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Few Days in al-Andalus Muslim Spain
Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 10, 2021
Travel back into History as Mufti Taqi Usmani travels modern-day Spain. This was a heartbreaking yet immersing read, to contemplate over the ruins of Islamic civilisation and the loss of Islam within these once blessed lands. This short book is a great introductory read into Muslim Spain, the 800+ years of Muslim leadership, their engrossing advancements in both society and religion as well as what factors lead to their downfall.
It's a light read and would probably be best enjoyed touring through Spain which is on my travel list Insha'Allah. I am currently learning the Spanish language so it was really interesting for me to see the Arabic origins within many everyday words like 'Sukkar' (sugar) is 'Azucar' or 'Qantarah' (bridge) is 'Alcantara' as well as names of locations such as 'Qurtuba' which is now 'Cordoba'.
The following are a few quotes that were a personal point of interest...
An overview of what has and always will leave our concerns for the Akhirah (hereafter)..." when materialism and luxurious lifestyles became the order of the day, they gradually slacked in their concern for their religious affairs and they became oblivious of the hereafter" If we make this world our Jannah (paradise) then what paradise is there to look forwards to?
Regarding the libraries and social circles of Cordoba..."Those who did not show a natural interest in books were not viewed positively in society. There were therefore many who had beautiful bookshelves all in the name of fashion". A contemplation point for many students of knowledge.
One hopes wishes and prays after reading such a book, that one day, God-willing Muslims may attain even a percentage of achievements and advancements of Muslim Spain, to have the Deen and acquiring knowledge at the forefront of society and zeal to learn deep in the hearts of all. When Mufti Taqi Usmani is asked "Will this land ever be illuminated with the light of Iman again?" he replies "If Muslims are particular with protecting their present-day lands, then it is indeed commendable and sufficient..." yet day in day out we are seen to be compromising our Deen and values for minute aversions, forgetting that comfort is yet to come and this is our ultimate test.
May Allah grant us steadfastness and allow us to be of valuable service to the Deen. Ameen
It's a light read and would probably be best enjoyed touring through Spain which is on my travel list Insha'Allah. I am currently learning the Spanish language so it was really interesting for me to see the Arabic origins within many everyday words like 'Sukkar' (sugar) is 'Azucar' or 'Qantarah' (bridge) is 'Alcantara' as well as names of locations such as 'Qurtuba' which is now 'Cordoba'.
The following are a few quotes that were a personal point of interest...
An overview of what has and always will leave our concerns for the Akhirah (hereafter)..." when materialism and luxurious lifestyles became the order of the day, they gradually slacked in their concern for their religious affairs and they became oblivious of the hereafter" If we make this world our Jannah (paradise) then what paradise is there to look forwards to?
Regarding the libraries and social circles of Cordoba..."Those who did not show a natural interest in books were not viewed positively in society. There were therefore many who had beautiful bookshelves all in the name of fashion". A contemplation point for many students of knowledge.
One hopes wishes and prays after reading such a book, that one day, God-willing Muslims may attain even a percentage of achievements and advancements of Muslim Spain, to have the Deen and acquiring knowledge at the forefront of society and zeal to learn deep in the hearts of all. When Mufti Taqi Usmani is asked "Will this land ever be illuminated with the light of Iman again?" he replies "If Muslims are particular with protecting their present-day lands, then it is indeed commendable and sufficient..." yet day in day out we are seen to be compromising our Deen and values for minute aversions, forgetting that comfort is yet to come and this is our ultimate test.
May Allah grant us steadfastness and allow us to be of valuable service to the Deen. Ameen
January 11, 2024
Negatives = Short book, I wish the reader who wrote their travel experience hired a Spanish Muslim who knows the area well and also looked into Humas Travel Guide to Islamic Spain.
Positives = Allamah Iqbal couplets of poetry included.
Examples of Arabic words changed to Spanish words.
Bit of Al Andalus history included.
Favourite moment every household during that time having books in their home and not winning the book in the auction, as the winner only purchased this book due to the appeal of the cover. This shows how much knowledge was valued during that time, Insha'Allah we get this moment back in our time again.
Positives = Allamah Iqbal couplets of poetry included.
Examples of Arabic words changed to Spanish words.
Bit of Al Andalus history included.
Favourite moment every household during that time having books in their home and not winning the book in the auction, as the winner only purchased this book due to the appeal of the cover. This shows how much knowledge was valued during that time, Insha'Allah we get this moment back in our time again.
August 16, 2022
A short, concise, but very informative quick read (75 pages) on Muslim Spain that has reflections from Mufti Taqi throughout.
Gives a good overview on the main places to visit on a tour of Muslim Spain.
A sad and poignant read, as it showcases the downfall of a great time of Muslim rule in Spain (800 years).
This is a good starting point for anyone who wants to know more about Muslim Spain before delving in to something deeper.
Gives a good overview on the main places to visit on a tour of Muslim Spain.
A sad and poignant read, as it showcases the downfall of a great time of Muslim rule in Spain (800 years).
This is a good starting point for anyone who wants to know more about Muslim Spain before delving in to something deeper.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews