Hearts Turn: Sinners, Seekers, Saints and the Road to Redemption

Once I started reading "Hearts Turn", I couldn't put it down! An inspiring and exhilarating series of personal stories of mostly-Westerners discovering Islam and purpose and meaning in their lives. What makes it unique is Haroon Sugich has a personal connection with each person, and those relationships span over 50 years in some cases! There are stories from decades ago, like Abdullah Schleifer, who lived through and in the Cuban revolution, the Beatnik movement, and more before discovering Islam from a hashish dealer in Morocco. But also recent ones, like the young Kickboxing champion Muhammad Davis being born into Islam but falling off the path for a moment before learning some important life lessons, the hard way. Peppered in between the stories are ancient anecdotes and tales of repentance and returning to God. In fact, the whole concept of repentance is redefined in this book - from the singular-event English definition to the oft-returning Arabic one. Repentance is a life long project for Muslims, not a one-time moment. Despite its deep faithfulness, the book does not come off preachy or too "Islamic" - rather it feels like a saintly grandfather sitting you down and sharing his life stories, with meaningful lessons nestled within it. I've since bought multiple copies of this book to gift to friends and family, Muslim and of other faiths. It's very accessible and universal while being authentic to its Muslim roots and stories.

This book details real accounts of persons both Muslims and non-Muslims whose lives had been dramatically changed because of one or two unique and unexpected events in their lives and then because of the importance of forgiveness the asked from their Lord, they turned from sinners to pious persons and became a light unto themselves and all others around them. The author has meticulously put together accounts of these righteous souls together in a very pleasant way of story-telling that impacts the readers and opens their eyes. This book stresses the importance of asking of forgiveness from God the Almighty and it tells us all that the Mercy and Forgiveness of our Lord is limitless the the door to Forgiveness is always open - the only thing one has to do to ask for it and repent your past sins and get His Mercy and His Forgiveness before death closes this door of Mercy .

Incredible and inspiring, this book is a balm for the modern mind and heart. You do not need to be Muslim to read this, it is a human story of finding oneself and bringing benefit to those around you. Highly recommend

The stories and experiences written of in this book were absolutely beautiful and inspirational. I was moved to tears, deep reflection and on occasion laughter. I sincerely recommend!

I'm not great at reviewing books, but I tend do have a bad habit of starting and not finishing books. Hearts Turn was not such a situation. Once I really started I didn't want to put it down. In reading the stories of peoples journeys to Islam and in Islam a mirror is erected to look at yourself. For me the idea of honesty (sidq) and directedness regularly come to the forefront of my thoughts and assessing myself on those standards. Its a book of hope and aspiration and reality checks. May Allah bless the author, teachers and subjects of the book.

I should have gone to bed hours ago but each time I start another chapter I find have to finish it. These are truly unique stories told in an elegant, efficient, and engaging style. Great reading, and deeply fulfilling. I'm certain I will reread multiple times.

After a long time I have been able to read a book written so beautifully that its hard to put down. Each of the individual stories are very vividly narrated, transporting the reader to those times and places and putting one in the middle of the experiences of the stories subjects. The subject of the stories themselves are inspiring and leaves me as a reader in awe of the divine experiences they go through. An enriching book for the heart and soul!

Just a few pages in had me crying…beautiful book