Author: Mahfouz A. Adedimeji
Reviewer: Rukayat Atanda
Publisher: Xlibris
No of pages: 83
Once upon a time, there lived a rich man in the city of Jalaal. He lived his life the way he wished and not the way Allah indoctrinated. Hassan thought of what he could do to keep his wealth to himself. He auctioned his properties and used the money to buy a diamond; he tossed with his diamond almost three times before the ship he boarded moved. To his dismay, the diamond fell into the water and he burst into tears.
Is there any hope else for Hassan? This sounds like the practical reality of life.
Dr. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, a poet, columnist and lecturer, in his book, The Webs of Shaitan, The Way Out, narrated the reasons behind human creation. He also scored on how one can choose between heaven and paradise.
To some clerics, heaven is assumed to be hot while paradise is described as being beautiful. This book x-rayed on certain lost knowledge in Islam, explaining that anything that Allah did not order (Bidia) is believed to be a sin.
Judging by the references quoted and the rounds of Quranic verse implored in the compilation of this book, Adedimeji must have carried out several researches that made the publication a potable fact-file among the comity of its contemporaries.
The Webs of Shaitan, The Way Out attempts to throw light into the basics of the growing verses of Muslims by names and not by practice. From the time of old till date, there are so many Muslims who claims ‘I am a Muslim but will not Practice Islam’ and those who belief that their faith lies within their heart.
In the book, it was noted that one should always worship Allah significantly to appreciate what he has done. Allah said in the Quran that human beings are not created as ‘dummy’ but to worship him so as to prove wrong the ancient angels who had earlier doubted human’s complacency with God’s rules and obeisance.
Also Qawaidu Salat stipulates that, “Salat (five times prayer sessions) is the pillar of Islam and whosoever stand to pray has raised Islam and that there is no difference between the believers and unbelievers only with Salat (prayers.)”
The book, divided into two parts, clarifies that one of the best ways a true believer can avoid Shaitan (Satan) is by performing the ‘Fives times prayer’, waking up in the middle of the night for Tahajud, giving alms, avoid promiscuity among others.
On the other hand, the book educates on what one can do to be among Allah’s favourite; the nemesis of a bad deed among others. It also trails the mind of the readers with questions like who is Allah? What are the webs of this Shaitan? How do we avoid webs of Shaitan? All these have been answered by the author.
The book, looking at the crises in the world of today, describes Shaitan as a hunter whose arrow is the tongue, mouth, eyes, ears, stomach, private part, legs and hand. The book says Shaitan uses the part of human body to gather its own society, highlighting in a simple and experienced thought, the major route of Shaitan and the route human can take to avoid him.
The author also evaluates the web of Shaitan into the acronyms, 5Ws, meaning wealth, wine, woman, world and words.
All told, the book appears to have possessed features that could make it to be a kept for future recommendation.
The concept of 5Ws has the tendency to elaborate on how Shaitan has invaded human privacy with his webs as it states that human anxious desire for wealth; flairs for promiscuity; enthusiasm for intoxication on alcohol among others are part of what Shaitan use.
Quran 35: 6 said, “Surely, Shaitan is an enemy to you (mankind) so treat him as one. He only invites his hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing fire.”
Adedimeji, reiterates that Shaitan is the Chief Deceiver, the Evil one, The Enemy of Mankind that has disregarded Allah order. Presumably, it is obvious that people have dropped religious doctrines for bastardly act with the claims of harmony of civilisation.
The author therefore warns reader about the webs of Shaitan that he claims have spread across the world today.
“The Webs of Shaitan pervade the horizon, catching and clutching Muslims in rapid succession. His nets transverse the seas, fishing men and women that will be roasted on the Day of Judgment and on the land, cities, villages and jungles, the traps of Shaitan are carefully set with mouth-watering baits to capture us all. His reach transcends geographical boundaries: it is a world web.” P.9
From the author’s point of view, this book attempt to inject Islamic injunctions afresh into the system of Muslims, especially the youths, who are more susceptible to the guile and wiles of Shaitan.
It is innovative and instructive as Adedimeji uses some Quranic verses to explain certain interconnections between Allah, Shaitan and the Human.
The solution prescribed in the book stresses that human being can stop the webs of Shaitan; if they can submit themselves to the will of Allah and discard every ways that Shaitan uses to gather his member.
The book makes it clear that Allah does not preserve any place for Shaitan members than Hell.
The Webs of Shaitan The way Out, in its first part which has eight chapters explains to the readers what life is all about, giving an example of scholars quotes.
The book explains the ordeal of a man in Myth of Sisyphus who spent all his life rolling a big stone up a hill. This story would enable the reader to understand that after life, there is death.
Part two contains 10 chapters and each discusses issues that would develop Muslim zeal for Islam respectively and enunciates that no matter how believers are, he/she must be tested to know its level of competency in Islam.
“No people are beyond trials; Allah had tried the best community ever evolved for mankind in the past. The fact that he subjected them to trials did not mean that he forsook them. Allah did try his prophets and messengers. That he seriously tried them did not mean he preferred the enemies of his own people. What the world of Islam is going through now is a dose of trial. And Allah says ‘do people think they will be left alone because they say, ‘we believe’ and will not be tested’.” p.39.
This chapter attempts to tutor Muslims and its adherents the essence of practicing the religion.
The author provides some tips that can aid Muslims in practicing their religion without any interference and would assist unbelievers too.
However, the book suffers more from typographical errors and allocation of punctuation marks. Also in page 55, line two; the author writes ‘four types of Muslims’. Meanwhile, he has initially mentioned three types before splitting ‘subconscious Muslims’ into two.
The book is recommended for anybody that is thirsty of more knowledge in Islam.
It can also be used in Islamic gathering to discuss further on Shaitan, and as gift.