Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Readers' Reviews & Commendations for 'Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada Ismail

Bismillah.


"Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada ably captures the essence of being a Muslim: to be the vicegerent of God on Earth, grounded in the Oneness of God, or Tawheed. The book is informed by her lifelong experience of gathering knowledge from mingling, listening, and interacting with many contemporary, highly regarded scholars, as well as her extensive readings of classical works. Thus, the work culminates in her personal spiritual experiences gained over the years and is shared to benefit others interested in enhancing their own spirituality. Developing one's character, or akhlaq, is fundamental to the vicegerency of mankind, and Eza beautifully elucidates its relevant components, such as the importance of sincere intentions in actions, mannerisms, and humility. Additionally, the book covers the sayings and actions of the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) along with words of wisdom from the saints of the past; this book indeed boosts one's faith. Kudos to Eza."

- Prof. Dato' Dr Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & Research, Sultan Azlan Shah University

***

'Buku "Boost Your Faith" ini sangat baik untuk seseorang yang mencari hikmah di sebalik kehidupan. Melalui kalam para ulama, kita fahami perkara yang tersirat di sebalik yang tersurat.'

Dr. Shamsul bin Mohd Nor, Pengerusi Yayasan ITMAM, Penulis dan Pendakwah

 ***

'This book blends timeless wisdom from Sufi classics with contemporary insights, offering concise lessons from figures like Imam al-Ghazali, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani, and Rumi. Whether you seek spiritual growth or practical guidance, Boost Your Faith provides a clear path for nurturing the soul, making it an essential read for every seeker of truth. It is rare to find a writer in Malaysia who explores this theme especially, Sufism. This is a profound and insightful contribution that is sure to impact readers. Congratulations!'

- Mohd Syazreen Abdullah, Writer and Founder, Centre for Advanced Irfan Studies

 ***

'Congratulations! It is an attractive book filled with excellent quotations and guidance from past masters and contemporary guides. Jazakillahukhair for the hard work.'

- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zainiy Uthman, Author & Professor at Raja Zarith Sofiah Centre for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science, and Civilization, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

***


'I have known the writer for almost three decades and have had the privilege of witnessing the growth of her spiritual journey. Her perseverance in understanding Islamic teachings through readings, attending Majlis Ta’alim, and then sharing the wisdom she has collected via her blog, Lisan al-Din, amidst the struggles of the corporate world is inspiring. ‘Boost Your Faith’ is indeed a good book. May it benefit readers looking for a practical understanding of Islamic teachings. My heartfelt congratulations, Eza, for your effort in disseminating ‘ilm, as per the hadith: “Ballighu ‘anni walau ayah.”  “Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single sentence.” [Sahih Bukhari: 3461].’

- Hajjah Hairunnisa Nasir, Ex-Telecoms Specialist

***

'Boost Your Faith’: suatu kumpulan catatan oleh Saudari Ezatulhada Ismail, adalah bingkisan ilmu yang mendalam, disusun untuk semua lapis pembaca. Dalam menjelaskan rukun Ihsan sesuai bagi khalayak Muslim moden, ia mengutip dan menggaris hikmah kebijaksanaan daripada ucapan para ulama kontemporari di majlis-majlis ilmu; di samping menjejak keilmuan masa lalu dengan mengumpulkan untaian mutiara kearifan teks-teks klasik Islam. Buku ini sarat makna namun digarap dalam Bahasa Inggeris yang mudah bagi pembaca untuk memahami dan menerapkan intisari agama dalam kehidupan harian.

Koleksi catatan rutin daripada blog penulis yang kini dikemas dalam bentuk buku tampak berhasil menyederhanakan kedalaman ilmu untuk diterjemah kepada amal, menjadikannya relevan direnung sehari-hari: sumber penting bagi mereka yang ingin memperkuat dan memperdalam keimanannya, justeru menjadikan buku ini salah satu referensi yang sangat berharga untuk semua.’

- F. Fansuri, Pembaca blog Lisan al-Din seawal 2009

***

'Buku ‘Boost Your Faith’ dapat dikatakan sebagai karya yang menyegarkan dan relevan untuk mereka yang mencari inspirasi dalam memperkukuh keimanan. Setiap bab memberikan panduan praktikal dan kisah-kisah motivasi yang memberi kesan mendalam, seolah-olah penulis ingin menyampaikan bahawa perubahan kecil dalam amalan seharian mampu membawa perubahan besar kepada kehidupan rohani kita. Tahniah buat penulis, Puan Ezatulhada. Teruskan memberi inspirasi.’  

- Barisal Bivi Shaik Dawood, Guru Besar SK Perempuan Island


***

'Bukan sekadar buku tetapi menerangkan beberapa persoalan dalam jiwa, dikupas dalam sudut agama, memahami kasih sayang Allah, teladan yang patut dicontohi daripada Rasulullah ‎ﷺ dan juga nasihat-nasihat berguna dalam membentuk karakter serta sahsiah yang lebih baik.'

- Dr. Naimah Musa, Pensyarah, Universiti Sains Malaysia

***

'It is a beautifully written book on how to increase and strengthen our faith as Muslims towards Allah and to love Prophet Muhammad ‎ﷺ. This book serves as a very useful guide on how one can live one's life as a good Muslim and it also helps when one is feeling low and spiritually down. Overall, it enhances one's faith as a Muslim as it contains various pieces of advice from renowned scholars. Furthermore, I believe the author has chosen a very suitable title for her book ‘Boost Your Faith’. The title suits its contents perfectly. Jayyid Jiddan, ahsanti Eza!’ 

- Noorzarinah binti K A Walimohamed, Legal Practitioner

***

'I chanced upon the blog Lisan al-Dīn in my early days of seeking, in 2012, and I found myself continually returning to it over the years. The written words on her blog, which are now this book, are words from the heart that truly touched mine. It would not be an exaggeration for me to say that her writings became a guiding light and companion for my own journey of learning, helping me sift through the noise of the world to reach clarity in seeking a true spiritual connection that is genuinely grounded. Her reflections and sharing not only boost my himma, but also spearhead my actual practice. Truly inspirational and full of barakah. I am overjoyed by the news of this published book, which includes gems from so many mashayikh and scholars dear to me, presented in beautiful language full of love. I pray that, just as the blog has affected me, Boost Your Faith continues to reach souls across the world and through time, reminding and connecting each one of us to the One Who Created us and to the Muḥammadan Light ‎ﷺ. This is a dire need in our time and serves as a reminder that good intentions open doors to more blessed goodness; indeed, reminders truly benefit the believers.’

- Atiqah Anas, Knowledge Seeker  

***

'Boost Your Faith encourages you to strengthen your faith through the compilation of spiritual discourses which have been purposefully organised by the author from her own valuable experience. It offers several practical advice on how to incorporate faith into one's daily life.

- Dr. Shamsul Bahrain Rawi, Educator, Universiti Utara Malaysia

***

'I have been following her blog, Lisan al-Din, since 2009. I find her writing not only boosts my faith but also brings me to tears especially when I realize how much I had missed when living in Germany and the UK. The road to true iman is straightforward, but oftentimes we take it for granted. I'm glad she decided to compile her blog postings into a book so that more people, especially readers outside Malaysia, can benefit from them.'

- Hajjah Nor Aini Omar, Retiree & Traveller

***

'An amazing book, Masha Allah. It manages to collect words of wisdom and nasihah from the living sages of our time,  such as Habib Umar bin Hafiz, as well as timeless knowledge from previous masters. It is a great companion for anyone who is a seeker of knowledge and a traveller on this path.

- Hussain Jamalullail, CEO  قهوة

***

'Rare gems are meticulously recorded in this wonderful book to assist readers in becoming aware of His presence. A culmination of fruitful lessons from well-known scholars is presented beautifully. Congratulations, Eza, for leaving your heartprints.'

- Dr. Puteh Saad, Agropreneur & Ex - Lecturer

***

'Boost Your Faith is a motivational book that guides readers on a spiritual journey, focusing on strengthening one’s faith through practical steps and personal reflection. The book is structured to inspire readers to build a closer relationship with Allah by exploring various aspects of faith, such as prayer, resilience, and trust. It combines teachings from religious texts with real-life applications, making it a practical resource for those looking to grow spiritually. With engaging stories and insightful lessons, the book makes the idea of faith accessible and actionable, encouraging readers to implement these principles in their daily lives.

Through easy-to-understand language and relatable examples, Boost Your Faith reaches out to readers of all backgrounds, whether they are new to spirituality or already practising. The author aims to empower readers by highlighting the benefits of a strong faith foundation, such as inner peace, gratitude, and a positive outlook on life. Each chapter provides reflections and exercises, guiding readers to internalize the concepts discussed. Overall, Boost Your Faith serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone eager to deepen their spiritual awareness and live a more meaningful, faith centered life.

- Ustazah Nazatul Atillah binti Mohd Suod, Islamic Education Teacher, Island Girls' School

***
Boost Your Faith is an excellent piece of antidote for the human psychological malady. And a vitamin cum comforting remedy for the modern man's spiritual tragedy. An excellent summative essays! Well done!

- Dato' Dr. Ali, Cardiologist 

*****************************************************

Alhamdulillah.
All praises are due to Allah.
We are His servants who only long for His mercy and a good ending.
Ya Allahu biha Ya Allahu biha Ya Allahubihusnil khatimah.



Sunday, October 27, 2024

Take a closer look at 'Boost Your Faith' @ USM Book Fair 4 - 7 Nov 2024 @ USM Hamzah Sendut Library | A special review on Boost Your Faith

Bismillah.

Alhamdulillah for this wonderful opportunity to showcase my book at a university where I used to wander about when I was a kid. It is located about 10 minutes walk from my grandparents' home in Gelugor.

The event is organized by USM Press (Penerbit USM)
and Hamzah Sendut Library of Universiti Sains Malaysia 


Here is one special review of the book from: 
Prof. Dato' Dr. Ahamed Kameel
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Academic & Research
Sultan Azlan Shah University

"Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada ably captures the essence of being a Muslim: to be the vicegerent of God on Earth, grounded in the Oneness of God, or Tawheed. The book is informed by her lifelong experience of gathering knowledge from mingling, listening, and interacting with many contemporary, highly regarded scholars, as well as her extensive readings of classical works. Thus, the work culminates in her personal spiritual experiences gained over the years and is shared to benefit others interested in enhancing their own spirituality. Developing one's character, or akhlaq, is fundamental to the vicegerency of mankind, and Eza beautifully elucidates its relevant components, such as the importance of sincere intentions in actions, mannerisms, and humility. Additionally, the book covers the sayings and actions of the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) along with words of wisdom from the saints of the past; this book indeed boosts one's faith. Kudos to Eza."

***
 
I met Prof. Dato' Dr. Kameel for the first time 17 years ago, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak. He was very kind to let me interview him on his works and books. I was then working as a journalist for an Islamic magazine.
Alhamdulillah indeed.


 

Friday, June 21, 2024

Thanks for buying 'Boost Your Faith' and for your wonderful review!


Bismillah.


I knew it since way back that many of this blog readers are not only highly educated and well trained in their respective fields, but they are also knowledgable in Islamic teachings, particularly on tasawwuf/Sufism.

I am honoured that you have been following this blog for years and that you have bought my book "Boost Your Faith".
If you haven't already left a comment or review on Amazon, please kindly do so. Or you could also leave a comment here. Tell me which chapter or para is your favourite and why.
 : )

This TikTok Video (in Malay though) is a shout out to some of the high-achievers I know.
May Allah continue to bless you (and all of us) with useful knowledge, exemplary practices and excellent manners. Aamiiin.

Hope you have all had a wonderful Eidul Adha.

As ever,
-E-
21st June 2024


[my fave part is the Afterword]


About the Author:

Table of Contents:


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

'Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada | About the Author

Bismillah.



About the Author

Ezatulhada is the writer behind Lisan al-Din blog who actively shared her notes from hundreds of Islamic talks held in Kuala Lumpur since 2009. 
'Boost Your Faith' is her first book encapsulating the lessons she learned, translated, and recorded from the talks and her unique collection of books on Sufism. 
Her Economics degree from the USA and MBA from the UK did not prepare her for a spiritual vocation. However, she finds solace in her Master's degree in Publishing from Scotland because it personifies her passion for sharing knowledge. 
She lives in Penang where she enjoys rediscovering her hometown and playing hostess with the mostest.


***
If you are based in Malaysia, you may purchase her book from Al Hada Publishing TikTok shop.
Visit www.alhadapublishing.com for more info on payment channels.
Or buy at Kinokuniya KLCC.
If you are based outside Malaysia, you may purchase the book on Amazon.


     
Published in Ramadan/March 2024


'Boost Your Faith' - Table of Contents:

Saturday, May 4, 2024

'Boost Your Faith' by Ezatulhada Ismail | Contents

Bismillah.


Author: Ezatulhada Ismail
Total Pages: 460
Published date: March 2024
Publisher: Alhada Publishing
Buy on Amazon @ USD 30
[Malaysians may buy from
TikTok shop: Alhada Publishing at RM 139
or Kinokuniya KLCC or WhatsApp +60194311918]



Contents

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One: Build Your Character

   Intention

   Sincerity

   Determination

   Enthusiasm

   Mannerism

   Interaction

   Focus

   Humility

   Purification

   Trust

   Contentment

 

Chapter Two: Polish the Whole of You

Discipline yourself

Prep for Ramadan

Devote time to charity

Migrate to a better you

Repent and reset

Be patient and persevere

Loving companion

Remember God

 

Chapter Three: Know His Lordship

Interacting with the Divine

Alone with the Alone

Loving Him

Divine Offers

Oneness of God

God’s Beautiful Names

Experiential Tauhid

Togetherness              

 

 Chapter Four: Love the Beloved of Allah

On Prophet Muhammad’s leadership

On being Prophet Muhammad’s Ummah

Prophet Muhammad as the greatest gift for mankind

On the Prophet’s Night of Ascension

Complement your adoration with knowledge

Study and practice the Prophet’s Sunnah

On learning the Prophet’s attributes

Prophet Muhammad’s lesson for his daughter Fatimah

Prophet Muhammad’s noble characters

Lessons on hope from Rasulullah

Emulate the manners of Rasulullah

Prophet Muhammad’s supreme rank

God’s praises for Prophet Muhammad

On loving Prophet Muhammad

On Prophet Muhammad’s companions

Reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s journeys

Salawat Adnan

The Prophet’s unconditional compassion

  

Chapter Five: Scholars’ Speeches

On selected aphorisms of Ibn Ata’allah al-Iskandari and the true friend

On etiquette and manners of a good writer

On Kitab Qatrul Ghaisiah

Sufism offers healing to the 21st Century

On being grateful for Islam and its last messenger

Hajj as a journey of love and the importance of unconditional compassion

On celebrating Mawlid ar-Rasul

Make your face radiant

Bring yourself closer to the Heavens

Follow in the footsteps of Muadz bin Jabal

On being Allah’s guest at His House

There is only one Ummah

Feel the presence of the Prophet and the righteous men

On loving the Beloved of Allah

On muraqabah

On cleansing one’s blemishes

Glorify Allah with your heart

Love one another for the sake of God

Work towards Akhirah with ibadah and knowing Allah

On the ultimate presence

Prophet Muhammad is kind and merciful

On Prophet Muhammad’s life story

  On the values of good behaviours

  On the virtue of Mawlid Majlis

  On striving for muraqabah

  On the blessings of Prophet Muhammad

  Be conscious of God’s presence

  On seeing with the eyes of the heart

  On the privileges of the Prophet’s Ummah

  On loving Ahlul Bayt

  Prophet Muhammad as mentioned in Kitab Torah, Injil and the Quran

  None shall leave empty-handed from Majlis Zikir  

  Study hadith and revive the Sunnah

  On hadith regarding the virtues of knowledge and scholars

  On Imam Busiri and Qasidah Burdah

  On the spirit, the intellect, the soul, and the heart

  On three criteria for a successful and profitable deed

  We don’t need any other love, other than the love of Allah and Rasul

  Use your aqal based on the light of Iman granted by Allah  

 

            Chapter Six: Saintly Wisdoms

  Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali

  Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani

  Shaykh Najmuddin Kubra

  Shaykh Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi

  Shaykh Wali Raslan ad-Dimashqi

  Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi

  Shaykh Sharafuddin Ahmad bin Yahya al-Maneri

  Shaykh Ahmad Zarruq al-Barnusi al-Fasi

  Imam Abdullah al-Haddad

  Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi

 

 Chapter Seven: Read in the Name of Your Lord

  Forty Sufi Gems

 

The Path

'The Clarifications of Noble Character' by Habib Umar bin Hafiz

'The Gardens of Truth: The Vision and Promises of Sufism, Islam’s Mystical Tradition' by Seyyed Hossein Nasr

'The Basic Research' by Shaykh Ahmad Ajiba, Revised and edited by Shaykh Abddalqadir as-Sufi

 

The Journey

'The Book of Safar' by Shaykh Dr Abdalqadir as-Sufi

'Commentaries on Shaykh Wali Raslan’s Risala fit-Tauhid' by Shaykh Zakariya al-Ansari and Shaykh Ali al-Hamawi

'Spiritual Subtleties for the Swiftly Ascending People of God' by Shaykh Nur al-Din al-Raniri

'The Sufi Rules of Conduct' by Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Sulami

 

The Stations

'A Treatise on the Heart' by Hakim al-Tirmidhi and 'Stations of the Righteous' by al-Sulami

'Illuminating Guidance on the Cessation of Self-direction' by Shaykh Ibn Ata’Allah al-Iskandari

'Letter of a Sufi Master' – The Shaykh ad-Darqawi

 

The Arrival

'Fifteen Letters' by Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani

'The Shape of Light' by Shaykh al-Suhrawardi

'Love, Longing, Intimacy and Contentment' by Imam al-Ghazali



Chapter 8: Poetry

Remembering a Sufi of Kashmir

A dedication to my Capetonian friends 

For You

Rain on Bussorah Street

Reminiscing Madinah

O Light Upon Light

That Nuh on the Knoll

In each other all along

Oh, Ibnu Mashish!

Loving al-Jazuli

Oh, Rumi!


Afterword

Glossary

Bibliography

Recommended Readings


List of Scholars cited in 'Boost Your Faith'

1. Shaykh Fahmi Zamzam al-Maliki
2. Shaykh Dr Muhammad bin Yahya al Ninowy
3. Habib Umar bin Hafiz
4. Shaykh Dr Fadlallah Haeri
5. Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin al-Hamid
6. Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes
7. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
8. Shaykh Abdul Aziz Fredericks
9. Habib Muhammad Abdullah al-Saggaf
10. Habib Ahmad bin Hussein al-Aidid
11. Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi
12. Habib Salim bin Umar bin Hafiz
13. Habib Musa Kazim al-Saggaf
14. Shaykh Abdul Mahmud al-Hayfan
15. Shaykh Muhammad Ismail az-Zein
16. Ustaz Ali bin Haji Muhammad
17. Shaykh Sayyid Salman al-Hussaini an-Nadwi
18. Ustaz Dr Shamsul Mohd Noor
19. Habib Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Aydrus
20. Habib Alwy bin Abdurrahman al-Habsyi
21. Shaykh Mokhtar al-Maghraoui
22. Habib Muhammad bin Alwi al-Haddad
23. Habib Syech al-Saggaf
24. Habib Mahdi Abu Bakar al-Hamid
25. Habib Husein bin Alwi bin Agiel al-Maliki
26. Shaykh Fuad al-Maliki
27. Shaykh Dr Usama al-Azahari
28. Habib Jindan bin Novel
29. Shaykh Prof Dr Faruq Hamadah
30. Prof Dr Ahmad Obaid
31. Ustaz Dr Mohamed Feisal Mohamed Hassan
32. Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-Kattani
33. Dr Afifi al-Akiti
34. Shaykh Abdul Aziz Shafie al-Fatani
35. Shaykh Nuh Keller
36. Habib Hassan bin Muhammad al-Attas
37. Shaykh Mustafa an-Nadwi
38. Habib Ali bin Shaykh Abu Bakar
39. Habib Umar bin Hamid al-Jailani
40. Shaykh Afeefuddin al-Jailani
41. Habib Yusuf Bakhour al-Hassani
42. Habib Abdul Rahman Mashoor
43. Habib Salem Ba'abad
44. Habib Soleh al-Jufri
45. Habib Ali al-Jufri
46. Habib Munzir al-Musawa
47. Shaykh Dr Saad Ghawish al-Hussaini
48. Prof Shaykh Dr Jamal Faroq ad-Daqqaq
49. Shaykh Dr Muhammad Fadhil al-Jailani
50. Habib Muhammad bin Soleh al-Attas
51. Shaykh Muhammad Shukri al-Banjari
52. Dr Habib Ahmad al-Kaf