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Life is an Open Secret: Think About It - 18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary Life Experiences
Life is an Open Secret is a book written with the beautiful and ancient art of storytelling. It represents the reality of life challenges faced by modern society across geographical, race, faith, gender and age boundaries. The author shared 19 stories aiming to tease the readers?mind with a variety of mind-boggling questions to think and ponder upon. The stories are to inspire the Life is an Open Secret readers to ultimately reflect and change should need be according to the guidelines from Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These refreshing stories are inspirational, motivational, humorous and wittily crafted without losing any of its substance.
- GenresNonfictionInspirational
169 pages
First published June 15, 2007
18 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Zabrina A. Bakar
3 books39 followersZabrina is an aspiring young writer whose interest is in writing short stories with Personality
Building and Human Relations themes. Her main aim is to provide the readers with motivational
stories which she hopes they can identify with and able to make them think. The focus of her writing
is usually daily happenings in life, analyzed and blended with the Quranic verses and Hadeeth of
the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for a solution.
An accounting major, with Masters in Business Administration, Zabrina also writes on topics
related to business administration issues based on the Islamic principles.
She also conducts training and motivational workshops for teenagers and adults focusing on study
skills, character building and team building.
Other than that, she is actively involved in non-profit organization spreading the good words of Islam
worldwide.
She hopes to be able to contribute to the Muslim Ummah through her writings.
Source: muslimahwritersalliance.com
Building and Human Relations themes. Her main aim is to provide the readers with motivational
stories which she hopes they can identify with and able to make them think. The focus of her writing
is usually daily happenings in life, analyzed and blended with the Quranic verses and Hadeeth of
the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for a solution.
An accounting major, with Masters in Business Administration, Zabrina also writes on topics
related to business administration issues based on the Islamic principles.
She also conducts training and motivational workshops for teenagers and adults focusing on study
skills, character building and team building.
Other than that, she is actively involved in non-profit organization spreading the good words of Islam
worldwide.
She hopes to be able to contribute to the Muslim Ummah through her writings.
Source: muslimahwritersalliance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 16, 2022
Life is an Open Secret, Think About It. If there is one author of Malaysia I feel very proud to have read of, it's Zabrina Abu Bakar. Read this book probably 15 or 20 years ago. Somehow, , reading each of her quirky sharing, the 18 inspiring stories of everyday experience to illustrate her points, I still get the pleasure vibes running across my veins. I still get that beautiful feeling - at peace. The top motivation for me is Secret Seven, Make Patience Your Policy. I think this is something I am good at, one of my strengths, and can further enhance so that it can be used to do good for people around me. Be moderate, believe in Allah and remain steadfast. What is the definition of 'moderate'? I quote from the book,
Aisyah RA narrated, the Prophet SAW was asked " What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular, constant deeds, even though they may be few." He added, "Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability." (Al Bukhari)
Will continue now to read her other book, Life is An Open Ramadan Special. I haven't read that one. Looking forward to waking up in the morning feeling refreshed, wanting to do good.
Aisyah RA narrated, the Prophet SAW was asked " What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular, constant deeds, even though they may be few." He added, "Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability." (Al Bukhari)
Will continue now to read her other book, Life is An Open Ramadan Special. I haven't read that one. Looking forward to waking up in the morning feeling refreshed, wanting to do good.
January 1, 2009
a very attractive book! sis Zabrina shows us Islam is not a complicated religion. her stories are simple yet near to our daily life. sometimes it make us thinking, sometimes it touch our hearts. i feel inspired to be a better person after read her book. insya Allah (",)
i was so touched by Secret One - Love Your Mother. It makes me more alert and sensitive to mother's feeling. sometimes i disobey her. after this i'll make sure not to hurt her anymore. Insya Allah.
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attains old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower unto them the wing of humility, and say:'My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they cherished me in childhood". (Al-Isra' 17: 23-24)
i was so touched by Secret One - Love Your Mother. It makes me more alert and sensitive to mother's feeling. sometimes i disobey her. after this i'll make sure not to hurt her anymore. Insya Allah.
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attains old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower unto them the wing of humility, and say:'My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they cherished me in childhood". (Al-Isra' 17: 23-24)
April 27, 2010
I didn't even had second thoughts of buying this book when it was promoted vigorously through blogs or even when I saw a woman read in during an LRT ride. I wasn't interested. Nadah, zilch!
And then, I went to Bandung last year in May 2009, and I found the book was translated into Indonesian language. Oh my, I should grab this book indeed!
I bought it in Pustaka Mukmin and I just read it. Thanks Sis Zabrina for such inspiring advices and words. The stories are related to us in certain ways, no matter how small it is. Uh oh, and I realise something, the person I saw was reading this book in the LRT was the author herself!
I just couldn't rate this book a 5, due to I found graphics the illustrations in this book maybe suitable for pre-teens/teenagers, but maybe not to adults. The book could be revamped with much more likeable cover and no illustrations/few lovely illustrations.
Now, I should continue reading Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf, which had been put aside since Hajj 2019
And then, I went to Bandung last year in May 2009, and I found the book was translated into Indonesian language. Oh my, I should grab this book indeed!
I bought it in Pustaka Mukmin and I just read it. Thanks Sis Zabrina for such inspiring advices and words. The stories are related to us in certain ways, no matter how small it is. Uh oh, and I realise something, the person I saw was reading this book in the LRT was the author herself!
I just couldn't rate this book a 5, due to I found graphics the illustrations in this book maybe suitable for pre-teens/teenagers, but maybe not to adults. The book could be revamped with much more likeable cover and no illustrations/few lovely illustrations.
Now, I should continue reading Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf, which had been put aside since Hajj 2019
July 8, 2017
not intentionally interested but the earlier week in GEMS was kinda boring and had a lot of free time. one of my dorm mate brought up this book and i read it just for the sake of killing some times.
to my surprise, this book is really good!
it's consist of 18 stories. Inspiring story about ordinary people like you and me.
This book successfully made me think about the other perspective in life..
what is special about the book is the way the author wrote it.
the English is very simple that will enable even elementary kids to understand.
Islamic elements that the author put in like al-Quran verses and Hadith is good
some relevant quotations from other authors and big names bring a modern light into the evaluation in story..
i would recommend this book for those who want some motivation, drive or a punch in the face. you'll understand what i meant after you read this.
Check it out~!
to my surprise, this book is really good!
it's consist of 18 stories. Inspiring story about ordinary people like you and me.
This book successfully made me think about the other perspective in life..
what is special about the book is the way the author wrote it.
the English is very simple that will enable even elementary kids to understand.
Islamic elements that the author put in like al-Quran verses and Hadith is good
some relevant quotations from other authors and big names bring a modern light into the evaluation in story..
i would recommend this book for those who want some motivation, drive or a punch in the face. you'll understand what i meant after you read this.
Check it out~!
December 21, 2011
delapan belas topik penuh motivasi, 18 kisah yang sangat menyentuh, lebih dari 18 kalimat bijak yang "ngena" banget.
sis Zabrina dengan cerdas dapat mengemas pesan-pesan dan ajakannya kepada kebaikan dengan gaya yang santai dan tidak menggurui. Islam itu Indah dan Mudah, begitu juga gaya Sis Zabrina mengajak pembacanya untuk bercengkrama dengan kebajikan.
direkomendasikan untuk siapa saja...
sis Zabrina dengan cerdas dapat mengemas pesan-pesan dan ajakannya kepada kebaikan dengan gaya yang santai dan tidak menggurui. Islam itu Indah dan Mudah, begitu juga gaya Sis Zabrina mengajak pembacanya untuk bercengkrama dengan kebajikan.
direkomendasikan untuk siapa saja...
April 11, 2021
Ini buku psikologi islam yang oke banget! Dikemas dengan sangat baik lewat kisah-kisah yang diceritakan penulis, membuat setiap pesan yang ingin disampaikan menjadi mudah ditangkap. Tanpa ada kalimat yang menggurui, buku ini terasa adem untuk dibaca, apalagi ditambah dengan ilustrasi disetiap chapternya. So, I recommend this book for you guys!
April 5, 2019
i really like this book, i fell in love at first page.
i read this book when i was 15 years old, i don't really understood most of sis Zabrina's idea about life, maybe because i didn't have much experience about life. as i got older, now i'm 21, i realized that i read about this, and that helps me a lot through my challenging young-adult life, with anxiety,depression and all. i enjoyed reading this book, i can finish it in one go. this version out of three, is the first i read, it's comprises of challenges in our everyday life and how to make our days better.
i read this book when i was 15 years old, i don't really understood most of sis Zabrina's idea about life, maybe because i didn't have much experience about life. as i got older, now i'm 21, i realized that i read about this, and that helps me a lot through my challenging young-adult life, with anxiety,depression and all. i enjoyed reading this book, i can finish it in one go. this version out of three, is the first i read, it's comprises of challenges in our everyday life and how to make our days better.
November 4, 2018
B.A.G.U.S.....!!!
June 21, 2020
Rugi tak baca awal2.
January 12, 2021
It's a very good book (for self help and spiritual) in a compact size
August 26, 2010
Life is divine chaos. Embrace it. Forgive yourself. Breathe. And enjoy the ride – Solbeam
I love that quote. But then I found this book. Muchas gracias Abang Tariq! Yes, it’s extraordinary stories. I should admit that I’m falling so hard with this book… hik3 lalala5
The 18 stories are simply adorable. It’s combination of inspirations, spirituals, and religious. It incredibility beautiful and amazing touch of art, advice, humor and stories - a real KNOWLEDGABLE! You may adapt it quickly as every single story was written with simple English. In fact, every story is what we are. This book comes whenever I’m lost. It gave me something that I really need – I need to change!
I like them erm, nope… I truly madly fall in love with them. But of course the Secret 18 was really inspired me. A story about yesterday; I’m that naïve. A story about today; here I am… and a story about tomorrow; If I still alive…
Words can’t describe my feeling. Therefore I can’t write anything as I don’t have any comment except read this book and react - life is an open secret… yes! Think about it. Keep it in your mind. Keep it deep inside in your heart dear.
Caliph ‘Umar – I do not care in what state I wake up in the morning – whether it’s good or bad – since I do not know what is good for me and what is bad [page 157:]
I love that quote. But then I found this book. Muchas gracias Abang Tariq! Yes, it’s extraordinary stories. I should admit that I’m falling so hard with this book… hik3 lalala5
The 18 stories are simply adorable. It’s combination of inspirations, spirituals, and religious. It incredibility beautiful and amazing touch of art, advice, humor and stories - a real KNOWLEDGABLE! You may adapt it quickly as every single story was written with simple English. In fact, every story is what we are. This book comes whenever I’m lost. It gave me something that I really need – I need to change!
I like them erm, nope… I truly madly fall in love with them. But of course the Secret 18 was really inspired me. A story about yesterday; I’m that naïve. A story about today; here I am… and a story about tomorrow; If I still alive…
Words can’t describe my feeling. Therefore I can’t write anything as I don’t have any comment except read this book and react - life is an open secret… yes! Think about it. Keep it in your mind. Keep it deep inside in your heart dear.
Caliph ‘Umar – I do not care in what state I wake up in the morning – whether it’s good or bad – since I do not know what is good for me and what is bad [page 157:]
June 17, 2014
Banyak hal yang terlupa oleh kita di usia yang telah dewasa. Berapa banyak waktu terbuang sia-sia? Berapa banyak energi habis terlontar karena amarah? Berapa banyak kelembutan hati terkikis oleh prasangka buruk dan tak senang melihat saudara bahagia? Seringkah kita mengeluh? Seringkah kita menunda-nunda untuk beramal baik dan bersegera dalam melalaikan nikmat kesempatan? Na'udzubillahi min dzaalik.
Sebelum terlanjur larut dalam kumparan permasalahan tersebut, ada baiknya Anda membaca buku ini.
Buku ini mengingatkan kita dengan keindahan ajaran Islam tanpa menggurui. Sang penulis memaparkan contoh-contoh dari kisah-kisah teladan yang dekat dengan kehidupan sehari-hari, serta menggunakan bahasa yang halus dan menyentuh, seperti cara seorang guru taman kanak-kanak mengajari para muridnya.
Sebelum terlanjur larut dalam kumparan permasalahan tersebut, ada baiknya Anda membaca buku ini.
Buku ini mengingatkan kita dengan keindahan ajaran Islam tanpa menggurui. Sang penulis memaparkan contoh-contoh dari kisah-kisah teladan yang dekat dengan kehidupan sehari-hari, serta menggunakan bahasa yang halus dan menyentuh, seperti cara seorang guru taman kanak-kanak mengajari para muridnya.
April 11, 2009
This book captivates me. It's a collection of 18 motivational and inspirational short stories which ultimately inspires the readers' to reflect and change, should need be, according to the guidelines from Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). I love Sis Zabrina's writing style and her creative use of stories, quotes, Qur'an and hadiths to convey meaningful lessons for us all to ponder upon. The simplicity of the language is easy enough for a child to understand, but the impact of the story hits the adults in us. Her thought-provoking yet enriching stories made me laugh and cry. A must-have motivational book for everyone!
July 2, 2008
It's indeed inspiring and fascinating by providing several mind-boggling questions that tease your mind. It makes us stop for a while and reflect on what we'd done so far. This book also help us to open the tie of confusion pertaining life's happening with several quotes from Glorious Holy Koran, Hadith and a few imminent personnel. It does touch to the core of my heart. With simple English used, It is easy enough for a child to understand and gain a portion of motivating impact from this book. I highly recommend you to have one!
September 4, 2011
A wonderful book I've read, it teaches islamic manners in a beautiful way, the writer used different stories to show the concept of each subject in consider, she also used quotes from Qura'an and Sunnah. What I've also noticed that the writer used simple words to make it more close to the mind of the reader at any age. I advice you to try to read even some of these stories and I'm pretty sure you'll like them, as well as your kids.
April 29, 2009
Tidak payah untuk sekadar mendapatkan tiket ke syurga.
Salah satu tiket itu memang ada di depan mata kita setiap masa.
Terpulang kepada kita untuk merebut tiket ini atau sebaliknya.
Buku ini bisa membuatkan kita tersentuh hati dan merubah cara berfikiran supaya setiap apa yg kita lakukan adalah semata-mata untuk hari 'esok'. Bukan untuk sekarang.
Salah satu tiket itu memang ada di depan mata kita setiap masa.
Terpulang kepada kita untuk merebut tiket ini atau sebaliknya.
Buku ini bisa membuatkan kita tersentuh hati dan merubah cara berfikiran supaya setiap apa yg kita lakukan adalah semata-mata untuk hari 'esok'. Bukan untuk sekarang.
June 1, 2008
Dari buku ini saya belajar bahwa tidak ada kata terlambat untuk memperbaiki diri..dan sebuah perbaikan diri itu tidak perlu dilakukan terburu-buru..langkah-langkah kecil yang konsisten juga merupakan a big step in the process to change...good book...
February 15, 2009
" life is an open secret" inspires me a lot..even though i just started, it makes me think and think about what i've done. insyaAllah i'll try to improve myself. so many thing i learned, which is very much good.
September 1, 2012
sederhana, tapi sungguh menyentuh dengan cara yang bersahaja. kisah-kisahnya cukup praktis untuk dapat langsung dilihat atau bahkan langsung diterapkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. seakan-akan benar-benar "hanya" butuh satu tiket untuk ke surga, Insya Allah :)
June 3, 2014
Really, Highly recommended to read this book!! Belum terlambat untuk memperbaiki diri dan mengetahui syariat dan sunnah Islam untuk di aplikasikan dalam hidup! :) Hooaaaah, I'm not patient to read next part of this book
December 10, 2007
An inspirational and motivating story that ought to be own by all Muslim. Even if you are not one, it is also an eye opening. Contains a lot of quotes that I find interesting.
September 5, 2008
Simple in language, easy to absorb.
Category: Light-reading, book of quotes, life experience.
Get one!
Category: Light-reading, book of quotes, life experience.
Get one!
September 23, 2008
Meaningful, enjoyable, and full of spiritual values.
September 22, 2009
Lighthearted, and smooth style of writing.
I've a wonderful experience reading 'Life is an Open Secret'.
My only complaint is the illustrations in the book. It should be better.
I've a wonderful experience reading 'Life is an Open Secret'.
My only complaint is the illustrations in the book. It should be better.
June 19, 2009
cerita-ceritanya sangat sederhana, namun memberikan banyak pengalaman berharga.
August 18, 2009
great job siz... sometimes we tend 2 make everything more complicated than what it really is. u show us the way
January 7, 2010
so many lesson here
Read
April 9, 2010i haven't done yet..
September 26, 2011
revealed the secret
December 20, 2011
Subhanallah manfaatnya besar sekali. Sederhana dari hal-hal kecil yang ternyata besar hasilnya :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews