Thought Leadership

Amongst the best biographical literature available in English, about the Final Messenger and Beloved of God- Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings of God Almighty. Martin Lings uses his mastery of English as a language in telling a graphic story that really took place some 1400 years ago.

The authors Sachiko Murata and William Chiddick, have done a tremendous job in outlining and explaining the essence of Islam. Seyyed Hossein Nasr's review of this is "This work is one of the most successful introductions to Islam for a western audience. The authors present a comprehensive study, which, beginning from within the precinct of the revealed truths of the faith, expands in ever widening circles to embrace the whole vision of Islam".

A brilliant review by Seyyed Nasr. One of my all-time favourites, and recommend it to every person interested in understanding Islam. A great audio compendium of this book is by none other by our esteemed Teacher, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, and can be found here. 

This book by Jared Diamond is a must for any serious seeker of knowledge. It is detailed and concise about the history of civilisation, and how we have ended up where we have. Diamond shows only a very few flaws in his logic and judgment (he relies heavily on the theory of evolution in relation to our origins), but sticks to facts and knowledge of essentiality.

Anyone who is interested in anything spiritual, must read this book. I have not as yet read it (it is still to be publicly released), but after reading reviews and accounts of those who interacted with this great woman, I am quite keen to read it cover to cover. The book publishes many of Mother Teresa's personal letters to her confidantes from around the world, which exposes her deep struggle with knowing God. An excellent review of this book can be found here.

In an age of bewildering spiritual and intellectual confusion, creed has never been more important. Every Muslim is obliged to learn it and is promised protection from deviant beliefs by following the unassailable texts of the scholastic community of Islam. Of them all, The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi is the simplest, the most effective, and the least controversial. It serves as a sound basis for Islamic faith and is the most reliable of the early articulations of Muslim belief.

I was privileged to give this important book as a gift to the Mayor of Bethlehem during my presentation alongside him at the Australian Catholic University.

The book really needs no introduction, given its huge success for the right reasons. Those who have seen and/or bought the DVD should also get the book.

Human beings have acquired enormous technological muscle power, and - coupled with our numbers and our soaring consumption - we are now having an impact on the planet that no other species has ever had. We are trying to dominate nature, but we are still part of it. Foresight has always been a key to our survival and we have never needed it more than we do now.

Despite the sophistication of our technology, we remain biological beings, animals, inextricably embedded in the natural world. We must redefine progress and find ways to live in balance with each other and nature.

This is a book which is authoritative on the global implications of the Bush-led war on anything not befitting american policy. From Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, John Esposito, Barbara Metcalf, Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad and Imam Zaid Shakir, this book is an indispensable resource for understanding the 21st century civilisation we find ourselves in.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

The Secrets of the Rainmaker is a superb book which is very relevatn to our times. The book explores and recommends amazing techniques from the ancient aasters on resting one's heart, calming yourself and taking control of your life. In a chaotic world of the 21st century, the author slows your heartbeat, literally, and inspires your soul-deep yearning for authentic and lasting success. It is about winning from within...

Ethicist Singer and co-author Mason (Animal Factories) document corporate deception, widespread waste and desensitization to inhumane practices in this consideration of ethical eating. This sometimes-graphic exposé is not myopic: profitability and animal welfare are given equal consideration, though the reader finishes the book agreeing with the authors' conclusion that "America's food industry seeks to keep Americans in the dark about the ethical components of their food choices." A no-holds-barred treatise on ethical consumption, this is an important read for those concerned with the long, frightening trip between farm and plate.

An excellent book from a current affiars perspective, about Islam, the West- terrorism, secularism, modernity and many other topics discussed eloquently by Waleed Aly.