Then I Was Guided

By: Muhammad al-Tijani al-Samawi

Narrated by: The Lazy Intellectual

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Tijani Samawi, the author of this aduiobook, is a learned cleric trained in the Maliki Fiqh. In the middle of his life, he traveled to Iraq and met with the late Ayatullah al-Khui. He was greatly influenced by the Ayatullah and converted from Maiki Sunni practice to Shi'a Ithna Ashari practice. This is the story of his conversion. He cites great logic and references.

©2015 Bozims Ltd. (P)2020 The Lazy Intellectual

Fascinating account of spiritual discovery

"Then I Was Guided" is a compelling narrative of a Sunni Muslim's journey to Shia Islam, offering insight into the emotional and spiritual complexities of religious conversion. Through honest storytelling, the author navigates internal struggles, societal pressures, and moments of clarity that lead to their embrace of Shia Islam. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of religious identity and the search for truth.

An objective analysis of the different sects within Islam for any researcher seeking the truth.

This book provides specific details relating to the political and historical events both during and after the Prophet Mohamed (Peace and blessings of Allah upon and his household) leading to a logical conclusion that is objectively accepted by all schools of thought within Islam using sources agreed by all sides.

Truth is never singular

It is a book written by a muslim scholar for muslim scholars. If you don't know in details the four sunni madhhabs, shi'i traditions , early islamic history, the Quran in arabic ( yep key terms are not translated to English), the sufi orders of North Africa - especially the tijanni tariq, then the book will be likely incomprehensible to you. It is an excellent read however for those equipped with such knowledge.
Now about the book:
1, the recording quality is poor but listenable. The narrator is reasonably good, her pronunciation of Arab is very good (likely done by a bilingual arabic/ english speaker grown up in England)
2. The beginning of the book is very engaging. It narrates the young man's intellectual and actual journeys, his confrontation with Shi'i scholars and etc...
3. the latter half of the book is largely a shi'i propaganda. Yes, I have chosen my word carefully. The narrator went from open, intellectual, sympathetic to a full blown, one sided shi'i jihadist. Hence it fails to present Shi'ism in the best light.
Conclusion:
The book is a good read, despite my criticism in point 3 it is still a well researched book containing many verifiable facts that Sunni scholars fail to acknowledge or deliberately ignore. It also shows me that truth is never singular, a nation, a religion's collective truth is simply the culmination of a collective emotion forged in a succession of decisive historical moments. And we, trying to discern such "truths" must take both opposing sides into equal consideration.

Furthermore, my own intention of starting this book was due to my growing curiosity and sympathy towards shi'ism. By and large, The book somehow unintendedly did the opposite job. I am able to see clearly why such significant portion of Sunni muslims hold Shi'ites in contempt. Having said this, it still confirmed some of my positive views on Shi'ism and I am grateful for the author's effort.