Do Read This Book, plz..

All praises to Allah..I have finished reading "Risalah Kaum Muslimin" written by Syed Muhammad Naquib (SMN) al-Attas. this book actually written in Malay, for those who are incapable in malay language, you can read in English version "Islam and Secularism". The contents are mostly the same as Risalah Untuk Kaum Muslimin.

There are several impressions after reading this book. Firstly, this book is a serious book, I mean, this book not just for relaxing as the books I shared before but reading on it is required a specific time, energy and even venue from worldly crowded. After fixing all these things then I can enjoy myself diving through his words. This is common known that reading philosophical words is not easy therefore, I should deal with such circumstances before going through the book.

Secondly, while the reader like me seemed so serious, I thought the author must be more serious than the readers to come up with the ideas. Thirdly, the book is not thick enough, it just 209 pages but the contents is very comprehensive in considering the words and explaining in detail especially about Islam and the West. Fourthly, this book is not a novel but we have to read like reading such a novel to understand the words explaining or we cannot jump into sub-topic we like otherwise we fail to understand the essence of the contents.

When we go through into deep down of the contents you will find who are we in the world? so, what is the viruses in the Muslims' mind? He brought us into brief history of Western, Christian and Muslim civilization. Surely, every one must read this book.

Some Muslims are against philosophy or even ignoring at all, while other religions are familiar enough with our philosophy through an ancient Muslim Scholars. There is a negative assumption on reading a book of philosophy, they think of being corrupting their belief (Aqidah). However, When reading SMN Al-Attas thought through his book, it is enlighten and clarify us the meaning of religion and what is to be a man in the world and how we deal with all His creation. He has done a good contribution to the Muslim Ummah because SMN Al-Attas really understand history of other civilizations and the meaning of Islam clearly. One should be a good Muslim and a good scholar at the same time. lastly, Oh My Lord, Let me thirst with Your knowledge....