Reviews

If by review we mean a critique of an author's work, I am pleased to say that I have the double advantage not only of reading this work by the author, but of witnessing and admiring the author's maturity and insightful understanding of the dynamics and secret of a successful life, over some 40 years.

His work gives us a timely reminder that the business of the Unseen World is our conduct in this world and the business of our conduct in this world is the quality of our eternal life in the Hereafter.

Before we come into this world, we are already created of 'something of His Spirit'. That tells us what the truth is: we are first and foremost spiritual entities undergoing a human journey and not, as we generally and erroneously believe, human beings undertaking a spiritual journey. This paradigm shift of the mind is what the author achieves in this book. The power hidden thus begins to flow.

Western-style humanism that had exalted and exaggerated the anthropomorphic nature of the human personality continues to be the primary cause of the dysfunctional behaviour of human beings. The toxic nature of such behaviour is reflected in many social ills, at the level of family, business, economics and politics.

Many books of recent times, and even 'best-sellers' on success and hidden powers, fail to distance themselves from the toxin of human-centredness as against spiritual-centredness. Equally, books by Muslim scholars focus on what that conduct in this world is and not 'how' that conduct is made functional. This book achieves that elusive goal.

I recommend it as essential reading for parents, teachers, scholars, businessmen and students. Indeed a most welcome book for libraries and mosques and every home.

My dear friend Ismail has asked me to write a review of his excellent book, Unleash the Power of Almighty Allah Within You. I remember seeing parts of this book with Ismail while it was still being written when I was in South Africa last year and have been looking forward to seeing it completed. I am honoured that Ismail has asked me to write about it as well.

It has long been my belief that the problem with us Muslims today is that we are like people who own a library of books on automobile engineering, but who walk to work. What we need is a 'factory' to convert the knowledge into cars so that we and the world will ride. As Muslims globally, we must transition from being mere preachers to practitioners and demonstrators of Islam so that we too can say to the world, as the Sahaba did, 'Become like us.' Ismail's book is a very important step in that direction.

The first requirement for a Muslim to make the beauty of Islam manifest in his or her own life, as well as to the world, is to connect with Allah. Without this Ta'alluq Ma'Allah there is no power in the action. Just as a mobile phone looks the same whether it is charged or not, but will not work unless it is charged, we as Muslims will not be able to access the beauty of Islam unless we first become 'charged' with Ta'alluq Ma'Allah—connection with Allah. This is what this excellent book seeks to do for us—help us to connect to Allah.

The chapters are organized in the way the mind logically flows with its questions of 'How to'; thereby fulfilling the need to talk about why one must do something and then, once the person is convinced of the need, moving on to how to do it. I like to go immediately to the end of any book that I read because the end is the take-away message that the author considers the most important. Ismail's book ends with the chapters 'Live with an Attitude of Gratitude' and 'Prayer of Gratitude'.

Allah said in His Book: "If you give thanks, I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe." (Ibrahim 14:7)

What better advice to end on when speaking about the importance of connecting to Allah than by talking about the importance of gratitude? Truly if we only stopped to think of all the ways in which Allah has blessed us, we would not be able to raise our heads from Sajda. Thankfulness for His mercy and blessings and Tawba for our own actions are two of the foundational attitudes that enable a slave to connect with his Rabb.

I believe this book goes a long way towards opening the doors for the common person to the beauty of Islam. This is a very important need in today's world where ignorance about Islam has led to a lot of people believing the negative propaganda with which we are all too familiar. If people read Unleash the Power of Almighty Allah Within You, I believe they will be forced to reflect and consider their own position in the world and, insha'Allah, this will open the doors of guidance towards the Truth.

I wish Ismail and this book great success.

As individuals and as a community, the internal and external resources of Muslims have yet to be tapped and exploited. The potential and the responsibility we have spiritually and intellectually by possessing the truth is enormous. Brother Ismail has discussed these issues using inspiring thoughts and ideas, punctuated with wonderful quotes from the Noble Qur'an and ahadith to great effect. To realize and then to achieve one's potential is a great challenge and this book provides guidance as to how this can be done. A book of realization, inspiration and education, written in an easy-going and compelling style. I can only advise the reader—'Sit back and enjoy.'

Maa-Sha-Allah I had the pleasure and honour of attending several Discover Yourself courses at which Ismail delivered his life-changing lectures that are contained in this book. Almighty Allah bless him and Sadathullah Khan for their commitment to making a difference to the lives of thousands of brothers and sisters in South Africa.

The Deen of Islam must be admired by all who find personal inspiration in the glory, compassion, and power of Almighty Allah and the mercy of His love for humanity. Brother Ismail's easily accessible handbook, from which all may benefit, will assist those who seek comfort and relief from the vicissitudes of life. Allah bless.

Brother Ismail has written a highly readable book, which, like its author, is capable of recharging your energies and jolting you into a positive frame of mind! When I first met Ismail many years back, I was very much taken by his positive aura and his ability to think 'out of the box', as it were. I can say with certainty that he practises what he preaches and recommends! Indeed, he has a very positive and enthusiastic approach to life and its challenges. Over the years he has gathered people from diverse regions that are working to extend the dynamic influence of the Holy Qur'an in their area and to uplift Muslim thought and influence. Brother Ismail is a fervent believer in the infinite value of Dhikr and its profound effect on those who regularly remember the Almighty. This book motivates you to a higher level and contains powerful supplications. Highly recommended!

I have paged through this informative literature and a sense of happiness came over me at the thought of the wealth of information it contained, and the need for such a book, to seriously benefit the individual. I therefore have no doubt that this book will be of great benefit to uplift, educate and enhance the individual to reach an even higher spiritual height. In my view it is a must for every Muslim to read this book.

This book is a truly thought-provoking guide for anyone who wishes to understand spirituality. The concepts that the author has grasped and discussed, if understood and applied by the readers, would make them truly excellent human beings and model citizens of any country.

I have known for some time now that my dear brother Isma'il was working on a book that will contribute to the motivational aspect of our characters. The message of this book is that you can do it; you can accomplish what you set out to do; and you can make a difference in your life.

I wholeheartedly recommend reading the words of this author, who couples self-confidence with a sharp memory. This book gives the reader insight that helps build character and potential. There is a Hadith by the Prophet Muhammad (S) that says: "Ittequ firaasat al-mu'min; fa-innahu yanzuru bi-noori-Illah" [Beware of the committed Muslim's insight, as he observes things with Allah's illumination]. This book speaks for itself.

May the All-Rewarding (SWT) give His servant Isma'il the payoffs and the extras that are due to him for his honest and genuine attempt at putting his 'soul of success' into words for you and me.

I recommend this book for everyone who wants to shed inferiority and take the first breath of fresh air on his or her life-long path of success and progress.