Islam in Focus is one of the quite popular and perhaps most well-researched books presenting Islam in a fine, credible, yet easy to grasp manner. It is highly recommended by Islamic scholars as one of the best Da’wah books sold worldwide.
Authored by Dr.Hammudah ‘Abd al –‘Ati, Islam in Focus is one of the popular and perhaps one of most well-researched books presenting Islam in a fine, credible, yet easy to grasp manner. It is highly recommended by Islamic scholars as one of the best Da’wah books sold worldwide.
Originally Egyptian, Dr.Hammudah ‘Abd al –‘Ati graduated from the prominent Al-Azhar university, and later received his M.A. degree in Islamic Studies from McGill University and on a more advanced stage of his academic life received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Prinstion University.
“The aim of this work is simply to acquaint the non-specialist reader with the fundamental teachings of Islam” says ‘Abd al-‘Ati in the first lines of the foreword of the book, divided into five chapters, each of which tackles one basic concept in Islam.
Through the five chapters, Dr. Hammudah offers a thorough and well-researched explanation of the meaning of Islam, its concepts, main pillars, as well as the basic tenants of faith (Iman). He furthermore sheds light on the concepts of Piety (Taqwa) , Equality, Brotherhood, among other essential notions and manners related to Islam.
The author explains how Muslims enact their faith through acts of worship such as Prayers (salah), Pilgrimage (Hajj) , Alms (Zakah) and Fasting (Sawm). Also explained is how Muslims abide by the noble teachings of Islam and incorporate its culture into their daily lives, hence, not limiting Islam to spirituality or and intellectual commitment.
Dr. Hammudah also reviews how Islam provides guidance to people not just in matter relating to their personal life, such as how to eat, what wear, and doing exercises, but also in developing relationships among individuals, family members, friends, or in a community where a Muslim lives as a strangers. Islam, as explained in the book, has a word in every single detail pertaining to human lives, let that be social, economic or political matters.
The chapter dealing with application of Islam in people’s daily lives is particularly interesting and important, as it offers insights on how Islam and the Islamic culture can be incorporated into this modern age with all its intriguing challenges.
The author then ends the book with listing some misconceptions and other controversial concepts that are largely misinterpreted about Islam; such as the Holy war (Jihad) and Polygamy, clearing much of the widespread misunderstandings related to them in a straightforward, far from apologetic manner, for, as described in his own words, Islam needs no apology.
So whether you need to learn about the basic tenants of Islam or even aspiring to engage in religious discourse, Da’wah, Islam in Focus could be exactly what you need to start with.
Book Review by: Shaimaa Gheith
Posted on: December 29, 2011
