Heaven - Hardcover

by Abdel Salam Sayyad (Author)

Synopsis

Mansour is a tech startup founder from Gaza, with larger than reality hopes and ambition, for himself, his family, and his people.

When his life is disrupted, and ultimately ended by the war, he discovers that death is only the beginning. Life in the Hereafter is a resumption of this life on earth.

As he tries to build the life he always wanted, he discovers crucial events that happened to his family after his death, and they bear heavily on their present life. He also meets with historical figures in a quest to understand what the new world is about, and why people behave the way they do...

This story is based on Islamic theology, but very accessible to non-Muslims. It tackles questions of modern life, philosophy, and religion through an engaging story.

Quote

"We were mistaken about Heaven, you and I! Remember how you joked about chasing Al-Hour Al-Ein as soon as we got to Heaven, and I promised that I was going to lock you up and keep you for myself? Life in Heaven made more sense when we got here. It was our same lives; extended; expanded; compounded; intensified... secured; complemented; compensated; sanctified! We found ourselves carrying our baggage, and memories, and attitudes, and complications... while being in full command and control! What glorious existence that many are wasting! What marvelous potential that most are squandering! What magical possibilities that all are oblivious to!"

Advance review

"On the cusp of accepting Islam, I was delighted to discover this insightful book into the author's fictional perspective of Heaven. As mentioned in the prologue, this novel is based on Islamic theology and deals with some aspects about this life and life after death as experienced by a young Gaza's man killed in the war.

The book addresses several issues making references to the Quran. Following Mansour's travels in search of answers, it raises any number of questions; are humans the same or different in Heaven, are we affected by the baggage we bring with us from the first life, and does an unfulfilled life get fulfilled in Heaven.

Technological advances play a large part in the storytelling, written by this gifted author introducing a plethora of characters and dramatic events." Jill Walker, UK