“Revival of the Iqra! Principle is a welcome addition to the library of contemporary Islamic studies. Although the subject matter is highly scholarly in nature, the lucid style of the author makes it accessible to scholars and lay persons alike. The author moves skillfully between the lexical meaning of words, to their position within their texts, to the interrelationship between groups of texts, to the overarching message revealed in Quran or Hadith or both. Indeed, the book is more than a call to action. It is a trophy of inspiration, intellectual insight and fulfillment to the mind and spirit!”
Abubaker Al Shingieti, PhD
“The Lord Most Glorious calls on us to ponder upon the Holy Qur’an in several verses (4:82; 47:24) saying:
(Do they not then ponder upon the Qur’an… )
It is this directive which the author, Randa Hamwi, takes to heart as she ponders upon the first command, Iqra! – the first word revealed to the Messenger of God, peace upon him – and derives from it astounding, eminent connotations that rouse Muslims out of a slumber based on perplexity or ignorance about the rich meanings contained within the Holy Qur’an. The author explains these concepts in Revival of the Iqra Principle with diligence, relying on solid evidence pulled from most reliable exegeses…”
Shaykh Dr. Ayman Al-Shawwa
“Ihyaa Faatihat Iqra is a book of deep thought and thorough research. It provides the reader with a clear vision of life with its upcoming concerns and highlights the essence of worship. Easy to read; rich in valuable information.” Ali Malas
“Ihyaa Faatihat Iqra is a book that will open the reader’s mind to look deeply and with a different perspective into the meanings of the Holy Qur’an. It touches on topics that should be discussed in our time and dealt with so as to distinguish between what we are accustomed to and what is true Islam. The writer’s efforts reflect her sincerity of faith and her fear for future generations.” Samia Hneidi Akkad
“The book (Ihyaa Faatihat Iqra) is truly a treasure; unveiling the full meaning of ‘Iqra’ is tantamount to an awakening which revives the original concepts of Islam, demonstrated with precision and an abundance of information.” Laila Elizabeth Moustafa
“Comparing the admirable work-ethics of the young post-immigration society in Madinah with that of other prosperous communities was very helpful. The topics in this book can be added to educational curriculums.” Reading Friends, Damascus
‘Ihyaa Faatihat Iqra’ is a light that illuminates the path of generations to come, reviving their hope in commendable change and the correct transmission of the Message. – Reading Friends, Damascus
Ihyaa Faatihat Iqra is a remarkable academic book that highlights a fresh, compelling concept which will change the way future generations think and correct certain misinterpretations of the Holy Qur’an, reflecting positively on their behavior. -Reading Friends, Damascus
“Heartbeats in the Wind is a cry to be heard in a world that seems deafened by the explosions of the past year and is unable to hear the voices of moderates. It showcases the lyricism and passion of Randa Hamwi Duwaji, one of the Islamic world’s finest poets and writers for children in the English language. The ideas she expresses deserve consideration by anyone who preofesses an open mind. Heartbeats in the Wind is an antidote to everything that has been said on the subject.” Ayman Hakki, MD.
“Heartbeats in the Wind conveys the daunting effort so many Americans of different backgrounds relate to as we try to sustain identity, balance beliefs and preserve cultural integrity. As a Palestinian, I was particularly moved by the ‘Arab Heart’ section; my people’s sufferings were so well expressed! And as a Christian, I felt that the vital question posed in ‘The Challenge of Nine Eleven’, rightly puts the onus of introspection of the book’s central elements- Love, Tolerance, Peace, Justice -on all of us, ‘America, are we up to it?’ Indeed, Heartbeats in the Wind challenges both Arabs and Americans; Are we up to it?”…. Ruba Sifri
“It is remarkable to tap the pulse of an expatriate Arab heart as it travels through time, composing music that overflows with notes of humble devotion and divine love.
Spending hours with Randa Hamwi Duwaji’s words that sparkle with the spirit of her Arab and Muslim heart as they sing to its rhythm, I found her serenade to loved ones especially moving in its purity and sincerity.
I pray to God that her endeavor helps shape the future to the best of aspirations for the children of tomorrow.”
Zahra Abdel-Wahed
“Randa Hamwi Duwaji writes from an Arab heart that has experienced universal suffering and found sustenance in the roots of her motherland- roots that branch out in a spirit of love for humankind everywhere. Upon a global canvas she depicts Man’s defamation of Man and the erosion of morals as people stray from core Human values, principles advocated by Monotheistic faiths and confirmed by scholars and sages throughout time.
The author delivers an engaging literary exposé as she intersperses poetry with prose in an attempt to discover the meaning of her existence and reveal the true path of Humanity. Her journey is lit with such passion that prose becomes poetry and poetry prose, the intellect whispering in an undertone, surfacing and plunging into depths of the conscious and unconscious.
It is an authentic personal experience in every sense- or more precisely, the experience of an entire nation as it searches for itself within the global horizon, a horizon that consists of both good and evil.”
Abdullah Abdel-Daim, Ph.D.
“Reading Delightful Days in Marjella and browsing through its pages with Sana and Fadi was a wonderful experience. It is such a lovely book! The stories are full of fun, and they are extremely sensitive as well. I think that children will really enjoy reading Delightful Days in Marjella!” Mayserrim Koutouby, 14 years old
“Clear, imaginative and vastly entertaining, Randa Hamwi Duwaji’s short stories blend the traditions of the past, hope for the future, the wisdom of age and a proud culture. Delightful Days in Marjella is certain to make for delightful days and nights for children everywhere.” DAR AL-HAYAT BOOKS
“Delightful Days in Marjella addresses itself to the innocent, unspoilt territory called Childhood and seeks to cultivate the purity and goodness within it. Inviting the child to peep through a keyhole at a world of spiritual treasures- the ‘Open Sesame!’ to its gate is ‘Love’!” Nada Zeineddine, PhD
