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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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