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This delightful, small, easy-to-read religious book takes the reader through The Beatitudes of the New Testament with a focus on quotations from the New Testament and the Qur'an revealing the similar teachings of Jesus and Muhammad. The author grew up Protestant and converted to Islam over 40 years ago. The Introduction relates why he believes Muslims should study the Sermon on the Mount, but it is also a book that should be read by Christians who also need to expand their acceptance of Islam. The book continues with nine chapters exploring each Blessing and a Conclusion that discusses the need to "read books written by the saints, we should study science, we should read history and study human actions." The premise of the book is to heal through the blessings of all religions and scientific endeavors.
The beauty of this 79-page book is the simplistic message that all religions need to honor each other instead of conducting ongoing battles, both figuratively and literally. Fundamentalists of various religions, including Christianity and Islam, have twisted the meaning of the sacred texts. Here we read the interpretation of the Beatitudes as also supported by other Christian prophets, such as St. Francis, as well as other Muslims, such as the Sufi poet Rumi. It is a passionate and compassionate exploration of the teachings of love and acceptance, instead of hate and violence. The writing is clear, succinct, and professionally done, and will be easily read. While the book is written for Muslims to help understand Christianity, it is a good beginning read for any religions/cultures seeking the beauty of "mercy, humility, honesty, generosity" as taught in the Beatitudes.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review