Spiritual Gems of Islam: Insights & Practices from the Qur'an, Hadith, Rumi & Muslim Teaching Stories to Enlighten the Heart & Mind

I have been a convert for roughly 9 years now, I had struggled the past 4 or so years with my Iman and the basic diseases of the heart. The subtle reminders, beautiful words, and the stories and tales within helped guide me back and brought me closer to Allah.Alhamdulillah this book isn’t just for those who need reminders. It’s for those who are new to the faith and those who have been on the path since being born into it. This book literally saved me from being in a bad position in life. Alhamdulillah. Thank you to Imam Jamal for writing this beautiful inspiration.Please BUY THIS BOOK it will and I promise by this HELP RETURN YOU to the ALMIGHTY ALLAH.

Although I’ve been reading Rumi poems and Nasruddin stories for 40 years, I become aware of how sparse my knowledge was. Even better, I repeatedly had the joy of sweet discovery. For example: "In Turkey, there is a tomb of the famous Mulla [Nasruddin, of the famous stories]. In the front is a secure iron door with chains and padlocks, but no walls surround the door.”Yet, what made this book even more of a treasure are the author’s own stories and experiences from his life as a Sufi Muslim and his personal interfaith journey. For example, he tells of listening, as a youth, to many conversations between his father, a Bangladeshi ambassador, and a Thai ambassador: ”One of my father’s best friends was Mr. Sunthorn, a Thai diplomat who was often posted to the same countries as my father. Our families spent many hours together and enjoyed learning about the similarities and differences between our religions—Islam and Buddhism. These discussions were often graced by Buddhist and Muslim teachers, so the level of exchange was quite scholarly and creditable. It became astonishingly clear that the Buddhist concept of Nirvana is akin to the monotheistic understanding of Godhead. Nirvana is described as unborn, eternal, uncompounded, unmitigated, and filled with abiding joy."Or this recounting: ”As a child I loved to recite from the Qur’an because I was told that God hides in its verses so that, as you recite them, God can kiss your lips.”.…just small wave from the ocean of gems that awaits you, dear reader!

Jamal's latest book is filled with deep insights and practical spirituality. It includes a wonderful array of Rumi poetry, Mullah stories, and personal stories from the author's life, all of which illuminate the deeply universal message from the Qur'an and the life of Prophet Muhammad. My favorite metaphor applies to the book itself: "The Qur'an is like a shy bride. If you want to get to know her, approach her through her friends." Jamal is definitely an intimate friend of the Qur'an, and when he introduces you to her in this book, you will behold her in all her exquisite beauty. But the Qur'an is not treated as simply a holy book, or a collection of teachings. It is presented as a way of life, a path of inquiry and understanding which leads us deep into our own heart, and into the hearts of our fellow beings. This book is perhaps best studied in a loving community of seekers after truth, so its treasures may be unveiled slowly and carefully. It is a book not simply to be read, but to be savored and practiced.

Print: This is a beautiful, accessible book that is helpful regardless of one’s spiritual orientation. Highly recommended!Kindle: I can’t even read the kindle version. There’s no opportunity to adjust justification, so it uses full justification, and there are huge gaps between words, which makes it very difficult to read this book.

Good

After borrowing this book from my local library over and over again for almost 2 years now, I realized it was time to purchase it, and let others enjoy the library copy.Imam Jamal Rahman takes us on an exploratory journey through the essence of Islam, which is filled with wisdom, love and a deep sense of belonging.The book is so beautifully written, with constant reminders of how the stories and teachings of the Qur'an, Sufism and other stories might translate into our own modern lives."Even if the religious judge advises you about worldly affairs, first consult with your heart" - HadithI would recommend this book to anyone on a spiritual quest of (self) discovery, regardless of what your spiritual belief system might be.

A powerful gem of wisdom that beautifully and lovingly expresses and shows one (regardless of their choice of spiritual path/practice) through poems, stories, and internal reflections how to open his/her heart, find themselves, and draw closer to the Creator. It truly displays not only the beauty, but also the genuine intent of Islam and Sufism with open arms, no dogma, and no ambiguity whatsoever. If people only took to time to study and step outside of their box of preconditioned thinking, the world could truly be a more peaceful and loving place.

A wonderful insight must have!