I have read this book for like 4 times...and each time i find out something new that i have not noticed before.
Haykal was in a position to get so much information,and he has a way to put such information in a valuble book.

if you are ready to be neutral,then go ahead and but this book cause then you will know the meaning of secret channels.

Mohammed Heikal is the type of journalist whose inner circle of friends includes emperors, kings and heads of states, in addition to lessor, yet very powerful global figures.

With a powerful analytical mind, a penetrating insight and, a fluent pen, Mohamed Heikal draws on his years of deep, deep connections with the most influential to focus our attention on how Palestine was ignominiously sold out by a pack of vain parvenus with Whom the Arab nation had to content with having at the helm of its political destiny.

Secret Channels gives us a stupendous insight into the vanity, narcissism and cowardice of the frail characters that led the Arab nation through an era that will live in infamy for a long, long time to come.

Mohamed Heikal, hated and despised by the dwarfs of his contemporaries, and hailed by the great pears of his caliber, continues to fascinate the reader with graceful literary eloquence, and a sense of appreciation for the entertainment value of the news.

It is refreshing to find somebody who tells the other side of the story. No wonder the book is out of print.

This book provides a totally untapped view on Angels which the reader of non-islamic literature ususally cannot obtain. What do they really look like, their shapes, powers, love for human beings and closeness to us. These stories and descriptive facts from the Author bring us much closer to the reality of what Angels are and their relationship with us...until the blessed day we come face to face with them. A must read.

This book contains 30 chapters and is about 250 pages. It covers the topic of Angels extensively and sheds insights into their being that are rarely mentioned in other texts. It is written by a Sufi Master and Islamic scholar whose warm personal style shows a deep sincerity and love of God that those interested in Angels should cherish. After reading this book one can not look at the Universe as being the same again, God's love is reaching and his Angels are present at all times in every place. This book should be "required reading" of all those interested in the topic of Angels, I highly recommend it.

Shaykh Kabbani beautifully combines knowledge and experience to bring to the reader the role of Angels in life according to the Islamic and Sufi Tradition. An exciting book the reader simply does not wish to put down!

This book discusses various aspects of Godhead - Allah, the God of Islam, whose attributes have been manifested in the Quran.It is different from similar other books in that it tackles the subject with an open mind and appeals to the rational as well as the passionate in our personality. Ziaullah's method is original.His basic source is the Quran, with each relevant quotation accompanied by suitable English translation. His second referential support comes from the Sufi poets in which sense he has balanced the orthodox with radical points of view. As long as the underlying objective of praise is served, the author does not mind if his evidence comes from the Shariah,the Sufi tradition or modern achievements of science. Last but not the least is his own capacity to philosophise,to dwell in different angles of praise and prayer in flawless style. The author's basic premise is in man's own experience.It is in his own comprehension of the material world that he must learn to know God.The achievement of science is not a thesis of atheism but a never ending spectacle of wonder pointing to the first cause.True, science gives life to superstition but superstition is no part of Ziaullah's God.His God is the God of reason, a love of God intellectually owned.To arrive at the view of Allah, he meditates, thinks aloud, aducing arguments from everyday life.He discusses the nature of human love, its relationship with Allah are His love for His creations. He clarifies the concept of divine beauty and links it with human life.He does not dwell on the philosophical aspect alone.He tackles such complicated problems as the Quranic doctrine of crime and punishment, obiedience and reward with the help of erudite sources.The final impression is that of an enlightened modern man praising Allah in terms that are easily grasped by the man today. It is a handiwork for those who wish to find a philosophical answer to their doubts and wish to persuade others into an act of praise which is the highest attribute given to man.

What a rare vignette is "The Islamic Concept of God" etched by the highly sensitive pen of the learned and devout author, Mr. Zia Ullah. It is obvious that the author does not only hold a formal and impersonal belief in the existence of the Creator but is able to observe and fathom His resplendent manifestations in everything around him. He detects the hand and design of the Lord in his every day life and is also imbued with overwhelming love and devotion for Him. To Mr. Zia Ullah the Lord is a living power with a direct relationship with all creation, especially the living beings. This treatise removes many misconceptions about the Islamic concept of God with manifest sincerity, employing simple logic and everyday terms. Further, it grips the reader, elevates his soul and carries him to a state of sublimity he may not have earlier experienced. All but die-hard agnostics will find their awareness and belief in the Creator not only strengthened but also made a source of joy.

This gem of a book has been written in fluent and elegant English, not usually expected from one whose mother tongue is not English. Quotations from other languages have been translated with remarkable skill and sensitivity, fully retaining the essence and poetic beauty of the original. A book worth reading by everyone, no matter what the readers ideology or persuasion.

For those people who have asked themselves these questions: who is our Creator, what is good and evil, the meaning of heaven and hell, about life hereafter, about body and soul and their relationship, reward and punishment, happiness and sorrow, the great gathering? and similar other ultimate questions--- this book attempts to give the answers. It rebuts atheism and after reading this book it is impossible for the reader not to accept the existence of the Almighty God.The beauty and omnipotence, munificence and glory of the Lord has been described with such forceful and persuasive arguments that one cannot help but accept from the depth of ones heart. Overall this book is a rewarding experience for the reader.

"Maybe if there were a few cheers from the other side of the fence, and a little more tolerance, too, people would realize Cassius Clay is not as bad as he seems, and maybe then he would also return the favor once in a while and keep his mouth shut."
--Floyd Patterson (with Gay Talese), "In Defense of Cassius Clay," August 1966

"Boxing is a dialogue between bodies. Ignorant men, usually black, and usually next to illiterate, address one another in a set of "conversational" exchanges... It is just that they converse with their physiques." -Norman Mailer, "Ego," March 1971

This is an excellent book, not only for those interested in perhaps the greatest boxer of all time, but for people interested in the separate and combined effects of race, the 1960's, and the subjectivity of writing. For example, it appears that Patterson and Mailer held contradicting opinions about Ali's talking, and, much this book's fun is how Ali served as a projective test for the attitudes and values of others--Mailer in particular is a hoot.

Ali's larger-than-life persona draws such literary heavyweights as Amiri Baraka, the humorist and essayist A.J. Liebling, Mailer, Joyce Carol Oates, George Plimpton, Irwin Shaw, Gay Telese, Garry Wills, and Tom Wolfe. Ali is a symbol, yes, but an individual too, and the better essays show him as a multifaceted, intelligent, and controversial person. Three interviews ("Black Scholar," uncredited, June, 1970; "Playboy," uncredited, November 1975; "Sport," Joe Torres, December 1981) let the champ speak for himself.

The book is full of great writing (except for Hunter S. Thompson's annoying self-aggrandizing piece and Wills' non-illuminating intellectualism), and offer snapshots of Ali from 1962 through his post-Atlanta Olympics acclaim in the late 1990's. A blend of facts and iconography, the book is a fascinating look at Ali both inside and outside the ring. (Some pieces were edited for this book, but there is a bibliography on source material. With 16 pages of photos, no index, and an introductory essay by the editor.) Very highly recommended!

Muhammad Ali is truly one of a Kind Person inside&outside The Ring.nobody like Him since.The Man took Sports to a whole different level.He took America&The World to a whole different view.this Book brings all that&more into view.a 3 Hour Movie can't do Him any true Justice.He captured so much that is still being felt to this day.a Must Read.

If you want to begin to try and really understand what Ali is all about, if you want to feel that you have met him and talked with him, this book is for you! It is a great read, and the many writers who contribute each have their own take on this most complex of all heavyweight champs. I loved this book from the first page to the last. You cannot find a better way to get to know Ali. I have read other books about him, and this one stands in a class by itself.

I havn't read the book yet. but I've the other book 'The Choice'. It's very impressed me. But unfortunately my english not too good. so i havn't buy the book yet. I'm just wondering if that book have been translated to Bahasa Indonesia, such book which listed here. Anyone who knew it, please contact me. Tq.

Ahmad Deedat's books, especially this one, leaves no room for doubt. It is an essential for those studying comparative religion, and it is sure to help those who seeking to understand - or come to terms with the theory of Salvation in Christianity. Once you read this book, you will see why you have always had doubts about the theory of salvation because Ahmad deedat is logical, systematic and level-headed. He gives evidence from the Bible for each of his conclusions and he also addresses a layman's everyday questions. I strongly recommend all of Deedat's works.

This is a book that reveals how the Prophet of Islam is foretold in the Old Testament. It is small yet will open your eyes to a new interpretation of the Biblical scriptures...

I read Molla's stories in English not being fortunate to know enough Persian. I hope they translate more of these stories to English, because just mentioning Molla's name brings smile to the people who know him.

In the present times, in the US we have Woody Allen, and in the East the impaccable Aziz Nassin of Turkey whose very name make you smile.

Molla's Character is popular in the Middle East as well as the Indian subcontinent, the same way as another Persian storyteller, Scheherazade is. Molla, in the Persian culture is title for the learned men or teachers. When people saw someone with beard and turban, they already assumed he is a molla so they would throw their questions.

For instance, Once Molla was hammering the nail at the end of his donkey's bridle, as he was going to a teahouse. Someone asked him: "Molla, where is the center of the world." Molla said," The center of the world is where I just hammered the nail to my donkey's bridle." Someone said, " I don't believe this." Molla took a sip of his tea and said, " If you don't believe it, go measure it."

In the forties and fifties Molla became popular among British. Some English speakers, in the hight of tension, during Nationalization of Oil, used to quote Molla when they wanted to break the ice with their Persian counterparts.

The funny stories did not solve the problem, but opened the door for many translations in English, Franch, German and many other languages. I have seen the book translated in Arabic, Turkish, Ordu and Hindu. In each of these countries they have, in years, added more stories to the old ones, giving the character a native identity. I am sure the Arabic Molla has some particular stories and the Turkish one some other. Molla now belongs to every country in Asia, as Sheharazade does.

This book is, however, in Persian. As the English version was a lot of fun for me to read, I'm sure Persians, who have a great sense of humor, will find this book much funnier than the English translation. Enjoy it.--Khandeh dareh!

It's not the point that Hoca is a character of Turkey nor Iran. Hoca is one of the wisest man of all times. He makes us remember things everyone else has forgotten for ever and always. His sayings -jokes- guide us to the objective and practical knowledge of All.

Nasreddin Hoca is not an Iranian character!!!! He had lived in Aksehir,which is a small city in Anatolia(Turkey).I am a very surprised to see that an Iranian writer try to show Nasreddin Hoca as an Iranian character.Let's not forget that 2 or 3 years ago it was celebrated as the Nasreddin Hoca year in Turkey!

HI THERE...I LIKE TO SAY THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I READ THIS BOOK, IT AMAZED ME BY THE DETAILS IT PROVIDES AND HOW EASY IT IS TO COMPREHEND THE CONTENT OF THE BOOK...IT MADE GET MORE INTERESTED IN THE MIDDLE EAST ..I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYBODY WHO WANTS TO KNOW THE FACTS AS THEY ARE .

This book is a must read,to anybodyinterested in the Sadat era.It comes from a famous journalist,who is close to power in many countries,and with sources of information that are full of intrigue.A very realistic book,loaded with facts,and analysis...it gives youthe answer to what happened on theday of october 6th 1981,why did ittake place,and why the end had to belike this.i highly recommend this book,thankyou Mr. haykal

This book is one of the best if you are interested about egypt's recent history...it comes from a great writer..and at the same timesomeone who's been close to all parties involved in the story. Full of secret details, relatesfacts together..and makes alot ofsensable interptation of well knownbut poorly understood incidents. This book is a must have.i personally read it more than 11 timesi highly recommend it.

Before I found the Baha'i Faith, I had lived and explored may avenues of worship, Christian, Jewish, Yogic, and more. This book of divinely revealed prayers was among my first introductions to Baha'i, and in it I found a completeness, a unity of spiritual thought that brought together the inner essence of all faiths. Divided into esily searched sections (healing, unity, spiritual qualities, assistance) these gems of prose, each as powerful as the Lord's Prayer of Christendom, help the reader to approach the Divine Oneness of God in uplifting, inspiring, Holy Words. Recommended for anyone seeking a way to express love for our Creator.

Baha'is use prayers such as these daily in their journey through this world. Here, prayers are divided up by themes such as aid and assitance, dealing with tests and difficulties, marriage and family life, spiritual guidance, healing, praise and grattitude, and many more. These prayers set a specific tone of elegance and delicate thoughtfulness to daily prayer for anyone who longs for spiritual guidance and awareness in daily life.

More than a source of inspiration! In addition to the beautiful imagery it uses, the prayers inside this book *do* work!

I use this as a reference when I study the development and evolution of Islamic legal theories.

For admirers of the juristic tradition in Islam, and for academics interested in the classic ruling of the schools of law in Islamic tradition, I can think of no book greater than this. You must get both volumes. They are so concrete and cohesive that I found myself reading the whole two volumes (it took a long time). It was written by the revered jurist Ibn Rushd, as a manual for starting jurists in their field. It was written to combat the stagnation of extravagant taqlid, or the blind adherence to legal positions. This work is filled with the various positions from the various madhhabs regarding everything from the prayer to the laws of Jihad. Though one must keep in mind that Muslims today are not bound by these medieval rulings, it is imperative that Muslims investigate the development of the discourse which led to those rulings in order to understand not only the ethics of the process, but also and more importantly, to operate from within the legal tradition itself. I would also like to extend my gratitude to those insightful gentlemen who made this work available in the English language, for people who get stuck on Arabic (like me).

Even if you have several books of Islamic law, this book is extremely valuable for two main reasons. First, it outlines the positions of the major schools and the sources and reasoning they use to arrive at those positions. Second, and more importantly, Ibn Rushd (Averroes to most of his European admirers) explains the divergence of views among the schools on the basis of the different methodologies they employ on a particular issue; or the different weight they might give to two apparently conflicting verses or hadith; or their different judgements about abrogation or the relative authority of Qur'an and Sunnah.

Because of this, both Muslims and students of Islam are able to grasp how Muslim law is not simply reducible to a code but remains an ongoing conversation (even an argument) about how God wants us to act.

The translation is excellent and the production of the book is of very good quality. The work is available in two volumes or one. One volume is obviously cheaper, but I would recommend the two-volume version because of the size.

This little work by Dr. Nasr is an excellent little introduction to the life of the Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) which concentrates on the spiritual nature of his perfect life. In this manner it is different from most other biographies which concentrate on the political events. This book is important also in that it relays a little of the awe and total respect in which Muslims have traditionally held their Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Also, though Dr. Nasr, is a Shia he does not allow that to cloud his objectivity.

Commenting on one of the earlier reviewers I will say that orthodox Sunnis too believe the Prophet of Islam to be perfect, and infallible and sinless both before the proclamation of Prophethood and after it.

This book is a good introduction, especially for younger readers or those who do not have the time to read a longer book.

I respect the Author very much, and I really like this little short book about the Prophet. I also find the comments written about this book equally interesting and enlightening. Unfortunately growing up in Middle East we don't get to question our faith or our understanding of our faith. Only when we leave that environment we get a chance to really reflect about some very fundamental issues about Islam and history. Realizing the collapse of Islamic world, I have often wondered about the truthfulness of Islam, and been struggling with this question for a few years. The usual answer of " America did it" doesn't make it either, at least not for me. Reading the history of Islam I really don't see anything divine about our Islamic empire. Islamic empire was like any other empire, and finally, like any other empire collapsed under its own weight. I cannot see anything divine about it. Sure we made some progresses in Math, astronomy, medicine etc, but so did other empires in the history. We had some ugliness associated with our Islamic Empire and so did other Empires. I see nothing special and divine about the inner workings of our Islamic Empire that could clearly distinguishes us from others in the history. So what difference did Quran make except in uniting us Arabs into one nation, which ended up in creating our Empire? If Quran was supposed to create a Divine Utopia, I have no other choice but to say that Quran has failed in this regard and again this failure can not be blamed on " Amercia" since the history of this failure pre-dates America.
It seems to me that Shia philosophy does provide some answer to this question and it makes me wonder. Their "claim" is that it is not Quran that has failed but rather "we" have failed in understanding Quran, it is our understanding of Quran that has failed. I very much like to read more about what Shiism has to say and to my surprise I found out that there aren't many books by Mr. Nasr on Shiism. My question to Mr. Nasr is why doesn't he write about what Shia has to say about Islam. Given the current situation on Islam, and the fact that many people like me are struggling with some serious questions about our faith, I think an alternative way of looking at Islam is a welcome news.

Often my friends ask me why I chose to become a Shia. My answer is very simple, if Quran is a "Perfect" book, then we need a "Perfect" teacher, otherwise Quran by its virtue of being Perfect will become useless and of little practical significance for Moslems. The fact that so many contradictory philosophies had emerged in the history of Islam, all relying on Quran as their primary source, indicates that Quran by itself could not be of much guidance. The fact that Islamic world collapsed, as did Communism, indicates that Quran was not in charge of our mind and lives.

Quran is a book of "Light" of "Clear Guidance" and yet Islamic world is so confused and lost. Obviously something is very seriously wrong, and I don't believe it is Quran. Rather it is our approach to Quran is wrong and has been wrong for centuries. Yes, I was a Sunni and I got tired of not knowing what Quran is all about, what is its inner meaning, what is its "True" message. I got tired of hearing all kind of speculations about the True meaning of Quran and knowing all too well that we all just guess and not a single one of us can say for sure what Quran means. Even the most fundamental principles of Quran which Al-Tawhid is a subject of dispute between philosophers, Sufis, theologians, all pointing fingers at each other and blaming each other for having missed the "True" meaning of divine unity. Enough is enough. I thought all this is Prophet's fault. How can he expect us to figure out what Quran is all about? If he did expect us to figure it out, then obviously he was mistaken as centuries of history is a witness.

I always thought that Prophet was the only one who knew was Quran was all about, and after his death, Quran too died, or should have died and saved us from so much pain. As long as he was alive, his was the last word, there was no maybe, could be, "God knows best" answers to questions put to him about verses of Quran, there was no uncertainty, no confusion. Only if he could live forever among us. But later I came across some books written by Shia authors, such as Dr. Nasr, and I realized that Prophet did leave us a point of reference someone whose views of Quran wasn't a whole bunch of best guesses. I don't blame Prophet anymore for the mess we are in, or have been in for centuries, I blame us. We did what Jews did to Isa- Jesus- in spite of his greatness, and having been promised by previous Prophets, his people decided to push him aside or attempt to kill him. The fact that history repeats itself was no mystery to me, it was just that I was too arrogant or stupid to see the truth and blamed Prophet of Islam for our misery and confusion instead of blaming ourselves for it.

I no longer believe that the "as is" Islam is the Islam that Prophet had in mind. The Islam of Prophet would have brought us Light, Clarity, Guidance, Peace, instead of confusions, darkenss, misery, which finally resulted in a total collapse and to this day we moslems are trying to figure out a way out.