Teknologi Kesultanan Melaka - Hasanuddin Yusof

The author tries to portray an highly advanced civilisation during the Melaka sultanate era. Not actually an historical book but more of excerpts taken from a number of sources. A few repetition here and there. Anyway, an interesting view of a legendary time.

Points to learn :

• history needs critical analyses not just dates and events
• ...and lessons to be learnt

Rating : ✮✮

The Evolution of Fiqh - Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

The occasional good book in hand. Pleasant to read and written in clear layman's term that even those not very well versed in fiqh would be able to get an overview in regards to its evolution. Certainly recommended. The editing by Bradley Philips needs special mention. It definitely makes the reading experience more pleasurable.

Points to learn :

• Islam in general has gone through much turbulence period in the hands of man since the demise of our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW
• the islamic law and madh-habs need much comprehension by all quarters in order to have unify the ummah (..it's also a divisive factor if manipulated and misintepreted)

Rating : ✮✮✮✮

Panduan Pengendalian Restoran - Fatimah Musa

If you are looking for the "how to" manage a restaurant, you will be disappointed. This book is actually more on the technical aspects mainly catering to the higher end setting. Worth to note that most of the diagrams are bland. It would have been better to add some colours and actual pictures instead of schematic diagrams. Nevertheless, reading it makes me wonder, the extend of details we human go through in regards to certain things in life. A momentary life.

Points to learn:

• mankind is never short of ingenuity
• class and comfort (..not forgetting grandeur) is part of our pretentious life

Rating:✮✮

Tuhan Sedang Menguji Kita - Ustaz Kazim Elias

Initially slow. Then picked up steam. Generally, a good, light read. Our good Ustaz writes about his days as a preacher with personal experiences to be used as lessons in life. 

Points to learn:

• life as a preacher is never easy...the fact is, anything you do will have challenges of its own 

Ratings: ✮✮✮

Nabatah - Mohd Khairy Haji Halimi

A good attempt at satirical novel. Despite lacking depth and humour, the author is able to put forward many lessons in good governance and societal issues. The storyline seems a bit dragging and a number of repetitive lines. Rather predictable at the most. 

Points to learn:

• we live in an interconnected world..and everyone (..or thing) is dependable on each other

Rating: ✮✮

What is the Holy Quran & How to Recite it? - Qari Ahmad Saeed

Those into perfecting their Quran recital should read it. However, there are some set backs. The translation to English needs some "fine-tuning". There are also too many "symbols and markings". The frequent change in fonts, adds to the confused mind. Nevertheless, do remember..that you may get some good pointers here and there.

Points to learn:

• learning Quran is lifelong

Rating:✮✮✮