Being Muslim: A Practical Guide is a new book written to help Muslims of all backgrounds learn and practice their faith.
Being Muslim is a compilation of essential concepts and timeless wisdom compiled from over 20 reliable authorities in Islam, bringing all of these components together in one convenient, easily readable guide.
This book is meant to give readers practical and useful knowledge that can help them understand what it means to be Muslim.
Whether you are completely new to the religion or need to brush up on some of the basics, Being Muslim is an excellent guide to reconnect to the most essential aspects of Islam. The entire manual clearly explains the most fundamental aspects of the faith and assumes no background knowledge at all.
Foreword by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
"All of the great learning that Muslims displayed throughout their history was always predicated on a foundational, core knowledge that the great usuli scholars of Islamic jurisprudence called fard 'ayn, or 'the individual obligations.'
"This short book has that little amount of individually responsible knowledge necessary for a new Muslim or an unlearned Muslim rediscovering his or her religion. Dr. Asad Tarsin has rendered our community an important service by designing and writing a concise, useful, and accurate manual of core knowledge that every Muslim should know. It is a basic manual, and much needed in our time of great ignorance from within and without the Muslim community."
From the foreword by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Being Muslim—A Deeper Look
We live in confusing times. When it comes to learning Islam, many wonder, "Where do I start? What should I start with?" Being Muslim presents content that is both reliable—based in Islamic scholarship—and not obscured in jargon and difficult terminology. It was designed to include what every Muslim should know as well as those things that are essential to a proper understanding of the overall vision and spirit of Islam.
Being Muslim uses the Narration of Gabriel (Hadith Jibril) as a basic framework, then covers the basics of Islamic belief, how to pray and fast, spiritual refinement, a brief examination of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, an introduction to the Quran, and guidelines for living an Islamically ethical lifestyle. It also includes a glossary of frequently used Islamic terms, an appendix of short selections from the Quran, and a list of recommended reading.
Learn the Essentials
"Praise belongs to God, the One Who taught us
the very knowledge He made obligatory upon us."
—Imam 'Abd al-Wahid ibn 'Ashir
Being Muslim prioritizes your learning by focusing primarily on what is called fard 'ayn, that which every Muslim must learn in order to know and worship God appropriately. This "how-to" guide includes the essentials of Muslim belief, the rites known as the pillars of Islam, and an understanding of character refinement. By focusing on the essentials—while also providing context and important background knowledge—Being Muslim allows students to learn what is most vital and practical.
About the Author
Asad Tarsin has been designing Islamic educational programs and teaching the basics of Islam for more than a decade. After completing his bachelor's degree in Islamic studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he continued his study of Islamic theology, sacred law, philosophy and spirituality with some of the country’s most prominent Muslim scholars including Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Sherman Jackson, among others.
He has served as the curriculum director for the Deen Intensive Foundation for the last ten years and has a particular interest in creating sustainable models of education for new and returning Muslims. He lectures and teaches courses on Islam across the country. Being Muslim: A Practical Guide is his first published work. He is an emergency physician by training and lives in California with his wife and three children.