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Spiritual Gems of Islam: Insights & Practices from the Qur'an, Hadith, Rumi & Muslim Teaching Stories to Enlighten the Heart & Mind
Refine your heart and mind with the wisdom of Islamic spirituality "To live a meaningful life―one that brings us joy, contentment and fulfillment―we have to do the inner spiritual work of becoming a more complete human being."
―from the Introduction Over the centuries, Islamic sages have gleaned timeless spiritual insights and practices from sacred texts, meditation and knowledge of the heart―gems that have been passed down from generation to generation. This book invites you―no matter what your practice may be―to access the treasure chest of Islamic spirituality, particularly Sufism, and use its wealth to strengthen your own journey. The riches include guidance drawn from the Qur'an, sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets such as the thirteenth-century Rumi on cultivating awareness, intentionality and compassion for self and others. This book also features entertaining wisdom teaching stories, especially those of Mulla Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil, to expand the mind and heart. It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, you will find these gems worthy additions to your own treasure chest within.
―from the Introduction Over the centuries, Islamic sages have gleaned timeless spiritual insights and practices from sacred texts, meditation and knowledge of the heart―gems that have been passed down from generation to generation. This book invites you―no matter what your practice may be―to access the treasure chest of Islamic spirituality, particularly Sufism, and use its wealth to strengthen your own journey. The riches include guidance drawn from the Qur'an, sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets such as the thirteenth-century Rumi on cultivating awareness, intentionality and compassion for self and others. This book also features entertaining wisdom teaching stories, especially those of Mulla Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil, to expand the mind and heart. It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, you will find these gems worthy additions to your own treasure chest within.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2012
93 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 22, 2013
I can't say enough about this book. There isn't a sentence that doesn't deserve to be highlighted. Twice. It's enlightening, insightful, informative - and interspersed with humor and gentleness. It's absolutely beautiful.
November 24, 2013
Wonderfully reflective and instructive, full of Imam Rahman's joyful spirit and encouraging presence, this book is meant to be useful both to Muslims and those following other paths who would like to learn from Islamic wisdom. This is excellent for a 33 week adult spiritual study circle, as a devotional or worship resource, and for personal use.
February 21, 2025
4,5⭐️ soms ging het wat van de hak op de tak maar heel veel mooie inzichten, in korte hoofdstukjes uitgewerkt
October 12, 2024
A beautiful collection of insights with support from the Quran and Hadith. Each section has a way to reflect on each insight in both. spiritual and practical way. Would recommend for anyone who enjoyed 'Secrets of Divine Love' by A. Helwa.
March 22, 2024
Masha Allah, buku yang sangat mencerahkan lahir batin. Spiritual Gems of Islam yang kurang lebih jika diterjemahkan adalah: untaian untaian Permata dalam Islam, permata yang dimaksudkan dalam buku ini yaitu permata kebijaksanaan. buku yang ditulis Cendekiawan Muslim (Jamal Rahman) ini menurut saya bagus dari tata bahasanya, apalagi, yang membuat buku ini bagus adalah dari setiap bagian bagiannya nya, terdapat Refleksi dan Praktik Spiritual yang akan membuat pembaca dituntun menuju kelapangan batin.
Tidak hanya teori, tapi Langsung praktik. di dalam buku ini terdapat 7 Bahasan yang diantaranya: 1. Membuka diri terhadap cahaya, 2. mengembangkan kelapangan batin, 3. memurnikan dan meluaskan hati, 4. Mengingat Tuhanmu, 5. Mengerjakan yang Indah, 6. Menapaki jalan Lapang dan 7. Berada dalam Misteri yang setiap bagiannya terdapat permata permata kebijaksanaan, serta setiap permatanya terdapat Ilmu dan Cara Pengamalannya...
Terakhir, Menurut saya buku ini Lebih ke Tasawuf Islam karena sedikit ada corak corak pemikiran Jalaluddin Rumi-nya dan Mullah dalam setiap Kisah - Kisahnya
Tidak hanya teori, tapi Langsung praktik. di dalam buku ini terdapat 7 Bahasan yang diantaranya: 1. Membuka diri terhadap cahaya, 2. mengembangkan kelapangan batin, 3. memurnikan dan meluaskan hati, 4. Mengingat Tuhanmu, 5. Mengerjakan yang Indah, 6. Menapaki jalan Lapang dan 7. Berada dalam Misteri yang setiap bagiannya terdapat permata permata kebijaksanaan, serta setiap permatanya terdapat Ilmu dan Cara Pengamalannya...
Terakhir, Menurut saya buku ini Lebih ke Tasawuf Islam karena sedikit ada corak corak pemikiran Jalaluddin Rumi-nya dan Mullah dalam setiap Kisah - Kisahnya
February 3, 2017
A powerful gem of wisdom that beautifully and lovingly expresses and shows one (regardless of their choice of spiritual path/practice) through poems, stories, and internal reflections how to open his/her heart, find themselves, and draw closer to the Creator. It truly displays not only the beauty, but also the genuine intent of Islam and Sufism with open arms, no dogma, and no ambiguity whatsoever. If people only took to time to study and step outside of their box of preconditioned thinking, the world could truly be a more peaceful and loving place.
January 4, 2020
It's a book that wants to purify our hearts because Allah loves those who purify themselves.
The problem is the author quotes non existent verses of the Quran and taking verses out of context to fit into his spiritual view that Allah is in us all like brahman in Hinduism. He also quotes weak hadith that promotes oneness with Allah.
It's always best to fact check these books no matter how nice and spiritual it sounds. Don't be like the people of the book that takes verses out of context and cherry pick a verse to suit their agenda.
The problem is the author quotes non existent verses of the Quran and taking verses out of context to fit into his spiritual view that Allah is in us all like brahman in Hinduism. He also quotes weak hadith that promotes oneness with Allah.
It's always best to fact check these books no matter how nice and spiritual it sounds. Don't be like the people of the book that takes verses out of context and cherry pick a verse to suit their agenda.
May 9, 2019
I consider myself a Christian mystic, and I loved this book. It was full of spiritual wisdom, love, and compassion for all people on all spiritual paths. I enjoyed learning more about Sufi teachings and the spiritual insights of Islam, and I found the spiritual practices and exercises at the end of each section meaningful and helpful for deepening my own spiritual practices. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to deepen or broaden their spiritual wisdom.
April 15, 2022
I enjoyed the comedic stories of the “mulla” in this book. Interesting read that encourages reflection upon your actions and beliefs. I liked the appendix at the end that has selected Hadith split into sections like marriage, women, love, forgiveness etc.
February 12, 2023
This book is so beneficial to us all and i wld re-read specific Gems to when i need them! If u want to learn more on spiritual islam. This is the number 1 book for u.
December 11, 2025
Written in a very inter-faith way. Great ideas. Some of my favorite quotes:
P.180
The wise have said that we do not see things as they are; we see things as we are.
p. 193
“What is this love and laughter bubbling up from within me?” The reply: “It’s the sound of a soul waking up!”
p. 196
“Whoever’s approval you seek, you become prisoner, so choose your jailers with care and deliberation.”
p. 202
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
P.180
The wise have said that we do not see things as they are; we see things as we are.
p. 193
“What is this love and laughter bubbling up from within me?” The reply: “It’s the sound of a soul waking up!”
p. 196
“Whoever’s approval you seek, you become prisoner, so choose your jailers with care and deliberation.”
p. 202
Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
A beautifully written book that really makes you reflect on your life while you still have the chance. The insights are mainly from the Quran, Hadith, and Sufi sayings—so many bookmark-worthy lines. It’s easy to read but definitely not easy to live by. I’ll be coming back to this one to take it all in properly. 🇵🇸❤️
July 10, 2020
This book helps you take a glimpse of the true beauty of islamic spirituality .Easy to understand , fun to read and informing . This book is excellently structured to help one to the most .
April 2, 2021
Nice book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2021
Truly enlightening
This book will spiritually uplift and great quotes from the great Mulla and Rumi. I would recommend this book to everyone.
This book will spiritually uplift and great quotes from the great Mulla and Rumi. I would recommend this book to everyone.
February 6, 2015
This book will open our eyes to the spiritual side of Sufism, a minority spiritual sect within Islam.
I know the author personally. He is a gentle, caring, and peaceful person.
He does not like what is happening to and within Islam in today's world.
Even if you are not Muslim, as I am not, you will find personal value in reading this profound yet simple book.
I know the author personally. He is a gentle, caring, and peaceful person.
He does not like what is happening to and within Islam in today's world.
Even if you are not Muslim, as I am not, you will find personal value in reading this profound yet simple book.
June 24, 2016
Beautifully written and highly recommended for Sufi-readers!
The delighting metaphors, Mulla stories and numerous examples from other religions make the book even more incredible. On some long holiday, I'm definitely picking this one again to spend more time with the reflections and practices at the end of each chapter.
The delighting metaphors, Mulla stories and numerous examples from other religions make the book even more incredible. On some long holiday, I'm definitely picking this one again to spend more time with the reflections and practices at the end of each chapter.
February 10, 2020
Beautiful and Uplifting Spiritual Guide
A beautiful, uplifting book on the beauty of living a meaningful, inspiring life dedicated to purifying your soul and serving mankind, mother earth and God. Highly recommend.
A beautiful, uplifting book on the beauty of living a meaningful, inspiring life dedicated to purifying your soul and serving mankind, mother earth and God. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews