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

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.

I love this book. I studied hypnotherapy and life coaching and this book goes so well with giving little activities at the end of the chapters for you to do to help heal and improve your life.

Great book

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!

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.

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.

Just hands down one of the best books I have ever read on Islam! If you are a Muslim or not you will enjoy this! This is a great book to give to a non-muslim friend too because it does not put down any other belief in sharing the beauty of Islam which I love! Not to mention it has incredible teaching stories, rumi poetry, and incredible content! This Author is incredible!

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