Book Review: Two Faces

Two Faces by Syed Husin Ali

I have had this book for sometime now. My first attempt to read it some years back failed after a few pages. It has taken this long to finally read this book. Its a thin book less than 200 pages. It is simply written and an easy read. After all, I like books that are easy to read.

Two faces chronicles S. Husin Ali's detention without trial under the draconian ISA. A detention that lasted for almost 6 years. A period of his life that was snatched from him and his freedom denied. He traces the events that occurred from the time of his arrest until his release.

He was arrested without the issuance of an arrest warrant, as if it was done at whims and fancy of the powers that be. There no need for any evidence, suspicion was enough, no matter how ridiculous.

As with most detainees, he was tortured and harassed. Lies, deceit and false promises were some of the mind games used. Sleep deprivation, physical and verbal abuse was also readily employed. These dastardly acts belie the true human nature. I can not phantom, how is it that one man can be so cruel to another man. I could feel his anguish and frustration. The agony of missing out on 6 years of his life.

As S. Husin saysin his foreword:

"The ISA is still being enforced and has deviated from its original purpose........ Experience has show that it is so easy for people to be branded, accused, detained and tortured........."

"In humility and with sincerity I wish to remind those leaders who have promised to review the ISA to do so as soon possible. The time has come for the ruling elite to repeal the act and not merely to amend it."

That was written in 1995, how true those words are even today. My prayers are for all past and present ISA detainees.

Book Review: Muhammad The Ideal Prophet

Muhammad The Ideal Prophet by Sayyid Sulaiman Nadvi

I have had this book for quite some time now. However I only read it recently and I must say it was a pleasing and illuminating read.

I initially thought that this book was 'just another biography' of the prophet. With that thought I put off reading this book for quite a long while. Now having read it, its not 'just another biography'.

The author takes us through conclusive arguments and discourses to establish the fact that indeed Muhammad is the ideal prophet for all of mankind. He establishes the need of prophethood for the good of humanity. He then proceeds to illustrate convincingly, the reason Muhammad is the ideal prophet.

He goes through the abundant historical data and facts regarding the life and times of Prophet Muhammad from the time even before his birth to his death. Data which is irrefutable, that even the distractors of Islam have to admit to its authenticity. No other prophet or men of religion have ever had their entire life span recorded in such detail. His life is an open book for us to examine the events and turmoils of his life and his mission.His sense of justice and fair play His compassion dan love. His devotion and steadfastness. In short the 'living Quran'.

All of this and more is discussed. Sayyid Sulaiman goes on to show that Prophet Muhammad was man who practiced what he preached. How as a husband, a father, a statesman, a military commander, Prophet Muhammad set up practical examples for all of us to follow. No matter who we are or what we do, there will always be some practical example in the life of Prophet Muhammad to guide us.

Sayyid Sulaiman has managed to bring forth these distinct points commendably. In so doing, he has illuminated what has always been there, but obscure to some of us.

In parting, I just need to mention that this book is based on a series of lectures delivered by Sayyid Sulaiman in Madras in 1925. After more than 80 years, this books is ever so refreshing.