By Hafsa Ahsan

“Ilm”

Author: Bintul Islam

Publisher: Idarah-e-Batool

Availability: Maarif-e-Islami Bookstore, Federal B. Area, Karachi

Pages: 160

In “Ilm,” Bintul Islam takes an extensive look at all aspects of knowledge. First and foremost, the book delves in detail in what knowledge actually is. It very clearly emphasizes that any knowledge, which helps an individual to perform their personal, professional and social responsibilities towards the Muslim Ummah in an efficient way and strengthens their relationship with Allah (swt) along the way, is worth the time and effort spent on it.

The author then takes a look at the importance of knowledge in one’s daily life, with some very pertinent examples. She goes on to identify some of the sources where an individual can acquire knowledge, such as educational institutes, mass media and lectures on different topics. Each of these sources have been described in detail along with potential problems that people, especially women, can face when they set out on the path of knowledge acquisition along with responsibilities of household and children.

After identifying the problems, the book offers to the readers concrete solutions, the crux of these solutions being solid time management skills to ensure that knowledge acquisition, along with other tasks, is given at least some time on a daily basis.

The last part of the book makes it clear that those who are fortunate enough to acquire knowledge, must impart it to those who are still in ignorance. The various ways in which knowledge can be spread to other sections of the society have been discussed in detail. For instance, she suggests that one can use different publications to create awareness about issues, take up teaching posts in schools or even gift interesting books to others.

“First Things First”

Author: Khalid Baig

Publisher: Open Mind Press

Availability: Albalagh Book Store (http://www.albalagh.net)

Pages: 421

The tagline of “First Things First”, which reads “For Inquiring Minds and Yearning Hearts”, immediately gives out a clear message that this book is a must-read for all those who wish to add to their increasing stock of knowledge with an open mind and heart. Basically, this book is a collection of articles written by Khalid Baig, which first appeared in a monthly magazine entitled Impact International.

The best thing about these articles is that they are all categorized into broad sections, so that related articles come together in one section. The sections include Quran, Loving the Prophet, Acts of Worship, Self Reform, Women and Family, Education and several others.

Each article has been written in a concise way and follows a rather similar pattern. It starts with the explanation of a certain fact, issue or problem and then ends with various ways of how to implement the solutions discussed in the articles in one’s practical life.

Overall, this book can be considered highly relevant, whenever one feels that their day-to-day life is getting dominated by rituals, and they are losing the real spirit of practicing their Deen. This book will ensure that you start from the very basic teachings, such as purifying intentions and obeying parents, and go on to implement ones like the right dress code and establishing prayer around you.