was appointed a lecturer at Khartoum University in 1973. He served at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, as Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies and the Islamic Foundation as senior Research Fellow. In 1982 he was elected to the parliament of the Sudan, and subsequently appointed as a State Minister, and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Higher Education and Scientific Research. At present he is teaching at the University of Al-Ain, UAE. His publications include: The Islamic Path to Social Change (Arabic), Jeddah, 1977; The Hijra, Story and Significance, Leicester, 1983; Philosophical Aspects of Ibn Khaldun's Prolegomena (Arabic), Khartoum, 1985; Al-Ghazali on the Qur'anic Philosophy (Arabic), Al-Ain (UAE), 1989; The Methodology of Jabir ibn Hayydn (Arabic), Al-Ain (UAE), 1989; Sunshine at Madinah, Leicester, 1990.

War and Peace in the Life of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

2007-04-06T10:16:00.000+01:00

Yahya Michot

2007-04-05T15:50:00.000+01:00

From 1981 until 1997, Professor Yahya M. Michot was director of the Centre for Arabic Philosophy at the University of Louvain in Belgium. He gave courses in Arabic, History of Arabic philosophy, Commentary on Arabic philosophical texts, History of Muslim peoples and Institutions of Islam. His main field of research is the history of Muslim thought, mainly Avicenna (d. 428/1037), his predecessors and his impact on Sunni thought. This led to a growing interest in the theologian Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728/1328), the time of the Mamlûks and Ilkhâns and modern Islamic movements.

Since October 1998, Professor Michot is KFAS Fellow in Islamic Studies at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and Islamic Centre Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology, Oxford University where he gives an introductory course in Islamic theology. He is also member of various international scholarly societies, and founder and director of the collection ‘Sagesses musulmanes’. From April 1995 to June 1998, Professor Michot was president of the Conseil Supérieur des Musulmans de Belgique. His numerous publications (mainly in French) include several volumes on Ibn Sina (Averroes) and Ibn Taymiyyah.

As a result of his undisputed expertise in Islamic philosophy and theology, Professor Michot has delivered lectures on his specialisation throughout the Middle East and Europe.

[MECO]

Malaysian Scholars Foundation

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