From my perspective, the book goes into detail about how one should focus on balancing their life using Islamic method. The book highlights the way we can help achieve work life balance by giving quotes from the Holy Quran and Hadiths that explain in a way we can easily understand. Prophet Muhammad SAW is indeed the role model for many as he has a high standard of manners that made many followers.

Luckily, I had studied Islamic Management from my past course so I do have some understanding in work ethics. Especially the part of fulfilling our obligation, we should honor the trust that has been given to us and act on it. My favorite part in the book is when it highlights how work can raise self-esteem, self-respect and self-reliance to oneself. Performing such conduct will inevitably lead to a nice balanced lifestyle that can keep one in peace in the mortal and thereafter.

The book is such a refreshing change from the many others of its genre. It has the light touch of a world ex-corporate leader seasoned in conveying a serious message with a tinge of humour.
Writing with humility and sincerity in a simple, precise style, he takes the reader on his journey towards understanding the meaning of The Glorious Quran, AllahSWT’s Magnificent set of Messages for us to live and die by.
Through his meticulous research and consultations with experts, he extracts appropriate and easy to understand Quranic Verses that clearly illustrate AllahSWT’s Intent of The Quran being our guide throughout our life and beyond; on how to lead a productive and meaningful life on earth while being in constant remembrance that every thought and deed from us ‘adalah semuanya kerana AllahSWT’; and that we shall all return to Him.
The most encouraging difference of this book is that it gently and successfully draws attention to the Messages in the Quran that we should live, appreciate and enjoy with responsibility this world He has created to perfection for us but in moderation and within the set boundaries ; and living as such goes towards our preparation for the Afterlife.
This is the life balance that we should all aspire to.
It is my humble opinion that this book deserves much wider readership, especially among the future leaders of our beloved country who are still in secondary schools and universities.

Alhamdullilah, I’ve just finished reading your book. A wonderful book. Congratulations and many many thanks. It brings together the teachings in the Quran and Hadiths and learned writings on key aspects of all our lives. Makes it easy to digest and understand. A very useful reference. It is a powerful dakwah and reminder. I also enjoyed your personal sharing, anecdotes and your forward looking views and suggestions. May Allah reward you amply till Jannah. 🙏

The book is such a refreshing change from the many others of its genre. It has the light touch of a world ex-corporate leader seasoned in conveying a serious message with a tinge of humour.

Writing with humility and sincerity in a simple, precise style, he takes the reader on his journey towards understanding the meaning of The Glorious Quran, AllahSWT’s Magnificent set of Messages for us to live and die by.

Through his meticulous research and consultations with experts, he extracts appropriate and easy to understand Quranic Verses that clearly illustrate AllahSWT’s Intent of The Quran being our guide throughout our life and beyond; on how to lead a productive and meaningful life on earth while being in constant remembrance that every thought and deed from us ‘adalah semuanya kerana AllahSWT’; and that we shall all return to Him.

The most encouraging difference of this book is that it gently and successfully draws attention to the Messages in the Quran that we should live, appreciate and enjoy with responsibility this world He has created to perfection for us but in moderation and within the set boundaries ; and living as such goes towards our preparation for the Afterlife.

This is the life balance that we should all aspire to.
It is my humble opinion that this book deserves much wider readership, especially among the future leaders of our beloved country who are still in secondary schools and universities.

Thanks for the book.
Very good reading. It resonates well with me esp as we try to navigate our worldly pursuits without forgetting the Hereafter.

Wish the author had written it sooner 😊 !

Elm Edg's humility humbled me.... learning the messages of Quran late in life and trying to make sense of this world that we live in. What an achievement !

It's so sad that we Muslims, lost our Golden age of Muslim innovation, knowledge..... somewhere along the way, we stopped thinking about what Allah swt wants us to contribute in this world.

We feel as if we are pulled in 2 different directions - worldly ambitions & preparing ourselves for the hereafter.

I always believe that we should strive our best in the world without forgetting our responsibilities to the One who created us. And in the book the author made his arguments very clear.

Where can I buy copies of the book ? I intend to give to friends as a gift hoping that they will benefit too.  
Thanks again!

The inability to understand the concept of ethical behaviour as embedded in, defined and alluded to in the Quran has rendered us Muslims incapable of translating the essence of ethical behaviour to our work life as well as our personal life. It is fortunate therefore that Elm Edge has made a commendable effort to highlight the guiding principles of ethical behaviour in the Quran that have a direct bearing on our work, family, community and national obligations. Practising exemplary work ethics at the workplace as well as practising and displaying exemplary behaviour towards family and community, guided by the Quran--are what Elm Edge means by a balanced lifestyle.

“Just finished reading your book. The 7MH guidance is well researched and written in simple language.”

Thanks for the book.
Very good reading. It resonates well with me esp as we try to navigate our worldly pursuits without forgetting the Hereafter.

Wish the author had written it sooner 😊 !

Elm Edg's humility humbled me.... learning the messages of Quran late in life and trying to make sense of this world that we live in. What an achievement !

It's so sad that we Muslims, lost our Golden age of Muslim innovation, knowledge..... somewhere along the way, we stopped thinking about what Allah swt wants us to contribute in this world.

We feel as if we are pulled in 2 different directions - worldly ambitions & preparing ourselves for the hereafter.

I always believe that we should strive our best in the world without forgetting our responsibilities to the One who created us. And in the book the author made his arguments very clear.

Where can I buy copies of the book ? I intend to give to friends as a gift hoping that they will benefit too.
Thanks again !

I read Elm Edge's book, made notes and reflected on what the book is all about.
It is an absolutely brilliant and comprehensive guide book especially for young graduates who just enter the workplace, starting life and family. The author with his wittiness and a tad of naughtiness showed to us what it is to play multiple roles and still being guided by Allah’s manual and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW.

I see his book in the hands of many people around the world especially in the academic institutions not only teaching us about work ethics but also about the meaning of this life, where we are heading and how to get there.
Tahniah Elm Edge dan terima kasih for doing all the homework for me as a trainer and coach. My warmest salam to you. I hope to meet you for an interview one day. Inshaallah

1. For someone like me, whose agama knowledge is not so deep, to present and argue facts about Islam, your book is indeed an eye opener and educative (for me at least) to the fact that Islam is truly a simple religion. It is made complicated by religious gurus/ulamaks and followed by blind followers who swallow everything that comes from an ustaz's mouth as the gospel truth.

2. Your writings reminds me of a book, I read several years ago, "Price of Honor" by a British journalist Jan Goodwin. I borrowed the book from TunM's personally library.

3. A line in her book said, "Islam is very much a misunderstood religion" by the Muslims themselves.

4. Her stint as a journalist in Pakistan promted her to write the book. She met Maria a young girl of 10. Two years later she met Maria again. She was sold by her father to marry an old Sheikh who already had married 16 times. Maria had a child. Jan said to herself, "there's something wrong with this religion, how could a child be forced to get married, n gave birth to a child, when she was still a child?".

5. Jan who was a Catholic continued her research on Islam to study the plight of Muslim women in 7 Islamic countries mostly in Africa.

6. She wrote, "for Muslims, especially women, to understand your own religion pls read the Quran. Do not allow just any ulamak to interpret it for you, because they will interpret according to their whims and fancies to suit them especially on women matters".

7. One example she highlighted, in some African states women's circumcision went to the extreme by mutilating women's intimate area. That was the most crueliest of all things that could happen to a woman. The Quran did not say mutilate.

8. Thus your book somewhat reminds me of her writings, that every Muslim should try read and understand the Quran.

I love the intro already…

I like it. I sincerely think its a good simple book for awareness. Islamic values n concepts ie islam as a way of life. That all rules & guidance for our kehidupan harian are stated in Quran. Its a gd book to open eyes for yg belum faham concept islam sebenar

It is easy. When i started learning in 2016, thats how the foreign syeiks created awareness - Quran is just not about religion & monotheism of Allah. Its more. Elm Edge has put it simply n nice to read for awareness

Because there is no specific book that creates awareness on work ethics here. From syariah perspective

Sabrina jadi lah 😀 but it is a nice book to read. I am giving the ones i ordered for presents to some young top management friends innthe market..

My enforced rest allowed me to finish reading your book. And frankly it was enjoyable and quite difficult to put down. The message is obvious ... to me simply put, how to overhaul our akhlak and dignity without going to extremes. Your methodical and logical approach based on the Qur'an with a little humour and little stories thrown in, and the page layout make it a refreshing and easy read.

I own the Amazing Quran myself and have followed Ustaz Fazrul Ismail's tadabbur on MyQuranTime and I readily applaud his bluntness and courage in highlighting our social ills particularly his style in targetting those in power and authority. I pray that more local writers or influencers could take up the challenge and reinforce one another in pushing the critical mass into desired action.

Congrats again for this noble and laudable achievement Mad!

This book is the author's effort to share his thoughts and his conclusions after much spiritual research coupled with his work life experiences. It will surely be worthwhile reading for those undergoing similar paths and choices in their search for a life balance.

Seeking a Life Balance is an inspiring piece of writing to the layman and the intellectual. It addresses life itself; the ups and downs of challenges and vicissitudes; and the anchor of faith, knowledge, wisdom and best practices which make it possible to achieve contentment in life.



The writer has galvanized his writing by aptly providing justifications to his arguments and suggestions quoting in the right context from the Quran and Prophetic traditions.



If the first few chapters are regarded as a description of the domains, paradigms and tools of the mining operation of life, then chapters 5, 6,7 are the raw jewels that have been unearthed and polished whilst chapter 8 described the utilization of greatest efficacy for these gems of ideas to revitalize the ummah via transformative jihad.



I deemed the writer Elm Edge has succeeded in showcasing a viable formula for success in life. My utmost gratitude and thanks to him for being honest and truthful in sharing his own experiences in this gem of a book.

Inspiring! Stimulating! Thought-provoking! A heartwarming personal journey of a sincere seeker provides insights in his pursuit of enlightenment based on the Islamic sacred texts. Through the practice of tadabbur (reflection), he meticulously captures the essence and wisdom of the verses in the Quran and the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad pbuh, in particular on issues of integrity, morality and work ethics.



Lucid in explanation, the author skilfully articulates the need to have a deeper knowledge and greater understanding of Islam as it always was and as it should be, in the quest of a Balanced Life and to regain the Golden Age of Islam.



Echoing others before him to create a strong Muslim ummah, the author challenges Muslim leaders to implement a bold & powerful transformative jihad, not as a goal but as a means to recapture the greatness of Islam. This book is exactly what we need today hence will undoubtedly edify readers. Indeed, a must-read book.

I like the fact that, unlike most agama books which are always about preparing for the next world, this book is not only about that, but also about how to live a good Muslim life in this world … a balanced daily life. As the writer is a layman his writing is easily understood and appreciated by readers of all creeds.

“NATION BUILDING THE MALAYSIAN WAY”
This is a book that one will not want to put down from start to finish. I did just that.
Why?
Four reasons. One, it breaks down the different phases of Malaysia’s development history from the Merdeka days until today and identifies what had gone wrong and how does one get out of it. Two, it discusses the roles adopted by the different personalities: the Nationalists, National Unity heroes, Islamicists, Big Picture Pundits and Global Futurists involved in the process to move the country forward. Three, it challenges the many successes and failures encountered along the way, big and small, by the leadership of the day and assesses their significance or otherwise to the country and the people. Four, having gone through what the Author had termed as the “7 Missed Chances at Nation Building”, he ventured to ask the moot questions: “where are we going now?” and “what do we really want?”.
Where are we going? In trying to figure out the directions the people wish to go to, future Governments will have to determine three important questions. As listed by the author, these are: know our history; list our strengths and weaknesses; move with unity to achieve the goals together.
What do we really want? This question is rightfully addressed by the Author to the people of Malaysia who will have to decide on what model of development is the most apt to seek national and social unity for the people and the country.
The better choice is to go for a bias-free multi-racial society throughout. Alternatively, and this has been widely mentioned in the book, the people will have to go for a model of society that has stood up against time and had survived till today albeit amid a lot of give and take from all the races. Admittedly, there will be the usual stresses and strains along the way, but nothing can stop its progress given a tight legal surrounding present in its operation in Malaysian society since the country achieved Independence in 1957.
For the Malays given its history and population numbers and being recognised as ‘sons of the soil’ in the country’s Constitution, MH, the Author, has cited for them the following: to survive in this world the Malays must progress based on the concept he has defined as the “Life Balance”, a reference to the twin paths of succeeding at making worldly gains on Earth and yet remaining within the bounds of the spiritual demands in the Hereafter. The Author can be credited for introducing this concept of the ‘Life Balance’ in his first book, “Seeking a Life Balance” (Elm Edge, 2023) to help the Believer in Islam to conduct his or her life on Earth with a strong push for life in the Hereafter as well. Ameen

History often surprises us with its complexity, and this book masterfully demonstrates how expanding perspectives and questioning established narratives can lead to profound insights. The author succeeds in presenting an alternative interpretation of Malaysia's history through thoughtful analysis and comparisons with the experiences of other nations.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the depth of thought given to Malaysia's formative years. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the contributions of figures like Dato’ Onn Ja’afar and their pivotal roles in securing our independence. The discussion on how a stronger foundation in governance could have shaped a more robust education system was particularly thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the book, which felt rich in detail and analysis.

On the second part of the book, I wish the author had spent more time elaborating on his views, maintaining the engaging and reflective tone of the first half.

How Malaysia Missed 7 Chances at Nation Building is a compelling read that challenges its audience to rethink the path our nation has taken. It is an essential book for anyone interested in Malaysia’s history, insights of its policies, and future potential.

Mohammed’s review of our missed opportunities is not merely a critique but a call to action - a challenge to break the cycle and chart a different course. In doing so, he offers us a profound service, bearing the weight of truth for the benefit of us all.

There is a wise and prescient Malay saying “Jikalau sesat, kembalilah ke pangkal jalan”. (If lost, go back to the start – the fork in the road). The author, a consummate corporate insider in his seventh decade, picks his seven wrong turns, as such.

Agree, disagree but never disagreeable, a thought-provoking read, for us to reflect and most of all, to act to build and rebuild our nation.

One word to describe this book – riveting!

Embracing uncomfortable truths with courage and venturing into unchartered territories, the author's insightful analyses and observations on our historical trajectory offer valuable contemplation points for charting our onward course. This book encapsulates a wealth of honest viewpoints and wisdom.

The writer spent a lot of time and effort researching on the background to our independence. The information obtained on the negotiation with the British is information not available to Malaysians or any history books. He then traced the political and economic growth and development on the nation with a very balanced emphasis on the Bumiputra issues. A book worth reading indeed.

An extremely enjoyable read for thought on seven missed opportunities for what might have been, with compelling and contentious arguments, through the eyes of a prominent ex-banker who is neither a professional writer nor a historian, but an advocate of progressive Islam and developed Malaysia.

An intriguing read that opens eyes and provokes thoughts. Very well researched and very well-written in a story-telling manner that tempts readers to continue turning the pages. Full of insights and behind-the-scenes details. I believe every Malaysian will find it engrossing.

Nation-building is essentially “work in progress”. The book discusses achievements and shortfalls of plans, policies and initiatives to achieve the objectives of nation-building since independence.

No one seems to want to see the elephant in the room, which is the Malay psyche – not wanting to get out of our comfort zone and undergo long and hard educational and technical training that can be gruelling. The shortcuts are easier. Thus, the gradual proliferation of cronyism and corruption which have become institutionalised.

The author puts forward a strong case for a new Bumiputra economic model. The framework is sound - its elements and the short and long-term strategies - but critical to its successful implementation to achieve a strong Bumiputra supply chain is the competency and integrity of the executors as well as the no pain no gain attitude of the Bumiputra awardees themselves. It is imperative for our country’s leadership and planners to restructure the master plan for the education, health care, media and other related agencies that work towards making a healthy multi-racial society in mind and body.

The book delves into the rich dynamics of Malaysian society, seamlessly weaving together the diverse elements that our forefathers envisioned in their quest for harmony. Each chapter offers a profound exploration of the nation’s multifaceted identity, illuminating the collective hopes of its people. The author’s masterful narrative captures the essence of Malaysia’s journey towards unity, making this book an invaluable treasure for every Malaysian, especially my generation.

It is always fascinating to see different perspectives of our past. These missed opportunities though have been discussed behind closed doors and amongst friends. I don’t think anyone have had a book to spell it out and to question them openly. Appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gesture to share his perspective on these national developments with the younger generation. The author has more faith in the country and is more positive about the future than many of us… Felt his passion and love for the nation.

We are not in shambles but not great either. We support a one-school system to encourage unity and avoid segregation at a young age. As a bumi (Insyi), I feel in this day & age, we should no longer be segregated by race. Education opportunities and work opportunities should be given out to everyone who is eligible irrespective of background.

As a non-Bumi (Ashley) I feel disappointed, given the hard work and contribution to the country, that we do not get equal rights, in terms of education, career and housing in my ‘tanah airku’.

Dalam zaman dimana perubahan boleh berlaku secara drastik dan cepat, buku ini releven untuk mereka yang berminat dalam sejarah dan bidang political science.