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Seven Steps to Moral Intelligence by Musharraf Hussain (31-Jul-2009) Paperback
How do we develop a good understanding of right and wrong? How do we change ourselves so that we can live by the universal, moral values of Islam? This handbook tells us how to go about changing ourselves in seven steps. Based on Imam Ghazali's teachings, this handbook is attractively laid out and easy to understand. Musharraf Hussain is the chief executive of the Karimia Institute. In 2009 he was nationally recognized for his services to community relations in Britain. He is also a chair of the United Kingdom's national Christian-Muslim Forum.
- GenresIslam
Unknown Binding
First published April 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 19, 2015
I’ve had a copy of the first of these titles (7 Steps to Moral Intelligence) since its initial publication back in 2009 and of course, when the opportunity arose to review it and its follow up, 7 Steps to Spiritual Intelligence, I leapt at it. I loved the first book which is based on Imam Ghazali’s teachings, and I dip into it regularly. The sequel is based not primarily (like its predecessor) on Imam Ghazali but relies also on a number of other classical scholars.
Both titles are small, clear, concise and easy to follow. They show us that the idea of self-help literature existed before the concept was even a twinkle in the eyes of Western authors. The books, despite their size, are full to the brim with not only wisdom and knowledge but also practical steps towards developing moral and spiritual intelligence. They share with us explanations of these two forms of intelligence and the benefits of developing them whilst using the Prophet (SAW) as our example. 7 Steps to Moral Intelligence charts the territory of vices and virtues whilst 7 Steps to Spiritual Intelligence aims to act as a follow on in providing a map to drawing closer to Allah (SWT)
The author, Musharraf Hussain, is a thoroughly trained scholar having completed his Islamic education in the UK, Pakistan and Egypt and amongst the many publications he has been involved in writing is a secondary school level textbook called Religion and Belief: Islam (co-authored by Anne Jordan). He is also heavily involved in interfaith work, particularly Christian-Muslim dialogue.
As well as delivering to us an understanding of morality and spirituality, Hussain shares with us brief histories of the masters from whom he draws knowledge and inspiration for his works. I personally like this as I am someone who likes to know about people, not in a gossipy way which goes without saying insha Allah, but in a way that allows me to feel connected to them. The thing I like most about these pocket size books is that they follow a sequence and form that brings coaching and self-help books to mind. Reviewing these books in Ramadhan helps me recognise their worth during the blessed month as a route in the direction of self-improvement. For me Ramadhan is about realigning ourselves with our meaning and purpose, and these two little books can be tools to our doing so, bi-idhnillah.
I would highly recommend these to anyone who wants to improve both their morality and spirituality. They can help us to develop our character if we implement what is taught within their pages. What is contained within their pages is drawn from the teachings of our pious predecessors who in turn have extracted teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah, alhamdulillah. However, as with any knowledge, value is lost if not put into practice. And what was the Prophet (SAW) sent to do?
Abu Hurayra (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "I was sent to perfect good character." (Bukhari & Ahmed)
And so I would like to leave you with the following from the book of hadith Al-Adab Al Mufrad:
'Amr ibn Shu'ayb reported from his grandfather that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Shall I tell you about who among you I love the most and the one who will be seated closest to me on the Day of Rising?" The people were silent, so he repeated that two or three times. Then the people said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah." He said, "The one among you with the best character."
Do we not aspire or want to aspire to be amongst those fortunate few?
This review appears in SISTERS magazine issue #70 August 2015, written by Khalida Haque, a qualified and experienced counselling psychotherapist. Khalida is a regular contributor to SISTERS. Her ideal occupation would be professional reader as she loves to read and will read anything that has words on it; a good book will find her lost amongst its pages.
Both titles are small, clear, concise and easy to follow. They show us that the idea of self-help literature existed before the concept was even a twinkle in the eyes of Western authors. The books, despite their size, are full to the brim with not only wisdom and knowledge but also practical steps towards developing moral and spiritual intelligence. They share with us explanations of these two forms of intelligence and the benefits of developing them whilst using the Prophet (SAW) as our example. 7 Steps to Moral Intelligence charts the territory of vices and virtues whilst 7 Steps to Spiritual Intelligence aims to act as a follow on in providing a map to drawing closer to Allah (SWT)
The author, Musharraf Hussain, is a thoroughly trained scholar having completed his Islamic education in the UK, Pakistan and Egypt and amongst the many publications he has been involved in writing is a secondary school level textbook called Religion and Belief: Islam (co-authored by Anne Jordan). He is also heavily involved in interfaith work, particularly Christian-Muslim dialogue.
As well as delivering to us an understanding of morality and spirituality, Hussain shares with us brief histories of the masters from whom he draws knowledge and inspiration for his works. I personally like this as I am someone who likes to know about people, not in a gossipy way which goes without saying insha Allah, but in a way that allows me to feel connected to them. The thing I like most about these pocket size books is that they follow a sequence and form that brings coaching and self-help books to mind. Reviewing these books in Ramadhan helps me recognise their worth during the blessed month as a route in the direction of self-improvement. For me Ramadhan is about realigning ourselves with our meaning and purpose, and these two little books can be tools to our doing so, bi-idhnillah.
I would highly recommend these to anyone who wants to improve both their morality and spirituality. They can help us to develop our character if we implement what is taught within their pages. What is contained within their pages is drawn from the teachings of our pious predecessors who in turn have extracted teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah, alhamdulillah. However, as with any knowledge, value is lost if not put into practice. And what was the Prophet (SAW) sent to do?
Abu Hurayra (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "I was sent to perfect good character." (Bukhari & Ahmed)
And so I would like to leave you with the following from the book of hadith Al-Adab Al Mufrad:
'Amr ibn Shu'ayb reported from his grandfather that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Shall I tell you about who among you I love the most and the one who will be seated closest to me on the Day of Rising?" The people were silent, so he repeated that two or three times. Then the people said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah." He said, "The one among you with the best character."
Do we not aspire or want to aspire to be amongst those fortunate few?
This review appears in SISTERS magazine issue #70 August 2015, written by Khalida Haque, a qualified and experienced counselling psychotherapist. Khalida is a regular contributor to SISTERS. Her ideal occupation would be professional reader as she loves to read and will read anything that has words on it; a good book will find her lost amongst its pages.
August 18, 2024
From chapter 2 onwards, this book is a great read! I found chapter one to have some issues with its writing flow. Otherwise, it's a good book to spend time with.
August 27, 2023
Seeking to cultivate and develop moral intelligence? moral resilience? emotional intelligence? and emotional resilience? In order to liberate yourself from the shackles of false desires which are pulling you in many diverse directions, then this book and its lessons and insights which are based upon the teachings of Imam Ghazali, a renowned eleventh century scholar, will definitely assist you.
The lessons provided herein to develop these noble traits are grounded in revelation and wisdom, which in turn makes them timeless and applicable across all eras and ages, and the lessons themselves are a testament to that fact. This book will serve you as a beacon of light and illuminate the path of your self-development journey.
Clearly written from an islamic perspective and all the lessons in there are extracted from Islamic sources, its insights and lessons are useful for all those who are earnestly seeking to develop these noble traits, irrespective of their faith or background. The author effectively demonstrated all he set out to do in a succinct and concise manner.
The lessons provided herein to develop these noble traits are grounded in revelation and wisdom, which in turn makes them timeless and applicable across all eras and ages, and the lessons themselves are a testament to that fact. This book will serve you as a beacon of light and illuminate the path of your self-development journey.
Clearly written from an islamic perspective and all the lessons in there are extracted from Islamic sources, its insights and lessons are useful for all those who are earnestly seeking to develop these noble traits, irrespective of their faith or background. The author effectively demonstrated all he set out to do in a succinct and concise manner.
July 15, 2010
This book is an accessible version of a Khalid Murad's version which goes much more into depth about each of the morals.
The book looks and moral and immoral behaviour and guides the reader to take steps to reach a moral state. Although small in size, this book is one to read and digest and perhaps re-read if you want to implement the steps for a more moral existence.
The chapters are well divided and the use of diagrams makes this a self help book for those who want to improve their out look on life.
The book looks and moral and immoral behaviour and guides the reader to take steps to reach a moral state. Although small in size, this book is one to read and digest and perhaps re-read if you want to implement the steps for a more moral existence.
The chapters are well divided and the use of diagrams makes this a self help book for those who want to improve their out look on life.
June 29, 2010
small brief guide to go on the right Islamic morals .. it highlighted many concepts and fixed other concepts that I misunderstood ..
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews