In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad

To Najma

This book is a work o f dawn
And you accompanied it, with your footsteps on the stairs,
Your mischievous, laughing, o r sulky eyes.
You came to CUI! up in my arms.
1 would then leave the screen through which I w:l8 immersed
In the infinite light of the Messenger's goodness and love,
To drown in the infinite warmth of your presence.
The Messenger taught me forgiveness, you offered me innocence.
i\Iay your path be brjght, my daughter, and may He love you
Through your smiles and through your tears.
I love you.

To ATlma Ali

An American encoumer and a never-ending gift
Facing trials. accepting silences.
You have accompanied my thought and my questions,
And read and reread and rephrased, often better than I could have done.
Faithfulness o f the heart and soul in the Light of the 110st H igh
In the footsteps of His Messenger.
I forget nothing.

To Claude D"bbak

To tell you here of my eSteem and respect
For that deep modesty and constant humility.
Behind the translator, one senses deeply rich learning
And an immense gift offered to \Vestern Muslims.
Your name too often hides behind authors' works.
OUf debt is immense, mine in particular.
In the name of us all, truly, from the bottom of my heart,
Thank you!