Between the years 1978 & 1996 the late Gai Eaton gave a series of talks on BBC Radio about Islam & its role in contemporary society. Eighty-six of these talks
- variously titled Reflections Words of Faith & Pause for Thought
- are published here for the first time as Reflections. Together these talks provide a beautifully clear & accessible introduction to the central tenets principles & practices at the heart of Islam & as such are not only a unique guide for non-Muslims but also an inspiring reminder to Muslims of the essence of their faith. Connecting everything that Eaton discusses in Reflections are the two principles of the Oneness of God (Tawhid) & the Viceregency of man (khilafah). Therefore whether discussing the five pillars of Islam or the sufi concepts of fear (makhafah) love (mahabbah) & knowledge (marifah) or the idea of a just war or environmental changes Gai Eaton reminds us that nothing is independent of the One who is Truth Mercy & Beauty & that we who are the Viceregents of this Truth must
- if we are to be true to the potential within us
- undertake the human struggle the inner jihad to convert our divided souls into unified harmonious balanced souls; souls not motivated by selfishness self-regard & self-righteousness but souls in a state of peace illumined by the permanent consciousness of the divine. While always expresses himself as a Muslim Gai Eatons voice with all its wisdom its humanity & its humour speaks not only to Muslims but to all those interested in a spiritual approach to life.