Books - Windows of the mind
"Books are to the mind what windows are to a home!" Imagine living in a
home with no windows. How dark, how stale, how dreary! Windows bring
light to a home. Windows bring in crisp air to a stale room. Windows
open on to a vast and sweeping landscape. Books do the same for the
mind. Books bring light into the mind. Books stir a fresh breeze of
thought in a stale mind. Books open new horizons to the mind.
Iqra! - The first lesson of the Qur'an
Reading is second nature to a Muslim. The Qur'an's first words: "Iqra!"
teaches us the lesson to "Read!" Ever since that day, Muslims lead
mankind to the wonderful world of reading, learning and study, which
they knew nothing about before this revelation. The Muslim public of the
past were avid readers. Muslim authors churned out books by the
thousands. Just take the Qur'an; no book in the world can boast of so
many commentaries as the Qur'an. Take the biography of the Holy
Messenger; no person has been more chronicled than Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam)
- even by his non-Muslims admirers. Coming from such a rich literary
heritage, it is sad to observe that in our times, Muslims tend to be
very poor readers overall. By right, Muslims should be leading the world
in reading as they had done in the glorious past. A 'secret' of the
Muslims' successes in the past is the fact that they read profusely,
thereby producing razor-sharp minds and geniuses of the finest order.
Today, the finest of Islamic literature is available in a bewildering
variety of topics in almost all major world languages. Ranging from
thick, voluminous works to glossy monthly magazines and even
double-sided, single-page flyers - the needs of almost every kind of
reader is catered for. As a further service, a big percentage of this
Islamic literature is available absolutely free-of-charge or at a very
nominal price. Even so, many Muslims just do not have any interest in
reading at all.
NO TIME! & other common excuses
The most common excuse is NO TIME! This is surprising because the very
same people tend to have ample time for any of the following activities;
reading and digesting the propaganda of daily papers, reading
social-gossip magazines, watching TV and videos, playing computer games
or surfing on the internet for hours. Time is also available for sports,
spectating sports, taking drives, browsing in shopping malls,
socialising with friends at clubs or braai parties. Unfortunately the
people that ought to read this message are probably too busy with any
one of the above activities so it doesn't matter to them anyway.
However, a plea is made to those who are convinced of the importance of
reading to pass this article (or its message) to our 'busy bretheren'.
It may just have an effect, one never knows.
The fact that "Knowledge is an ocean" and "There is no end to learning"
are well-known to all Muslims. Every Muslim has to acquire a minimum
level of knowledge of Islam that will enable him to lead a 24-hour and a
365-day life according to Allah's chosen way of life. "Acquiring
knowledge is compulsory upon every Muslim male and female" - Hadith. The
way every individual goes about doing this is his personal choice.
However, Islamic literature is one of the easiest and most effective
method of acquiring a sound Islamic education.
A book - an easy going companion
A book does not dictate the pace of learning. It has no fixed times. It
is not limited or restricted to space or venue. Books do not make any
demands nor do they get tired. Books can be studied in the privacy of
the home at one's own leisure and pace. Books are not limited to just
one person,; the whole family can benefit from a single book and for
many years on end.
Today when a deluge of filthy and unsavioury reading material is
flooding the homes of the world, it is time that Muslims turned quickly
towards good, authentic Islamic literature to fill their homes and adorn
their bookshelves. Remember, a vacuum does not remain void for long. It
has to be filled sooner or later. Rather than letting it fill with the
wrong, let it be filled with what is right and wholesome! Islamic
literature is a little candle of light and guidance in the pitch dark
night of misguidance outside
Books bind the family!
Books can provide hours of joy for the Muslim family if read as a family
unit. It helps to cement the family bond of love and caring. Instead of
the home being a 'motel' housing 'strangers' on their own course of life
(the present home atmosphere), it will bring everyone together in a
shared activity. It helps to imbue the mind of young and growing
children with the wonderful values of Islam. It will also help to rid
the home of the evil and negative influences of the twin-terrors: TV and
videos.
Five advices
Take note of five sentences of brief advice at this point:
1. Be extra-careful about the choice of Islamic literature one reads.
Not every nice-sounding title is safe to read. It's a minefield out
there. Always ask the opinion of a learned, trusted, experienced elder
before buying or reading anything
2. Islamic literature always contains an element of Qur'an and Hadith.
Great respect must be shown to books of this nature. It must also be
studied with respect and dignity, never with outstretched legs or in any
disrespectful posture. Also endeavour to be with Wudhu. Keep in a clean,
high and respectful place. Do not scratch, tear or mishandle. If worn
out, bury with respect
3. Buying or borrowing a book is one thing. Reading is another. Many
people tend to confuse the two. Just 'having it' is not good enough. It
has to be read to be useful and beneficial
4. Set aside time for reading; say 15-20 minutes daily at a fixed time.
This will help with self-discipline
5. Try and establish a little 'library corner' or bookshelf in the home.
Also strive to establish a reasonable Islamic library in every Muslim
locality. This will be very beneficial, especially for those who are
eager to read but cannot afford it
Invest in a good book today! It should last a lifetime and beyond! If
not you, your children or grandchildren might appreciate it some day!
Mufti Z. Bayat
South Africa.
Article taken (with Thanks) from Darul-Ihsan Research and Education Center
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