The self-development shelf is enormous and almost entirely secular, which leaves a Muslim reader choosing between material that works and material that comes from his own tradition. This book removes the choice.
It is a collection of incidents from the life of the Prophet ﷺ, stories from Islamic heritage, and thought-provoking anecdotes from the author's own life — assembled to train the reader to enjoy living, by practising specific self-development and interpersonal skills.
What Makes It Compelling
The method. To demonstrate the benefit of a social skill, the author does not cite a study or a business case. He draws on the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions — and the examples are startlingly apt.
How to correct someone without humiliating him. How to disagree without losing him. How to remember names and use them. How to give attention so completely that a person believes he is the only one in the room. How to handle a person who has wronged you. Each of these has an incident behind it, recorded and specific.
The effect on a Muslim reader is a recognition that these skills were not discovered in the twentieth century. They were demonstrated in Madinah, in detail, and written down.
Two Books at Once
It works as a practical, systematic guide to self-improvement, and it works as a treasure of historical incident. It increases self-awareness while nurturing the soul and strengthening the spirit — which is the combination that most Western self-development lacks and most Islamic literature does not attempt.
The Author
Dr. Muhammad Abd Al-Rahman Al-Arifi is a prominent figure in Islamic da'wah and has authored more than twenty published works. This is the one that made his name outside the Arabic-speaking world.
Who It Is For
Almost anyone. Professionals, teachers, parents, students, da'wah workers and anyone whose relationships are more difficult than they need to be. Frequently bought as a gift, and one of the most-recommended titles on our shelves.
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