PRAISE FOR SECRETS OF DIVINE LOVE
“The fragrance of the Beloved permeates every passage of this
magnificent book, gently opening the gates of the heart and inviting
the reader into a direct experience of that which the author so
beautifully evokes. Whether you identify as a Muslim whose faith has
perhaps grown weary or as someone who would like to taste of the
essence of a tradition you do not understand, Secrets of Divine Love
is a masterful map of the landscape of the soul on its journey home
to the One who both transcends and dwells within all that is.”
—MIRABAI STARR
Author of God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and Wild
Mercy: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics
“A. Helwa’s book, Secrets of Divine Love, is a magnificent
accomplishment. So often we are asked where and how one
accesses the inner heart of the Islamic tradition—here it is! Helwa
does a beautiful job of taking us, no matter what our faith
background, through the Qur’an, teachings of the Prophet, Rumi,
and other mystical luminaries. She does so with gentleness,
kindness, never preachy, and always inviting. Secrets of Divine Love
is a beautiful book, and a major contribution. I wholeheartedly
recommended it for spiritual seekers of all paths!”
—OMID SAFI
Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University and author of Radical Love:
Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition
“Here is a manifesto to Love, love of God, God’s love for us, love for
ourselves and all of creation, a manifesto to hope and a manifesto
against despair. Helwa draws on diverse literary sources and the
wisdom of many authors to illustrate universal spiritual teachings . . .
Her prose is captivating, poetic and oozing with the passion and
vitality that she herself embodies . . . For the reader this book
breathes the spark of life into us and plants in us a longing to
experience these truths for ourselves.”
—NURA LAIRD;
MEd, Professor at the University of Sufism, Chair of the Department of Spiritual
Peacemaking, Mediator, Sufi healer and Counselor
“I am simply entranced by Helwa’s metaphors and insights. The bulk
of her sentences are poetry in motion and studded with pearls of
wisdom. Fragrant with beauty. Many of the sentences are musical.
You can rap with them. Enchanting! The creative way Helwa has
integrated her heart knowledge into her understanding of Islam is
stunning.”
—IMAM JAMAL RAHMAN
Author of Spiritual Gems of Islam: Insights & Practices from the Qur’an, Hadith, Rumi &
Muslim Teaching Stories to Enlighten the Heart & Mind
“Secrets of Divine Love is the product of A. Helwa’s earnest search
for truth and meaning. It is also her invitation to us, the readers, to
see what she has seen. This is a fascinating book that offers various
profound insights and a vision of Islam—and indeed the Divine—that
many readers will surely find enlightening and uplifting.”
—MOHAMMAD KHALIL
Professor of Islamic Studies at Michigan State University
“Secrets of Divine Love opens with one word: ‘Love.’ This word
appears and reappears, until the reader comes to understand only a
fraction of the ways that God pours His light on them. Helwa guides
the reader through a spiritual journey, highlighting aspects of Islamic
spirituality, practices, and tenets of the faith. This book serves as a
contemporary primer on Islam, and blends passages from the
Qur’an with reflection and discussion prompts for the reader. One
regularly is flushed with examples of God’s compassion, kindness,
forgiveness, patience, and comfort. This is simply a wonderful book,
written with care and precision, weaving us into God’s beautiful
tapestry.”
—DR. NAZITA LAJEVARDI
Associate Professor at Michigan State University and author of Outsiders at Home: The
Politics of American Islamophobia
“Secrets of Divine Love remedies my deepest existential dread by
reminding me of my inherent worth as a being that is unconditionally
loved. It pulls from common as well as less known sources, providing
evidence to quell the mind and soothe the heart. The carefully
curated content strikes deep emotional chords. I find myself
irresistibly falling in love with God and Islam.”
—MAHYA SHAMAI
Multidisciplinary Artist
“Secrets of Divine Love is a gem! It’s relatable and readable for
those of us who consider ourselves ‘faithful,’ those of us struggling to
feel so, and everyone in between. In the language of sweetness and
compassion, Helwa walks us through the journey of connection back
to the love of Allah.”
—LEILA ENTEZAM
LMFT, MBA, Emotional Intelligence Thought Leader
“The author’s work has a special way of speaking to the heart. This
reading offers exceptional spiritual nuances on the core of Islamic
belief and practices. More than ever, we are in need of content like
this that shines a luminous light on a faith that is frequently
misunderstood.”
—SEYED MAHDI AL-QASWINI
Educator at Islamic Educational Center of Orange County
“A marvelous book that gives a sound grasp of this great religion and
nourishment to the heart we deeply need. This book is a source of
majesty and beauty.”
—DR. FAWZIA AL-RAWI
Author of Divine Names: The 99 Healing Names of the One Love and Founder of the
Center for Feminine Spirituality and Sufism
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