BOOK REVIEW - In the Early Hours, by Khurram Murad

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BOOK REVIEW - In the Early Hours, by Khurram Murad
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In The Early Hours: Reflections on Spiritual and
Self-Development By Khurram Murad Edited by Riza
Mohammed 2000. Pages 154. Revival Publications,
Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield,
Leicestershire, LE67 95Y, UK

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When it comes to Islamic books, probably the most
difficult ones to write are those on spirituality. Not
only does a writer have to find the appropriate words
to convey effectively the inner dimensions of the
message and purity of Islam, but he or she has to do
it in such a way as to touch the heart of the reader.
Such a book should make the reader reflect deeply on
his/her inner world and relationship with Allah, the
Merciful Lord and Creator. Khurram Murad's (1932-96)
In the Early Hours is eminently successful in
achieving this objective. May Allah have Mercy on his
soul.

The book brings together a series of lectures
delivered by Khurram Murad after Salat-al Fajr, in the
early hours of the morning, when the believer feels
closest to Allah and his/her spirituality is enhanced.
Set out in short and easy to read chapters, the book
takes its reader on a wonderful Journey of the inner
self and on to the discovery of the Reality and
Majesty of The Creator of that self. 'A Life of
Remembrance', 'Relating to Allah', 'Relating to
Allah's Messenger' and 'Meeting Allah' are just a few
of the chapter titles. The marvelous thing about the
book is how it has managed to tie the spiritual
dimension of our being with everyday life and work.
Its central theme and constant stress is on the love
and obedience of Allah which should be the-be-all and
end-all of a believer's endeavours in life. A believer
is directed by nothing but the pleasure of Allah. That
really is the measure of success.

How does one relate to Allah? Through thankfulness.
Through prayers and worship, the 'ibadah. Through the
love of Allah. By being Hanif, that is belonging
exclusively to Allah. And Jihad, that is striving in
the way of Allah.

The impediments? Pride. Hypocrisy. Anger. Pessimism.
Misuse of tongue. And lust. Therefore, whosoever wants
to meet his Lord, he/she should be working all his/her
life to do so, do good deeds and associate none other
in the service of his Lord (al-Kahf 18:110).

This short and beautiful book reminds us and helps us,
albeit in the words of the Qur'an and Hadith, how to
be close and near to Allah, at all times and as much
as possible.

In the Early Hours is addressed to each and every
Muslim and Muslimah, but I would recommend it
particularly to the youth of the West, quite a few of
whom may be prone to defining their Islam in reaction
to the Islamoplobia of their environment. Which is not
surprising because facilities for proper Islamic
upbringing being woefully adequate, a young person is
likely to react more in anger than to respond in an
Islamic manner. However, Islam is not about anger, it
is about justice and being even to those who may not
be just to you.

In the Early Hours helps one to defeat the enemy
within and win the enemy without. I would, however,
ask that beside their English translation, the editor
should also make sure to include the original Arabic
text of the various duas (prayers) in the next edition
of the book.

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By - Dr Muhammad Hanif

Anyone read it?