Between the years 1978 and 1996, the late Gai Eaton
gave a series of talks on BBC Radio about Islam and its
role in contemporary society. Eighty-six of these talks
- variously titled Reflections, Words of Faith and Pause
for Thought - are published here for the first time as
Reflections. Together these talks provide a beautifully
clear and accessible introduction to the central tenets,
principles and practices at the heart of Islam and, as
such, are not only a unique guide for non-Muslims, but
also an inspiring reminder to Muslims of the essence of
their faith. Connecting everything that Eaton discusses
in Reflections are the two principles of the Oneness of
God (Tawhid) and the Viceregency of man (khilafah).
Therefore, whether discussing the five pillars of Islam
or the sufi concepts of fear (makhafah), love (mahabbah)
and knowledge (ma'rifah) or the idea of a 'just war' or
environmental changes, Gai Eaton reminds us that nothing
is independent of the One who is Truth, Mercy and Beauty
and that we, who are the Viceregents of this Truth, must
- if we are to be true to the potential within us -
undertake the human struggle, the inner jihad, to
convert our divided souls into unified, harmonious,
balanced souls; souls not motivated by selfishness,
self-regard and self-righteousness, but souls in a state
of peace, illumined by the permanent consciousness of
the divine. While always expresses himself as a Muslim,
Gai Eaton's voice, with all its wisdom, its humanity and
its humour, speaks not only to Muslims but to all those
interested in a spiritual approach to life.
|
|