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The War Within Our Hearts
"An insightful volume that takes on many of the issues confronting Muslim youth in the West, sometimes with humor, oftentimes with brutal frankness, but always with sound knowledge and great clarity."— Imam Zaid Shakir, Zaytuna Institute, California
This is not just another book about Muslim youth. It is a book by young Muslims for young Muslims, addressing issues such as media, music, dating, and drugs in a language that is their own. With an introduction by Imam Zaid Shakir.
This is not just another book about Muslim youth. It is a book by young Muslims for young Muslims, addressing issues such as media, music, dating, and drugs in a language that is their own. With an introduction by Imam Zaid Shakir.
- GenresIslamNonfiction
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2009
29 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 24, 2021
The name of the book itself reveals the importance it holds. This book is mainly aimed at today's youth, the problems they face, and solutions for how they should tackle those issues in light of true guidance.
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The part one of the book deals with the current issues confronting muslim youth mainly in the west but somehow also becoming a problem of east. It talks about it in the most casual way, with humour and understanding. The problems discussed in the book includes drugging, depression, abuse, scamming and cheating, dating, drinking, insulting others, jealousy and envy, behaviour with opposite gender, pornography, clothing, showing off, social media, discontentment with family, the type of company we keep, parties, hanging out with friends, etc. The authors who are themselves raised up in somewhat same society talks with you how to decide between what's wrong and right and the thing you do is a boom or bane?!
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Then the second part includes the solutions of these problems and how to get rid of what disturbs you or something that's not appropriate for you. The solutions are driven from the Islamic perspective, like make your way through reading and understanding Qur'an, offering salat, doing dhikr(remembrance of God), keeping God company, having piety, spending time in mosque, try doing even the smallest act of kindness, supplications, always have hope, remember death etc. in the best friendly manner.
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The best part is when I went through the book, I never felt like something was being preached or youths were told to act like a good old God- fearing adults spending their time in worship. Instead the book takes to you on a journey of self- consciousness and realisation in the most practical way. And I just loved the title they gave to every subject like 'A Mirage box' (T.V.), 'Bestseller from the Greatest author'(Qur'an), 'Deadliest weapon'(The tongue) etc. And making it more easy and frank, the authors added some of their own life experiences and the practical solutions for them.
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In one line, I just loved the book! It's recommended to everyone specially youths of every land.
Peace!🌺
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The part one of the book deals with the current issues confronting muslim youth mainly in the west but somehow also becoming a problem of east. It talks about it in the most casual way, with humour and understanding. The problems discussed in the book includes drugging, depression, abuse, scamming and cheating, dating, drinking, insulting others, jealousy and envy, behaviour with opposite gender, pornography, clothing, showing off, social media, discontentment with family, the type of company we keep, parties, hanging out with friends, etc. The authors who are themselves raised up in somewhat same society talks with you how to decide between what's wrong and right and the thing you do is a boom or bane?!
_
Then the second part includes the solutions of these problems and how to get rid of what disturbs you or something that's not appropriate for you. The solutions are driven from the Islamic perspective, like make your way through reading and understanding Qur'an, offering salat, doing dhikr(remembrance of God), keeping God company, having piety, spending time in mosque, try doing even the smallest act of kindness, supplications, always have hope, remember death etc. in the best friendly manner.
_
The best part is when I went through the book, I never felt like something was being preached or youths were told to act like a good old God- fearing adults spending their time in worship. Instead the book takes to you on a journey of self- consciousness and realisation in the most practical way. And I just loved the title they gave to every subject like 'A Mirage box' (T.V.), 'Bestseller from the Greatest author'(Qur'an), 'Deadliest weapon'(The tongue) etc. And making it more easy and frank, the authors added some of their own life experiences and the practical solutions for them.
_
In one line, I just loved the book! It's recommended to everyone specially youths of every land.
Peace!🌺
May 22, 2020
I was recommended this book by a friend when I was in High school. Being a muslim in public school in a place with a weak muslim community was quite difficult. I had a lot of questions and noone to explain them to me in a way I could understand. Everyone around me could have fun but being a muslim I had to avoid so many things which seemed normal to everyone else. I was the weirdo. This book gave me alot of comfort and guidance in that time. It is a wonderful book for young muslims living in the west.
The authors explain things in a simple manner and it's like they have a conversation with you. They have divided the book into two parts "Problems"- In which each chapter covers a vice, and "Solutions" which go over habits and reminders that the reader can bring into their life. The kind of problems the authors go over include lowering the gaze, internet, parties, parents, depression, drugs, jealousy, dressing, showing off, and pornography. All things the average high school student will encounter and may be confused by. At the end of each chapter short practical tips are listed for the reader. The solutions section goes over things like hope, good company, importance of salah, dhikr, and attachment to the masjid.
Overall I would highly recommend this for teenage and preteen muslims. The writing is very relatable and friendly and easy to digest for a kid who is close to deen or far from it. Habeeb Quadri is an award winning school principle and his brother Saad Quadri is a shaykh serving the Miluakee muslim community.
I was prompted to write this review because I found this in the back of the bookshelf. Now I will leave it in my younger siblings room so they can benefit from it as well!
(P.S this is Imam Zaid Shakirs forword https://seekersguidance.org/articles/... )
The authors explain things in a simple manner and it's like they have a conversation with you. They have divided the book into two parts "Problems"- In which each chapter covers a vice, and "Solutions" which go over habits and reminders that the reader can bring into their life. The kind of problems the authors go over include lowering the gaze, internet, parties, parents, depression, drugs, jealousy, dressing, showing off, and pornography. All things the average high school student will encounter and may be confused by. At the end of each chapter short practical tips are listed for the reader. The solutions section goes over things like hope, good company, importance of salah, dhikr, and attachment to the masjid.
Overall I would highly recommend this for teenage and preteen muslims. The writing is very relatable and friendly and easy to digest for a kid who is close to deen or far from it. Habeeb Quadri is an award winning school principle and his brother Saad Quadri is a shaykh serving the Miluakee muslim community.
I was prompted to write this review because I found this in the back of the bookshelf. Now I will leave it in my younger siblings room so they can benefit from it as well!
(P.S this is Imam Zaid Shakirs forword https://seekersguidance.org/articles/... )
February 21, 2015
This book is largely aimed at today's youth. It discusses issues that they may face and offers solutions in how to deal with these issues. It is written by Muslim authors raised in the west who write in a relatable manner. I enjoyed reading about and like how they have linked in quotes from the Qur'an (English translation) and stories from hadith's into the chapters which were short and to the point. Although aimed at the youth market I think older readers would find benefit in it.
January 14, 2011
an Excellent Book, specially to read to Children over 10 but appropriate for all young Adults as well as elers living in the West.
Highly recommended availablee through www.kitaabun.com
Highly recommended availablee through www.kitaabun.com
Want to read
May 15, 2014http://seekersguidance.org/blog/2014/...
^ This Article sum's it up for me, definitely adding to my shelf.
^ This Article sum's it up for me, definitely adding to my shelf.
November 24, 2016
Every Muslim parent should read it and offer it to the youth to read too. It will help both sides find common ground and stay on the right path insha'Allah.
June 4, 2011
This book provides a good insight into the difficulties faced by many of Muslim American youth. The book begins with a prologue written by Shaykh Zaid Shaker. In the prologue, he speaks about the key culprit that wreaks havoc on the Muslim youth- the Nafs. The shaykh also mentions that during times of "Ghafla" or heedlessness, the Shaitan and his "dupes", along with the Nafs lead even the strongest of believers to sin.
Also, in the book the two authors Habeeb and Saad Quadri mention issues from pop culture to the disrespect of parents which all have detrimental effects on the soul. The issues of depression and the indulgence in fahisha are thoroughly addressed.
I believe that some of these problems affect most Muslim youth, including myself that live in an unbalanced world.
:::::: THE END ::::::
Also, in the book the two authors Habeeb and Saad Quadri mention issues from pop culture to the disrespect of parents which all have detrimental effects on the soul. The issues of depression and the indulgence in fahisha are thoroughly addressed.
I believe that some of these problems affect most Muslim youth, including myself that live in an unbalanced world.
:::::: THE END ::::::
August 21, 2016
Unfortunately, I'm unable to give a good review of the book. I immensely respect the author's intentions with coming out with a practical guide to living a proper, halal lifestyle in our current day & age, but I respectfully disagree with almost all of the points made in the book. The message I took away from this book was: remove yourself as much as possible from everything in society that does not have to do with Islam, because everything else is a source of sin. It took a really conservative approach to living life, and I personally believe the lifestyle suggested in this book may hurt Muslims, as it will promote judgement of non-Muslims by criticizing everything they do so much, and in turn make the Muslims reading it more arrogant and self-righteous.
August 8, 2019
I was there in Islamabad one year ago on a seminar where i found a book stall and this book urge me to buy it, while i don't have any idea about the contents of this book. Albeit i bought it and keep it in my book rack. In previous days while i was searching for intriguing read and i once again found this book and read book details by author on good reads.
Basically this book is written for young Muslims to bring them back to their religion and the author who is Muslim who has been raised in west. I am not here to describe book in full length, I will just take it chapter by chapter to review in few lines to clear the thoughts and urge you to read this book. I am not 100% agreed with all concepts but majority points of the author are agreeable.
1. Introduction where the creation of man has been shared and Allah's command to angels to bow down to the Adam while Azazil(name of Iblis) refused to do so. From this point the struggle has been started.
2. Lessons we have to learn from Adam and Iblis has shared in chapter two.
3. Intentions has been discussed إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ each and everything of Muslim life has started from here. According to Author each book of Hadith has this is on top intentionally to learn for reader that intentions should be perfect, this will lead you towards success.
4. TV has been discussed here that TV shows are leading us to another way, instead of wasting time in changing channels and watching worthless contents give time to Allah, Prayers and Family.
5. Clubs has been discussed here well this is the phenomenon of west not here in Pakistan but the clubs are the root cause of deterioration in western society for Muslims, because all prohibited things in religion Islam are presented in clubs,
6. Lower the gaze wherever you are, to reduce your sexual desire and always keep in mind Allah has an eye upon you and your intentions are not hidden from Him.
7. Drink and drugs are the main problem of today's world and this thing came once again from clubbing and surroundings, keep friendship with those who never harm you physically, Mentally or in any other way.
8. Music who is unaware of this word today, i think no-one. Today everyone have loops in his/her ear and listening songs and dancing over it while it is also prohibited in Islam, Author has shared the things chanted by Sahabas without instruments.
9. Parenting is becoming an issue in society due to increasing of hunger and population everyone have to work which is creating gap among children n parents.but the companionship and the environment also have impact on it in early age a child tell each and everything to parents and later they start hiding from them, consider this as generation gap by saying they are old schools and never understand while parents should cooperate here and spare time for them and understand children as per the norms of society.
10. Company matters a lot here in world, the people or friends you are standing with in society are appearing from your behavior, if someone is hurting you on any kind of attitude is not suitable for you and you have to stop to accompany with them.
11. Clothing a big issue of society, what to wear what not to. Islam has already cleared all misconceptions about dresses so no need to discuss it at each forum what is adequate or what is not. you have to cover up all your self either you are male or female.
12. Showing off is totally banned in Islam, if you are good in expressions, appearance, wealth and other things stay humble and thankful to Allah.
13. Insulting people is very bad thing. be careful while speaking to others and choose words very carefully because your attributes speaks a lot. Always being thankful what you have as blessing and never called people from bad names.
14. Don's envy or jealous from anyone say MASHALLAH and pray for their betterment as well as good things for you.
15. Cheating is one of worst trait in world, do not cheat either in relationship or in exam.
16. Internet is a biggest facility of the time. which connect you from a corner of world to other but here it is need of time to take care of attributes of yourself and family.
17. If you can not speak good, do not bother to speak, keep your tongue in control every where.
18. Pornography is banned in world and this is evilest thing to destroy young generation. so keep eye on children and always remember your limitations discussed by religion.
19. Always ask patience from Allah, do not loose hope. Suicide is prohibited in Islam so never thing about it. have friend upon them you trust and ask for advice. stay physically active to stay away from depression.
Solutions has been discussed here by Author:
1. Quran: Read Quran and pray to Allah for best.
2. Appeal for yourself in front of Allah
3. Read Dua's everyday and read dhikr beeds
4. Keep your company good and join Muslim societies, mosque youth groups (if lives in abroad)
5. Volunteer time for mosque, live near mosque and visit it.
6. Never give hope and believe on Allah for best.
7. Do good deeds and small deeds will make your life better and this world heaven for you.
8. Give charity, Read hadith once a day
9. Always keep your self ready for death and it is reality everyone have to die. كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ��لْمَوْت
visit graveyard once in a month, visit sick, pray from Allah to keep you away from punishment of Grave.
This book gives clear lessons to live better life and ensure to get better life after death. Give it a try if you are interested to read religious contents.
Basically this book is written for young Muslims to bring them back to their religion and the author who is Muslim who has been raised in west. I am not here to describe book in full length, I will just take it chapter by chapter to review in few lines to clear the thoughts and urge you to read this book. I am not 100% agreed with all concepts but majority points of the author are agreeable.
1. Introduction where the creation of man has been shared and Allah's command to angels to bow down to the Adam while Azazil(name of Iblis) refused to do so. From this point the struggle has been started.
2. Lessons we have to learn from Adam and Iblis has shared in chapter two.
3. Intentions has been discussed إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ each and everything of Muslim life has started from here. According to Author each book of Hadith has this is on top intentionally to learn for reader that intentions should be perfect, this will lead you towards success.
4. TV has been discussed here that TV shows are leading us to another way, instead of wasting time in changing channels and watching worthless contents give time to Allah, Prayers and Family.
5. Clubs has been discussed here well this is the phenomenon of west not here in Pakistan but the clubs are the root cause of deterioration in western society for Muslims, because all prohibited things in religion Islam are presented in clubs,
6. Lower the gaze wherever you are, to reduce your sexual desire and always keep in mind Allah has an eye upon you and your intentions are not hidden from Him.
7. Drink and drugs are the main problem of today's world and this thing came once again from clubbing and surroundings, keep friendship with those who never harm you physically, Mentally or in any other way.
8. Music who is unaware of this word today, i think no-one. Today everyone have loops in his/her ear and listening songs and dancing over it while it is also prohibited in Islam, Author has shared the things chanted by Sahabas without instruments.
9. Parenting is becoming an issue in society due to increasing of hunger and population everyone have to work which is creating gap among children n parents.but the companionship and the environment also have impact on it in early age a child tell each and everything to parents and later they start hiding from them, consider this as generation gap by saying they are old schools and never understand while parents should cooperate here and spare time for them and understand children as per the norms of society.
10. Company matters a lot here in world, the people or friends you are standing with in society are appearing from your behavior, if someone is hurting you on any kind of attitude is not suitable for you and you have to stop to accompany with them.
11. Clothing a big issue of society, what to wear what not to. Islam has already cleared all misconceptions about dresses so no need to discuss it at each forum what is adequate or what is not. you have to cover up all your self either you are male or female.
12. Showing off is totally banned in Islam, if you are good in expressions, appearance, wealth and other things stay humble and thankful to Allah.
13. Insulting people is very bad thing. be careful while speaking to others and choose words very carefully because your attributes speaks a lot. Always being thankful what you have as blessing and never called people from bad names.
14. Don's envy or jealous from anyone say MASHALLAH and pray for their betterment as well as good things for you.
15. Cheating is one of worst trait in world, do not cheat either in relationship or in exam.
16. Internet is a biggest facility of the time. which connect you from a corner of world to other but here it is need of time to take care of attributes of yourself and family.
17. If you can not speak good, do not bother to speak, keep your tongue in control every where.
18. Pornography is banned in world and this is evilest thing to destroy young generation. so keep eye on children and always remember your limitations discussed by religion.
19. Always ask patience from Allah, do not loose hope. Suicide is prohibited in Islam so never thing about it. have friend upon them you trust and ask for advice. stay physically active to stay away from depression.
Solutions has been discussed here by Author:
1. Quran: Read Quran and pray to Allah for best.
2. Appeal for yourself in front of Allah
3. Read Dua's everyday and read dhikr beeds
4. Keep your company good and join Muslim societies, mosque youth groups (if lives in abroad)
5. Volunteer time for mosque, live near mosque and visit it.
6. Never give hope and believe on Allah for best.
7. Do good deeds and small deeds will make your life better and this world heaven for you.
8. Give charity, Read hadith once a day
9. Always keep your self ready for death and it is reality everyone have to die. كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ��لْمَوْت
visit graveyard once in a month, visit sick, pray from Allah to keep you away from punishment of Grave.
This book gives clear lessons to live better life and ensure to get better life after death. Give it a try if you are interested to read religious contents.
July 25, 2013
An amazing, amazing book! I could not put it down! Although to topics were complex they were all relevant to our society today, especially to the target audience; the youth. I've read many books that have tried to deal with issues such as boy-girl relations, or drinking, and respect for parents, but Habeeb Quadri really took it whole new direction. It was written clearly, simply and to the point.
August 17, 2013
more for a younger audience
February 22, 2022
I read this book in high school as part of my Islamic Studies curriculum, and there are still components in it that I admire and value today. This is an excellent book for any Muslim youth (13-16) who wants to learn how to apply their Islamic values in their daily lives and ensure that they are followed to the best of their ability. The book discusses the contemporary concerns impacting Muslim adolescents in a lighthearted and compassionate manner. The authors, who were raised in a similar culture, explain how to distinguish between right and wrong.
The only problem is that this is a book primarily aimed at teenagers. If I revisit this book at my current age, I don't think it would have the same impact on me as it did when I was younger.
The only problem is that this is a book primarily aimed at teenagers. If I revisit this book at my current age, I don't think it would have the same impact on me as it did when I was younger.
May 14, 2024
The War within our heart is honestly for me a breath of fresh air, religious books are not always very easy to read but i must say the work done by the author is mesmerising.
Every teenager should read this book, this book covers all the important topics we teen's face during our development period , from inferiority complex, TV , attention, story of adam and Iblis, relationship with parents , phone addiction, good company, it has everything in it. Habeeb Q and Saad Q knew what we suffered from and gave our solutions to us .
Every teenager should read this book, this book covers all the important topics we teen's face during our development period , from inferiority complex, TV , attention, story of adam and Iblis, relationship with parents , phone addiction, good company, it has everything in it. Habeeb Q and Saad Q knew what we suffered from and gave our solutions to us .
May 16, 2024
It is a must read for all young Muslims. The messages, the Hadiths and stories included are all so inspiring and connected to the issues discussed. 10/10 read for those who wanna come closer to Allah in today’s times.
February 6, 2021
Covers very relevant topics in an encompassing manner. Very well written, easy to digest and absorb.
July 24, 2022
It wasn't that bad. But it just didn't speak to my soul as I was expecting it to. Besides certain parts of it were too rigid to he applicable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews