BOOK REVIEW
Title: My dear Son The Richest Treasure
Translators: Ali A. Behzadnia
Reviewed by: Zahra Ladha
Call Number: isl.105.B.1.en.2005
Date: February 3rd, 2009

From the many books found in this library, this book is truly, one of the richest treasures found. This book is divided in to 3

The 1st part is a letter to Malik-e-Ashtar which advices him about the duties and obligations of rulers, their chief responsibilities, the question of priorities of rights and obligations, special consideration of justice, control over secretaries and subordinate staff; distribution of work and duties amongst the various branches of administration, their co-ordination with each other and their co-operation with the centre.

Not only that but also the government is of Allah (s.w.t), the governors and the governed are both creatures of Allah (s.w.t), and their respective duties are laid down by Allah (s.w.t) and the orphans and the depressed are the trust of Allah (s.w.t).

As for the 2nd part of this book, it is Imam Ali’s (a) will to his son Imam Hasan (a) or as other sources say to Muhammad-E-Hanafia, which is full of advices and wisdom. The lessons from this letter (will) can be studied and its principles can be applied in our own life as it deals with every subject of life, which goes a long way to make a man brave, courteous, humane, generous, virtuous, and successful in life and God fearing.

After praising the Almighty and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), Imam then advices his son to be concerned about the lord and to be steadfast in religion and not to resent for anything if he has missed anything in this world. Fearing lord in relationship to the orphans, in relationship to the prayers which are the pillars of the religion and one should seek guidance before thinking about a problem. Also the importance of hereafter than this life on earth is explained well by Imam (a). Imam then ends the letter by giving short but wise advices.

The last part which is not mentioned on the book cover consists of the last sermon the Holy Prophet which he (s.a.w) delivered on the 9th Zilhajj in the 10th Hijra in the valley of Mount Arafat. This sermon shows the position of the sacred place and ones recognition of his lord and safeguard from Shaitan. The Holy Prophet also discusses the rights of women and the importance of worship of Allah, Ramadan, Hajj, Zakaat and Brotherhood. And in the end he (s.a.w) finishes up by saying about the two weighty things of which he (s.a.w) has left behind.

This book is an up to date and one of the greatest documents in Islamic history and literature, which is easy in reading, with applicable and remarkable contents. It is a work completed, with full of advices which would be interesting to anyone. This book is without doubt a suggested one, as it will help, guide and protect one, in this world and the hereafter.

Title: Lantern of the Path

Reviewed by: Zahra Khimji

Call Number: isl.167.H.4.en.2004

Date: October 25, 2008

Lantern of the Path is a read that many intending to prepare for Hajj would not consider as necessary. On the contrary, this publication is one that will enable the believer to take full advantage of the journey to the Kaaba. In fact, Sheikh Abbas Virjee has regarded this book to be an essential tool to preparing one’s mental state for the pilgrimage.

The title of Imam Ja’far as Sadiq’s work is pertinent to the content of the latter. Take for example, the visualization of a lantern in a dark forest. This light is one that will enable any traveler to safely and carefully follow the correct footpath. In the same way, the concept of the book is that in order for a mo’min to safely travel through the spiritual path, there has to be a guide to help him or her. Thus in Lantern of the Path, there is a clear discussion of the different attributes that a believer must have to travel the spiritual path.

The basic purpose of the teachings in the book is to enable a mo’min to maintain equilibrium on his or her spiritual journey. More specifically, this includes a believer’s outer behavior and conduct as well as his or her consciousness of Allah. The immediate benefit of this advice is that there are practical ways a believer can change his outer conduct. Therefore, one is sure to walk away with a change state of mind InshaAllah.

The organization of the book is such that it is divided into separate sections, each subdivided into topics such as pilgrimage, dress, wisdom, and sorrow to name a few. Therefore there is a comprehensive and holistic approach to outer behavior that is encouraged, thus emphasizing the notion that Islam is an all-encompassing way of life.

Title: Youth and Spouse Selection

Reviewed by: Zahra Khimji

Call Number: isl.144.M.1.en.1995

Date: October 04, 2008

Among Bab-ul-Ilm’s collection of books, Youth and Spouse Selection by Ali Akbar Mazaheri is one that relates specifically to the younger members of the community that are of marriageable age. Even though it is quite popular amongst many bookshelves worldwide, there is little recognition of the important message that Mazaheri puts across to the Muslim community.

Mazaheri’s organization of his work is commendable because both the language and the chapters are very concise. For example, he writes a chapter on why marriage is recommended, when an appropriate time, hurdles and difficulties, criteria for is spouse selection as well as the needs for an engagement period and mediator. All of the above mentioned topics are then broken down into even more detail and target specific concerns that the community faces from time to time.

The benefit of this book is that it is an excellent guideline for those that are considering marriage. For instance, Mazaheri divides the selection into different parts such as religiousness, morality, reason, physical and mental health, beauty, knowledge and education, and matchness. Therefore one is not to given the vague outlines such as selecting one who is just ‘religious.’ He emphasizes the importance of the selection being that of a package whereby many different components come together. Thus the detail and philosophy of marriage that he gives is quite contemporary and well thought out.

 Another benefit for the youth is that this book provides realistic solutions to issues that are now arising with regards to education. Mazaheri gives possible examples of solutions as well as is encouraging to the dubious at heart. Therefore not only is his standpoint according to rules of Islam but at the same time it considers the context of today’s issues whereby further education has become a priority for most if not all in our community.

Mazaheri’s message at the end of his work is one that resonates with many. It is that Islam is a religion that is adaptable to the time and it has provided many avenues for progress whilst at the same time upholds certain principles.

Title: Manifestations of the All-Merciful

Reviewed by: Zahra Manekia

Call Number: isl.101.A.1.en.2005

Date: September 20, 2008

What are we really saying when we recite the supplication “Allahumma Adkhil…”? Is it just a monotonous chant that makes us heave a sigh of relief – “Finally! Du’as are almost over!” Or is there a wealth of lessons to learn and advice to take from it? Manifestations of the All-Merciful, a book by Abu Muammad Zaynu’l ‘Abidin, gives a little insight into this beautiful invocation.

A wonderful blend of numerous Islamic sciences, this book opens doors for the reader into the world of ethics, theology, gnosis, history, and even politics. It begins with a general introduction to du’a and how one should sincerely supplicate. After establishing the definition of du’a and its process, the author goes into the du’a, dedicating a chapter to each line. The verses are each first examined in their literal sense, then systematically explained as spiritual or abstract meanings are uncovered.

While explaining the oft-repeated line, “O Allah, cure every sick person,” the author first explains the meaning of the word ‘sickness’. It refers to both physical sickness as well as the maladies of the soul (spiritual vices such as hypocrisy or heard-heartedness). He explains that while reciting this line, one should pray that the sick person may return to working towards pleasing Allah and obeying Him. Delving deeper into the spiritual dimension, he explains that physical illness is in fact a means of purifying one’s soul, since the sins of a person are erased whilst the person is sick. Many more interesting bits of information are divulged to the reader throughout this chapter and the rest of the book.

It is interesting to note that while reciting this du’a, we are actually praying for the emergence of the Awaited Imam (‘a). That is because only under the governance of the Imam (‘a) will all the conditions specified in the du’a be met. Under his leadership, every hungry person will be satisfied, every deeply anguished one will be relieved, and every uneven affair of the Muslims will be reformed!

Manifestations of the All-Merciful is a contemporary Islamic piece which is not only well-written, but it is also relatively easy reading, with relevant and interesting content. It is a work replete with short stories and lessons that would even be appealing to youth. This book is definitely a recommended read for the holy month of Ramadhan.

SET: The History of Al-Tabari (Suny Series in Near Eastern Studies) By: Ehsan Yar-Shater (Editor), et al

The Adventures of Tintin: FULL SET By: Herge (Author)

For the first Twelve days of Muharram, the library timings will be:

Mon-Sat: 8AM - Zohr (LADIES)
Mon-Sat: Zohr - Maghrib (GENTS)

The library not be open after Maghrib.

The library will be closed on the 9th and 10th (Ashura) days of Muharram.

The following books are now available for your reading and borrowing pleasure. 

No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam

Fiqh Al-Imam: Key Proofs in Hanafi Fiqh

Tradition and Survival, Vol.1: A Bibliographical Survey of Early Shiite Literature

The Battle for God

American Crescent: A Muslim Cleric on the Power of His Faith, the Struggle Against Prejudice, and the Future of Islam and America

A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Qur’an and Woman: Rereading the Sacred Text from a Woman’s Perspective

The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future

The Isma’ilis: Their History and Doctrines

The Heirs of the Prophet: Charisma and Religious Authority in Shi’ite Islam

Best Stories for Seven Year Olds (Happy Days) [Illustrated]

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)

Microfinance Handbook: An Institutional and Financial Perspective (Sustainable Banking With the Poor)

The following books are now available for your reading pleasure (they can be borrowed from early next year):

Business & Economics

Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty by Muhammad Yunus

The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World by Alan Greenspan

The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time by Jeffrey D. Sachs
 

Children

Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain (Bantam Classics) by Mark Twain

Green Eggs and Ham (I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Books) by Dr. Seuss

Classic Fairy Tales by Scott Gustafson

Fiction

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings. 3 Vol. Set by J.R.R. Tolkien

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J. K. Rowling

Parenting

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) by William Sears (Author), et al

The Happiest Toddler on the Block: The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old by Harvey Md Karp (Author), Paula Spencer (Author)

The 2,000 Best Games & Activities: the ultimate guide to raising smart, successful kids (2,000 Best Games & Activities) by Susan Kettmann

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber (Author), Elaine Mazlish (Author)
 

Politics

The Iraq Study Group Report: The Way Forward - A New Approach by The Iraq Study Group (Author), et al

The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappe

House of Bush, House of Saud: The Secret Relationship Between the World’s Two Most Powerful Dynasties by Craig Unger

They Dare to Speak Out: People and Institutions Confront Israel’s Lobby by Paul Findley

Hegemony or Survival: America’s Quest for Global Dominance (American Empire Project) by Noam Chomsky

The World Is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century by Thomas L. Friedman

The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace by Ali A. Allawi

Science

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Relativity: The Special and the General Theory (Penguin Classics) by Albert Einstein
 

Other

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Introduction to Logic by Alfred Tarski