PrefaceThe world today is abuzz with unrelenting activity. The developments in .worlds of politics, economics, social media, entertainment, technology andbeyond, are all constantly vying for our attention. But more importantly, theyare vying to distract our hearts. In line with the ideology of unfettered freemarkets, we are constantly being 'exhorted' to consunme. There has, perhansnever been a time when Allah's words, alhākum al-takāthur (al-Takāthur102: 1), were more applicable. We have arrived at a time when beingdistracted from our duties to Allah has been institutionalized: theentertainment industry is undoubtedly one of the most imposing industries ofmodernity.Of course, it does not stop there. In modern society, individuals can bereduced to little more than atomized consumers. Our din also can becomecommodified into a form of entertainment in this environment. Our scholarscan become celebrities, who we watch for a 'spiritual high' before returningto our routinized consumer existence. The Muslim ummah is experiencingcrises of religious identity, with its global image being hijacked by violentgroups. These groups attract young Muslims, ignorant of their dīn, into theirranks through their domination of the headlines with shocking acts ofviolence.With such levels of distraction and crisis, it is difficult to stay spirituallycentred. Our communities and mosques are not always the centres of spiritualguidance and counsel we need them to be. The Prophet taught us: al-din al-nasīhahThe din is about giving sincere counsel." And in an age ofdistraction and pervasive negativity, positive and constructive reminders areessential to our spiritual well-being.