The Fragrance of Faith

Rating:
Summary: A breath of cool thought!
Review: Rahman writes with a very easy style, wrapping philosophy, his own outlook on life and Mysticism around life lessons he learnt from his grandfather who was a spiritual leader in the old country, Bangladesh. An example:

"Allah wants us to be compassionate with ourselves".

Rahman is himself the son of a Bangladeshi diplomat and a brand-new citizen of the USA, he teaches Sufism and is a counselor in Seattle; a rare and true man of peace and love towards all Mankind.

Although the book is worked around Islam, Rahman integrates the Devine philosophy in a manner that will appeal to people of all religions or even non-religions. He peppers the book with liberal quotes from Jallaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi poet which dive deep into the heart and humor of every person. Some Rumi quotes:

On the beneficence of God: "For sixty years, I have been forgetful, every minute; but not for a second has this flowing toward me stopped or slowed".

"You know the value of every article of merchandise but if you do not know the value of your own soul, it is all foolishness".

"Not only the thirsty seek water, the water as well seeks the thirsty".

Quotes from the Prophet Mohammed: "If a man gives up a fight when he is wrong, a house will be built for him in Paradise. But if a man gives up a fight even when he is in the right, a house will be built for him on the loftiest realm of Paradise.

If anything, this book succeeds in transcending religion and presenting the common belief and meditation foundations of all Humanity.

It is indeed a great, moving and inspiring book and WELL worth reading.