Reflections on 'Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart'

This is an immensely practical work for a contemporary, urban, Muslim audience.

It is an aid for reorienting oneself to religious life and does so much more that what its quirky title ‘Joy Jots’ suggests. Ostensibly addressed to Muslim women (the author uses the pronouns ‘she’ and ‘her’ almost exclusively - I find this refreshing, by the way), all Muslims young and old will be able to gain an understanding of what it is to improve the quality of their religious lives as well as their relationships with people around them.

Of the many ‘take-home’ messages that can be gleaned from this book, the ones that stand out for me are: reflection as a multi-purpose tool for self-improvement; establish tahajjud in life; be actively kind and look past the quirks your loved ones might have; plan and make space in your life for prayer and supplication but be aware that there are no instant fixes, take the long view; and as we embark on a more religious life, do not let this be cause for us to judge others.

Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart
Tamara Gray
Daybreak