Islamic Self-Help Books

[AkramUKConv]

Found these two, are they any good?

Don't Be Sad
by Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/talkislam_1964_710441738

At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the Muslims that have come before us.

Don't Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.

So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah (swt).

Available from IslamicGoodsDirect (http://www.islamicgoodsdirect.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/3515), MuslimBase (http://www.muslimbase.com/product_info.php?products_id=238), SimplyIslam (http://www.simplyislam.com/iteminfo.asp?item=53061), Darussalam (http://www.darussalam.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=sad&x=0&y=0)

Stop Worrying
by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali

http://www.darussalam.com/images/stop_worrying_relax_m.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/2n1auz8.jpg

Available from SimplyIslam (http://simplyislam.co.uk/iteminfo.asp?item=53041), Darussalam (http://www.darussalam.com/product_info.php?products_id=65)

[hearandobey]

i highly recommend "don't be sad", i have it both in english and arabic and it is AMAZING. you can get it online but having the actual book is really beneficial.

[AkramUKConv]

I have just bought and read the first part of Shaykh Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaidh_ibn_Abdullah_al-Qarni) Islamic 'Self-Help' book, "Don't Be Sad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Be_Sad)" (translated by Faisal ibn Muhammad Shafeeq (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faisal_ibn_Muhammad_Shafeeq)) from SimplyIslam.com (http://www.simplyislam.com/iteminfo.asp?item=53061).

I have always been the person that looks down on these books and always sighs when people tell me of such a book that they are reading. I have always said that they are rubbish money making books when all you need is a little self-will and deternimation.

On recommendations here I had bought this book. I have to say that I was wholeheartedly wrong. This is an amazing book and I can see that it is already changing my life! You can read it free online HERE (http://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Dont%20Be%20Sad.pdf) but I would highly recommend buying the book. Not only is it better and more relaxing to hold it in your hands but it is a beautiful hardback with a very nice indented cover.

It is written by a Muslim Shaykh for Muslims but also for non-Muslims. I found this a great feat for the book and think that for anyone that reads these books that is non-Muslim it would be a great gift to get them interested.

I honestly do now know what to say about this book other than I would always recommend anyone to at least give it a go and decide for yourself. Personally, I think it was phenominal and with my past attitude with these kinds of books, I think it is a worthy endorsement.

Reviews:

*Our Rising Star (http://www.ourrisingstar.org/article.php?aid=223&sid=)
*Simply Islam (http://www.simplyislam.com/iteminfo.asp?Item=53061)
*Review Stream (http://www.reviewstream.com/reviews/?p=859)
*Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Be-Sad/dp/9960850447)
*Authors Den (http://www.authorsden.com/categories/article_top.asp?catid=83&id=13479)
*Hilal Plaza (http://www.hilalplaza.com/islamic-arabic-book-summaries/dont-be-sad.html)

[Um Abdullah M.]

AkramUKconv

your a non Muslim? (under your nick)

I thought you were Muslim

[AkramUKConv]

AkramUKconv

your a non Muslim? (under your nick)

I thought you were Muslim

No idea how to change it but don't want to divert off the topic so please PM me.

[hearandobey]

alhamdulilah, it is great to see that you've benefited from the book! it really is amazing. the shaykh is actually one of my favorites and he delivers excellent lectures and writes great articles.

see this site (http://www.islaam.com/Scholar.aspx?id=14) for some translated articles.

and if you go here (http://www.islaam.net/main/author_search.php) and pick the first name in the author search, you will see a few articles as well inshallah.

[alghayb]

'Don't Be Sad' is also mentioned in the article 'Qur’an “Conspicuous” in Paris Subway (http://www.islamicawakening.com/viewnews.php?newsID=3155&)' by the IslamOnline.net Paris Correspondent, Hadi Yahmed.

The article is regarding the fact that 'reading in public transportations is a French tradition.' and that 'carrying what could be termed “pocket book” is a usual sight in French buses, trains and underground.' going on to state that 'during Ramadan, the Noble Qur’an and other Islamic books are conspicuous in Paris underground.'

The article states:

Reward Collection -

On line two of Paris metro, Suhaila, 33, sat reading a book entitled “Don't be Sad” by Ae’d Al-Qurany, a Muslim thinker and writer.

“It is a good book that is compiled to include Prophetic sayings, Qur’an verses and stories that urge to adhere to hope,” Suhaila tells IOL.

“I am keen on taking this book with me to read it in the metro during the holy month of Ramadan,” she adds.

“I try to benefit from every moment of the holy month to gain more heavely rewards and get closer to Allah.”

http://www.dont-be-sad-alqarni.com/

http://www.muslimbase.com/images/000238.jpg (http://www.dont-be-sad-alqarni.com/)http://www.dont-be-sad-alqarni.com/dont-be-sad-logo.gif (http://www.dont-be-sad-alqarni.com/)

[Abu Ikrimah]

There is an excellent book in Arabic called 'istamti' bihayatik' (Enjoy your Life) by Shaykh Muhammad Al-Arayfi

Lets hope that it gets translated soon, and that Allah blesses whoever works on it to produce a modern clasic.

I am a fan of such books and truly hope that many many more of them are available in English in the coming months and years....

BTW - If you listen to Sh Muhammad Alshareefs lectures, they are heavily influenced by this methodology.

[farisny]

I need urdu download pdf link of Taqwiyatul Iman book by molvi ismael dehlvi shaheed.

[Madarijas-Salikeen]

as salaamu alaykum,

I love Dont Be Sad! I bought it when i was having problems. I wish to dedicate some more time to it after reading this thread. It is a thing that I think would be of benefit to read daily after ofcourse the Kalam of Allaah.

[Madarijas-Salikeen]

I like selfhelp books. I got one by a non muslim on controlling anger. It is pretty good. The techniques are affective thanks and praise be to Allaah. I want to get a social anxiety book!

[Nu7]

Akhi, you have social anxiety?

I've had "Don't be sad" on PDF for a few months now but I never got around to actually reading it. Maasha'Allah, it looks like a very good book.

[Madarijas-Salikeen]

as salaamu alaykum,

Yes i do akhi, sometimes its real bad, other times its bearable.

I suggest you get the actual book akhi so it is easily accesible next to your bed etc. Read a few paragraphs etc before bed.

[Nu7]

To tell you the truth, I think I have social anxiety too. I don't like crowds and it usually makes me feel uncomfortable. Especially when I walk in to a room or space which is full of people. Very annoying. I hear there are forms of therapy that help alot.

Jazaak Allahu Khayr for your advice about the book.. I think I will buy it, insha'Allah.

[Madarijas-Salikeen]

as salaamu alaykum,

wa iyak,

I feel the same way akhi. I hate going out into big crowds. I also have a problem when i have to get up and speak at work meetings etc. My communication skills are very weak. I cannot conversate like most people.

[Nu7]

wa 'alaykum as-salaam

Akhi, I understand what you mean. I too have bad communication skills. It is like my mind is focused on a million other things instead of focusing on what I want to say. So I either mumble or just lose track of what I was about to say which only makes things even more awkward. Also, because I am naturally not a talkative person (except with really close friends and family) people tend to pay extra attention to what I have to say which puts alot of extra pressure on me.

Maybe it's just shyness. I have seen people who suffer from real social anxiety, many of them can't even leave their homes. Alhamdulillah, I don't suffer from anything of that nature. Although I prefer seclusion/isolating myself than interacting with people too much.

[Madarijas-Salikeen]

as salaamu alaykum,

we are in the same boat akhi. Social anxiety disorder is basically shyness. Its a bad calamity for me! but it is not bad where i have to stay in the house. But I do get very nervous when speaking to people and I hate to be caught of guard and end up mumbling. I hope to find a good book akhi and ill recommend it if i find one. The one i have now on shyness is very weak, but I have seen other good ones. With programs and activities to help you overcome it. There have been people that who had much social anxiety but they overcame in and are now very comfortable. and if you find anything let me know akhi.

wasalam

[Nu7]

Wa 'alaykum as-salaam,

Insha'Allah if I find something which is useful I will make sure to let you know, akhi.

[Nu7]

I was just going through that "Don't be sad" book, maasha'Allah, there is alot of powerful stuff in it.

"So live according to your reality without always envisioning the ideal life, one that is free from worry and toil. Accept life as it is and adapt accordingly to all circumstances. You will not find in this world such things as the flawless companion or the perfect situation, because flawlessness and perfection are qualities that are foreign to this life. It is necessary for us to make amends: to take what is easy and leave what is difficult; and very frequently, to overlook the faults and mistakes of others."

One thing I don't understand though is what he means by "take what is easy and leave what is difficult"??