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Change or Lose

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90 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

24 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Abdul Karim Bakkar

20 books23 followers

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5 stars
34 (40%)
4 stars
33 (39%)
3 stars
11 (13%)
2 stars
5 (5%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Aiza Idris (biblio_mom).
622 reviews211 followers
June 1, 2020
Beautiful insight. Its one of those books that deserve a place on our bedside tables.
Profile Image for Samih.
2 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2023
This is a cute short book. I think it’s a good read and I like how it references change and pursuing good habits from the Quran. The english translation is not the best, I wish I read this in Arabic. Overall a good read, do recommend.
338 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2018
Change or Lose is a book simply focusing on ways to change ourselves positively and for betterment in accordance to our reason of existence to worship Allah. Change is never easy for anyone especially when it involves one getting off a comfort zone. To change requires two things: realising the limits of our potential and capabilities and aiming to achieve within the legal domain and moderate scope.

Personally, I find the book easy to read. The language used is simple to understand. The steps recommended are practisable as the author quoted: Change is just not an option; it is actually the only option. Either you move on to change or lose for not even trying.
Profile Image for Tyrah Draman.
42 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2019
The go-to-book whenever you need changes in your life.
Profile Image for KakEllereads.
131 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book though I feel there is so much more the author could write.
But definitely worth reading it ❤️

More reviews please check out my IG @kakellereads
Profile Image for EElmira.
27 reviews10 followers
September 19, 2018
I've read a lot about science of habit, reaching goals and change. What makes this book different from the rest is the author explains what is change from the perspective of Islam, why is it required for us Muslims to change, the purpose of change, the fatal consequences of not changing, the level or types of change and what do we need to change for the sake of Allah. The author incorporates ayah from the Quran and some hadith to support his notion which emphasise greatly the importance of change in Islamic perspective.

The author did include one section on techniques which I believe stems from the latest research but he didn't elaborate them very clearly. It was too brief. If I don't knowledge about science of changing habits, I would have a lot of doubt whether they will work. If you want to find more habit changing process and self-improvement, I suggest supplementing with other books on change written by researchers in this field. In a nutshell, this books focus more the aspirations and ideals a Muslim should have, psychological and spiritual state of mind rather practical moves.

I gave three stars due to the confusing arrangements of the chapters and section and I got a faulty book with 16 redundant pages from previous chapters accidentally binded at the end of the book.
Profile Image for btrsyaaiman.
78 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2022
Change is not an easy and insignificant issue. In this book, the author explained excellently about the method and steps that we can take to execute changes in ourself. Here’s a brief yet concise measurement that we can consider for our change to succeed:
* Solid will and determination.
* A clear vision for the new status quo that we are working toward.
* Circumstances can help us gain success in reaching what we aspire to.
* A good understanding of the high cost and huge burden that we will carry when we choose to stay static and leave everything as it is.

Moreover, as a Muslim, our life should be dependent to Allah SWT and i love how the author, not only teaches us the method to change, but how to amend ourself for better in accordance to our reason of existence to worship Allah. I would recommend this book for those who wants to make a change and in need of a help for the goal🍃💕
Profile Image for Slow mode: on ✨️.
87 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2022
When I bought this book, I was looking for something that can help me to change without reaching out people because I am not really good with people, extremely shy hehe. But alhamdulillah, I can easily make conversations nowadays (not that talkative one, still trying tho, pray for me ;)) thanks to the opportunity to study in a larger institute, which I had to complete group assignments, asking, learning and much more. From here I started to change bit by bit. There are still much for me to change but yeah, baby steps, mentioned in this book. The things I am looking for the journey are not all in here but some are good enough for me. This book is easy to understand and I like it :)
Profile Image for Aizuddin Khalid.
138 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2019
Jazakallah Prof Dr Abdul Karim Bakkar for the wonderful book.

This book helps put into perspective the tens of self help books I have read through the eyes of Islamic religion and motivation.

The book is concise and presents its message rather straightforward with recommended steps and guidance.

I believe the book was never meant to elaborate in depth on each concept, or provide multiple proofs or real life examples, hence the reader would need to search or put together in his mind further references from his readings or learnings.

Again, thank you Prof Dr for the book.
Profile Image for Fatihah Zunaidi.
76 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2023
reading this book again as a reference. lets say i am the target audience so i find everything here is helpful for me. its easy to understand when reading and the approach used by the author is something we already know but not knowing how to do it. i'm reading part by part from time to time and so far, it helps.
Profile Image for Khufiyah.
5 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2017
the best book about how to change our life , minor to major. The techniques are elaborated brilliantly and has successfully make me feel worth to practice! This book is too special to compare with other self-help books at bookstore shelf. I definitely will read this again n again!
12 reviews
March 23, 2022
The writing is really dry
It is like reading a textbook!

To be fair, upon further reading... after page 35 it started to become normal writing again.

Before that it is really dry like somebody used a machine translation app.
Profile Image for siso.sofy.
254 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2018
A simple book to help you think about where to start if you want to make change to your life.
Profile Image for Ain_j.
17 reviews
September 14, 2019
A simple book about change.
The author list out the change needed in our life and categorize it.
Profile Image for Syahmina.
9 reviews
February 13, 2022
It is a book that simply focusing on ways to change ourselves positively and for betterment in accordance to our reason of existence to worship Allah.
Profile Image for Ammar.
27 reviews
June 17, 2022
This book provide solution to change from personal level to professional level with islamic vision. Determination and positive imagination lead to positive change.
7 reviews
July 13, 2023
I feel like reading a textbook that summarized the talk about how to change as an individual from an Islamic point of view. The writing is straightforward and clear, some with explanations.
Profile Image for Kim Arfa.
90 reviews
March 6, 2025
short and sweet. simple reminders. ultimately, the drive to change lies within us.
Profile Image for シティ.
264 reviews
Currently reading
May 11, 2018
KLIBF 2018
2018-05-05 Dakwah Corner
RM15.00 - 20% = RM12.00

Everything may change to the better if people change themselves.

"That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing." Surah al-Anfal (8:53)
3 reviews
June 7, 2021
A good book with realistic advices
Profile Image for Safa Safwan.
99 reviews26 followers
April 1, 2020
What a great book to read for the last week of the year (2019). I did various reflections throughout the events i encountered this year.

Are you the type of person who just follow the flow? Let time decided, let other people make decision for you?

OR

Are you the type of person who love to reflect upon the test, trials and tribulations in order to upgrade your level of faith?

You choose, or you loose 🌹
Profile Image for Wan Faizuddin.
30 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2015
A simple book about self help.

Though most of the points are commonly found in any other Western self-help books, the author Islamise it with some religious quotes.

Nothing profoundly thought provoking, yet the simple framework of this book makes it easy for rereading and quick reference.
Profile Image for Miss Aj.
9 reviews
February 7, 2015
"Change is not an easy issue, it needs a deep insight and vision as much as will and determination "
Profile Image for Muhammad Aizzat.
18 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2015
Nice book. The author managed to discuss change based on Islamic worldview. The book not only talk about theories but there are tips how to change ourselves.
Profile Image for Herniezieana.
10 reviews
November 27, 2016
Change is not an easy thing and it takes time.
Sometimes we don't want to change just because of we afraid the result of the change.

This book guides you to achieve all that you want and desire.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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