Islam, the Faith of Love and Happiness

by Haidar Bagir

“This practical book presents the inner depths of Sufi teachings in a way that is directly relevant to our constant efforts to reach for happiness.”—Professor Komaruddin Hidayat, Islamic scholar and bestselling author of Life’s Journey

“When we peer inside our souls and still cannot find happiness, we must dig even deeper. This book is like a whetstone that sharpens our abilities to uncover true happiness from within.”—Gobind Vashdev, spiritual teacher and bestselling author of Happiness Inside

“. . . mercy and compassion lie at the heart of the religious quest and this message is vitally important in our dangerously polarized world.”—Karen Armstrong, author of the bestselling books, Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, Islam: A Short History, A History of God and Fields of Blood

“Islam, the Faith of Love and Happiness offers an antidote . . . by presenting the heart of Islam, the extent to which Islam, the Qur’an and Muhammad offer a message of love and happiness.”—John L. Esposito, Professor of Islamic Studies, Georgetown University

Through touching stories, humorous anecdotes, and profound insights into the spiritual realm that draw on sacred Islamic teachings, Dr. Haidar Bagir shines a brilliant light into the darkness that all too often overwhelms us. Consisting of twenty-nine short, inspirational chapters, this work will take you on a spiritual quest to overcome the maladies of your soul and help you experience true happiness.

Haidar Bagir is an influential Islamic scholar and spiritual master based in Indonesia. He earned his MA from Harvard University and his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Indonesia. He has been listed among the 500 Most Influential Muslims by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre for several years in a row. He has written a number of popular books, his most recent being Learning to Live from Rumi.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2017

Reviews

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book, showing Islamic theology in a positive and relatable light. The first couple of chapters are a bit slow where the author is setting his parameters and definitions of faith and happiness are, however this is important and for getting everyone at the same starting point.

The majority of the book is a parable and they any explanation, this works well, especially for the subject matter. I particularly like that Haidar added a few modern examples as well in this book. Like all books of this kind they do need to be read and digested chunk by chunk. There are some good ideas of changing the way certain situations are looked at, that is refreshing.

I am not saying I agree with everything in the book, and my perceptions of a story or an explanation could be and was different in a couple of cases but, the point of the book is to get people thinking and seeing a new way of thinking, however the book also states there are no easy answers. All in all a good well researched and informative book.

[Warda]

Review to come!

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Give-Away, its a book consisting of twenty nine short chapters and these include some touching and humorous stories. I found it easier if I read a chapter at a time rather than try to race through the book.
Although this is a book about Islam it is written from a Sufi point of view, which I found interesting. I also found the focus on loving others as you love yourself very similar to the teachings I learnt at Sunday School.
I wanted to read this because I have family members and friends who are Muslim and I wanted to read a more positive side to the religion rather than want is written about in the press. The premise of the book is that we are born to be happy and rather than chase after it we need to change our 'outlook on life'
I like the line in the book that says "Citizens are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in humanity " something I feel we should all remember .

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answers how Islam is. An understanding book which redefined the meaning of happiness and also love. Some of arabic words teach me how beauty it is through the meaning. I recommend this book who wants to know deep about happiness and love, and of course from the Sufism view.

[Lucina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, I could relate to the majority of this as I was raised on the same teachings. This book is a very easy read, I completed within a few hours. It's also one to keep and refer back to so I highlighted parts of the book which were a nice reminder. However I did find it was a little bit repetitive at times. The book didn't blow me away and may have been more effective if i'd read this when I was younger but I would highly recommend for people who are seeking a different outlook on life and change of perspective, well as a start anyway!

[Keyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

randomly found this book in the library and read it bc i’ve always been interested in what sufis believe vs traditional islam. i like this interpretation of the quran and i felt like this book had some straight forward and easy to understand lessons. in the middle it got a bit repetitive/dense but it was nicer towards the end

[Asmah Sattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enhanced my view on lots of things, redefined my meaning of happiness. A good read for anyone, of any faith. Happiness is universal. ❤️

[Rima · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The tendency to be kind and giving resides in every human's heart since time immemorial.'
~
Sayings like this from Haidar Bagir's book, Islam: The Faith of Love and Happiness bring so much calm, don't you think? Whilst Haidar Bagir peels back the burden of today's world to uncover how we can find peace.