Books on Islam (ritual, mysticism, purification, hell, prophet)

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Purification Of The Heart - A Book Review

Purification of the Heart by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (USA) is one such book that deals with the Islamic science of tasawwuf. Although this is literally translated as sufism, a more meaningful interpretation would be 'purification of the soul'.

It has been said by our illustrious predecessors that the intellect lies in the heart [1]. A verse of the Noble Quran states, "In this is a lesson for every man who has a heart or gives ear with full attention" [2]. In a sound tradition, Muhammad stated while pointing his fingers towards the heart, "Verily, God looks not at your bodies nor at your faces but He looks at your hearts" [3].

Consequently, the scholars of Islam wrote countless texts on how to cleanse and purify one's heart from 'spiritual diseases' that may cause one to defy the sacred law, or at least lead one to do so. Purification of the Heart by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is one such book that deals with the Islamic science of tasawwuf. ...

Chapters include the diseases of 'Miserliness', 'Love of the World', 'Envy' and 'Ostentation'. The latter chapter addresses what we as humans desire from our worship to God. Do we desire some benefit in this world? Do we worship God in hope of the delights of the hereafter? Or are we steadfast out of fear of punishment? ...

Does the book fulfil the objectives? It certainly presents all types of feelings and emotions that humankind suffers with to such an extent it would be surprising if one could not find a single chapter relevant to oneself. Having said that, it is an incredibly difficult science to study alone yet this is a perfect introduction. The commentary is excellent and definitely highlights the prevalence of diseased hearts in the modern world, not restricting it to any particular community.

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=II0803-3529