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

Just a few pages in had me crying…beautiful book

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 .

A great collection of convert/ revert stories. Doesn’t get boring. Inspiring. Greatly recommend

Michael Sugich has, once again, given us a unique book which explores the essence of what it means to be a spiritual being. It is not easy, or common, to find a book of this kind; many books and authors are somewhat parochial in their approach, or they take themselves too seriously (there is a balance between lightheartedness and gravitas).

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!

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!

I had purchased this book hoping to feed my soul with some Islamic wisdom and thoughtful and contemplative insight. Within the first few pages, the author was already calling a fellow Muslim in the masjid an idiot. That kind of attack and denigration is just not part of our faith, and certainly not conducive to cultivating a pure heart. I have never called someone an idiot, even if their actions have arisen through ignorance or malice. Needless to say, it put me off.Scanning through the pages, it was clear the author is Sufi and there was extensive mention of Saints and their special importance to him, as well as the ‘obvious’ importance of repetitive reciting of Allah’s names and how that brings him closer to Allah. Although I of course respect Sufi Muslims and their particular beliefs, Sufism just isn’t my cup of tea, and I wouldn’t have purchased the book had I known how central it was in it.I returned the book the same day I received it.

Michael draws you into his wonderous way of story telling into the lives of peope, he crossed path with. Beautifully writtem with great observation of the subtle details of human character, he shows how ones journey can lead into salavation and realization that there is no God except ONE GOD, the creator of the Universe. And through tauba, the turning of the heart, one can recieve the Divine's guidancd. A book that makes you question your inner heart, brings you into tears yet gives you hope in the belief anf countless belief in the acceptance or return to the One, the Supreme. Michael has done a brilliant job, a master oiece in its own way.

I read the authors previous book which thrilled me. I rarely complete a book in consecutive days but this I could not leave alone. During this lockdown the book accompanied me from room to room , never being far from my view and I would grab it at every free moment.The stories in the book are told in such a way that one feels like he is watching an epic at every page. Every story would make a great movie !As a born muslim, surrounded by traditional islam, seeing the struggles of those who reached it with so much effort humbles me. At times tears would flow as one reflects on ones own journey . May God bless the author and all the protagonists.

This book has come into my life at a point where I am healing from a test which has been particularly challenging. With the blessings of God Almighty, things are improving.The series of circumstances which brought the reality of this book to my attention have been very telling and as I am reading its' unique content it continues to affect me deeply. At times, leaving me almost perturbed with the honesty with which it discusses the circumstances of its' subjects. We don't often hear these types of narratives in religious circles and capturing these realities makes me see the precise and in-atlerable Divine plan in each of these lives ever more clearly. Indeed we spend so much time worrying and anxious about what will happen to us, this book should help me and others put these thoughts at ease and focus on nurturing ourselves according to true Prophetic and Divine guidance. I cannot reccomend this book enough. May God Almighty increase the author and all its' subjects in light.

Amazing piece of writing....I haven't read a single word from this book! My husband 'borrowed' it and began to read it. He loved it so much he started to narrate the stories to me. We are both hooked!Beautifully written, this book truly opens your eyes, heart and mind and illustrates some wonderful and honest stories of personal journeys towards Allah. We have had some great conversations about our own faith and how much we can relate to many of the personal stories/journeys of seeking the Divine.