A Muslim Boy’s Guide to Life’s Big Changes (Ta-Ha)

One hundred treasured advices extracted from the writings of the illustrious scholar, Imām Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allāh have mercy upon him): Ten ways to acquire Allāh’s love Ten ways to be patient and avoid sins Ten ways to be patient during a calamity Ten benefits to lowering your gaze Ten ways sins are expiated Ten barriers between the slave and his Lord Ten reasons knowledge is not put into action Ten ways to open your heart Ten ways to protect against envy Ten ways to protect against the plots of the Shayṭān

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 subject matter of this work has preoccupied and continues to preoccupy the minds of our Nation?s members; yet in spite of this preoccupation, many people lack a correct understanding regarding it. Because the issues that fall under the subject matter of this work are so important, I decided to write this work, through which I hope to make plain the way to live and act according to what Allah has revealed.

Contrary to what some may think, this work is relevant not just to leaders, but to every individual as well. Each and every human being is a leader and chief of sorts, for just as a ruler is responsible for the welfare of his state and citizens, each one of us is responsible for his flock ? the members of his family and, more importantly, his own self?

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)