Rooted deeply in the Qur'an, hadith, and commentaries of notable scholars, the book in your hands is a precious resource to comprehend the context and dynamics that make spiritual mentoring and guidance an important part of a faithful life. The content of the book consists of transcripts of a series of sermons M. Fethullah Gü len delivered early in his career as a preacher. While presenting extensive commentary based on examples from the time of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and Rightly Guided Caliphs, Gü len does so with awareness of the realities of the modern era, especially with regards to being free from political interests and keeping the scope as wide as possible so to embrace the whole of humanity. The book supports the idea that spiritual mentoring and guidance is an important duty and highlights some principles mentors should take into consideration. While being an essential reference for mentors and counselors in the Muslim community, the book offers many universal principles that all faith communities can benefit from and refer to in their services.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Chapter 1
Understanding the Call
1.1. The purpose of our existence 13
1.2. The need for conveying the message and benefits 21
1.3. The most valuable gift 30
1.4. Continuity 33
1.5. Moral obligation 40
1.6. Spiritual guidance, the individual, and society 45
1.7. Faith and hypocrisy 55
1.8. Stories of heavenly destructions 63
1.9. A measure of preserving religion 73
Chapter 2
Guidelines
2.1. Knowledge 79
2.2. Awareness of the era 86
2.3. The relationship between the Qur'an and the heart 88
2.4. Legitimate means for legitimate ends 90
2.5. Compensation 91
2.6. Knowing the person and empathy 97
2.7. The inter-play of faith, spiritual mentoring, and action 113
2.9. Relationship with authorities and the elite 136
2.10. Being resolute 138
2.11. Being insightful & conforming with innate human nature 140
Chapter 3
The Spiritual Characteristics of a Mentor
3.1. Compassion 149
3.2. Selflessness 153
3.3. Prayer 155
3.4. Being rational and realistic 156
3.5. Tolerance 157
3.6. Being caring 158
3.7. Spirituality 159
3.8. Enthusiasm 162
3.9. Purity of heart and spirit 164
Conclusion167
Endnotes173
Index178
