Ayub A. Hamid is a well know Islamic thinker and writer living in Canada.

Islam
Does it make sense?

AYUB A. HAMID

Author: Ayub A. Hamid
Printed in 2004
Price: $ 5.00 Cdn
Shipping cost within North America $ 3

In a few words from the author

" The idea of this book "evolved from my attempts in the early nineties to introduce my non-Muslim colleagues to Islam and its common sense approach to matters of faith. When I shared my initial brief “Introduction to Islam” document with them, I realized that there was a communication gap between us: I was looking at the religion from a logical point of view with a mindset that the beliefs of a person should make sense.

They were assuming that faith must be blind and that it should not have to make sense. Obviously, this gap required bridging with more explanations and examples, which gradually took the shape of this booklet."

"The contents of this booklet are intended neither to be a profound thesis in philosophy nor does it indulge in deep philosophical discussions.It simply uses a commonsense approach to matters of faith for the benefit of the average person. The intent is merely to show why I think that faith should make sense and how I think Islam makes the most sense. This has been written especially for those who:

• Like to take a rational approach to issues in life and religion;

• Prefer logical thinking rather than blind faith; and,

• Want to make their own decisions based on knowledge and intelligence rather than adopting society’s decisions by default.

If you are endowed with any of these attributes, you will enjoy the rational approach of this booklet and its presentation of basic realities of faith in a straightforward manner. It aims to present the essence of religious thought logically, unencumbered by illogical dogmas of theology and the emotional baggage of preachers.

To derive maximum benefit from this booklet, please free yourself from any pre-conceived notions that you may have about religion in general and Islam in particular. Please approach its study with an open mind, ready to accept what makes sense.

The feedback from those who were able to read the first edition has been very encouraging. Readers sent appreciative notes and comments. Some located my phone number to personally communicate their enthusiasm and appreciation for the book. People acquired multiple copies to give to their friends and colleagues. Muslim converts found it very helpful to strengthen the foundations of their new faith and to introduce Islam to their family and friends.

The most gratifying aspect of the booklet has been its impact on Muslim youth. It has helped them rediscover and make sense of their faith in a way they can relate to and understand. It has helped them establish their religious beliefs on a firm intellectual foundation, rather than blindly accepting what their parents taught them.

This booklet reached the present stage only with the help, support,reviews, comments and feedback from my son, Omair M. Hamid of Waterloo, Ontario, and Ashmede Asgarali of Winnipeg, Manitoba as well as sustained understanding and support of my wife, Zahida.

I sincerely hope that this booklet will assist you in developing a better understanding of Islamic beliefs. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me at ayubhamid@yahoo.ca."