Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid’s little book is perhaps one of the most widely-circulated among Muslims today. This is because the topic touches worshippers where it hurts—we know that we often lapse into an automatic sort of prayer when we lose concentration. The Shaykh points out that this loss of concentration really stems from a lack of humility and devotion—in Arabic, khushoo‘. His aim in writing this book is to help us to get back that khushoo‘. His step-by-step approach makes it simple. He gives practical advice and uses the excellent example of the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) to guide us, so that as worshippers, we can truly return to a state of humility and devotion before the Lord.

Islam has declared this world and life as a test case for human beings. To live a successful life, Allah SWT has sent His Divine Teachings to help humans understand what to do and what not. This book “Golden Words (Golden Stories) consists of short stories and incidents that occurred during the life time of Prophet (Peace be upon him), Rightly Guided Caliphs, Salf-us-Saleheen, renowned kings/ rulers and other shining stars of the Islamic history. The purpose of these short stories is simple; providing real-life lessons to the readers.

The book provides a clear understanding of our ancestors, their thorough and firm knowledge, their intelligence, proper comprehension, modesty, sacrifices and their endeavors to elevate the truth. This is particularly rewarding book for youngsters that will find it a helping hand in living as per Islamic principles.

The writer is a survivor of an accident that altered his life. He is a man who managed to overcome adversity and transform bitterness into personal success, as his literary gains outweighed his physical restrictions. Where his physical condition limited his movements, his creative writing opened up a new horizon that enabled him to freely interact with his readers.

This is a real-life account of how a human being can overcome obstacles, giving effect to the epithet: ‘What does not kill me makes me stronger.’ The autobiography defines patience in two ways: first, as a bitter experience and then second, as the ability to tolerate and turn one’s misfortune into investment. The accident that the writer suffered has paralysed his body, but at the same time it has unleashed his writing talents. (Yousef el-Sharoni, Egypt)