Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart

by Tamara Gray

The second edition of Joy Jots a collection of 52 weekly essays that take the reader through a year of seasons, blessings and joyful spiritual growth. The reader goes on a journey from lessons learned to lessons lived, from talking about joy to feeling joy, from the limitation of sadness to the freedom of joy. A joy jot is a phrase coined around mindful thankfulness. As the reader works through the reflection prompts and practical projects, she will find herself collecting joy jots; happy moments or points of deep thankfulness to God. As the habit of joy develops, the reader will begin to know herself better, draw closer to her fellow human beings, and set herself firmly upon the path that leads to real, all-encompassing joy - in this life and the next.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2020

Reviews

[A.M. Ramzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say about this book! What’s beautiful about it is that it focuses on an oft-forgotten, overlooked element of Islam, in fact what you might call the core of the faith which is ‘joy’. If lived in its fullest sense, Islam, a relationship with Allah, is meant to imbue life with a deep sense of joy and contentment. And the purpose of this book is to help each and every individual who reads it achieve this. It’s not long-winded theory, or detached descriptions but a practical, weekly guide to achieving this quality which underlies achievement in this life and the next. Its essays are grounded in Qur’an and Sunnah and draw upon the works of a plethora of scholars, weaving these in and out of the author’s own experience in helping women from across the world make great leaps in their faith.

It is organized into weekly lessons, each a few pages long, ending with a reflection task and a project. In this way, the principles, lessons and teachings transmitted in the 52 essays can become actualized, not just ‘learned’, but ‘lived’, as the book itself states. Joy becomes not just a familiar concept, but a reality.

This book is unique for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the only book I am aware of that is set up in this way, tackling contemporary and age old challenges and dilemmas which face every Muslim seeking a relationship with their Creator, with practical suggestions, tied in with the yearly calendar so that every lesson is relevant not only spiritually but temporally. Secondly, it is written by a contemporary female scholar of the highest caliber. Anse Tamara Gray brings together not only decades of teaching experience, both religious, spiritual and academic, but also over twenty years of study in core Islamic sciences at the hands of renowned female scholars, making her not just an author but an authority in the field of modern spiritual development, or tarbiya.

The 52 essays, written and disseminated to women around the world before they were compiled into a book, have already touched the lives of many seeking the next steps on the spiritual path. Now in a book form, these lessons and reflections can, with Allah’s grace and permission, brighten the lives and lighten the loads of countless others, and bring much needed joy into the journey of the Muslim woman and man as they work their way through its projects and pages.

[Aiysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with practical advice on how to become better, in every which way.

Here are some favourites:

“I do not think grief is a pathology we need to cure. Rather I believe it is an important emotion that we need to hold on to… It reminds us of the temporal nature of this life. And it humbles us.”

“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”

“A great percentage of our problems could be eradicated if we learned to focus on what we have instead of what we do not have. If we were people of shukr, we would be people of fewer problems.”

“What do you need to be cured of? What is there in your heart that needs healing? What has been sitting on your heart, worrying you, that you can hand over to Allah this month?”

“When the Quran talks about salat, it does not instruct us: Say your prayers. It instructs us to “Establish prayer…” Establishing prayer – setting up a habit of regular, on time meetings with Allah – feels entirely different than just “saying prayers.” It builds a bond, a lifestyle, an identity. It keeps us attached by light and guidance to our Lord. It puts blessings in the time that comes after it. And it prevents us from straying too far or getting too dirty with the sin-splashes of the dunyā. ”

[Afshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book. A must read. Great guide to spiritual betterment and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives - emotional, physical, with relationships, connection to God, etc. Dynamic & engaging writing style. The historical and religious references are so enlightening and not at all like the cut and dry text we grew up reading. Awesome resource for time & priority management.

[Najiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb book for halavahs or study circles to use, because the lessons are so poignant and relevant and the author includes both a reflection section and a service project at the end of each lesson! The lessons are arranged to be read weekly, and they are set up for beginning at a specific time of year, but you could really begin anytime and it would work out just fine.

[Saadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written collection of 52 essays to guide you through a process of personal growth. It not only urges you to think deeply about yourself, but provides practical advice to affect change as well. Highly recommend it!

[Papatia Feauxzar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening! Masha'Allah :). Full review coming soon.

[Kenza Dekar]

Joy Jots was my companion in some of my darkest days. It helped me pick up the pieces one essay at a time, one project at a time, one reflection at a time.
In this book, Dr. Tamara Gray lovingly and skillfully walks us through the seasons of the year and the seasons of our lives. She offers a deeply insightful take on spirituality and Islam as part of our every breath, every thought and every move.
Dr. Gray provides us with the tools to find joy in every situation, because this is what Islam is really about. The personal stories and the powerful historical references she uses blend in an incredibly fluid way and make each essay timeless and relatable to everyone who reads it. This book feels like an embrace, it brings comfort in the difficult times and grounding in the good ones. I highly recommend it!!!!!

[Sarah El Massaoudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a collection of 52 essays (1 for every week of the year) and follows the Islamic calendar. Each chapter helps you reflect and deeper connect to the season we're in. It's also somewhat of a journal/self-development book because the author closes every part with reflective questions to ask yourself + a project for the week you're in.

I really appreciate the book's set-up since it's such an easy/low effort yet great way to work on your imaan and be more conscious about important spiritual events and an excellent reminder to increase and diversify your ibaadah.

And it's very convenient that when a new (Islamic) year begins, you can just start over, finish projects you maybe couldn't on the first/ second/third try, and continue to grow with it.

[siso.sofy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very comforting and enlightening book. I treat it like a companion. Even after I finish the book, every now and again I will go back to it and read it, always gaining a new perspective.
As Muslims, the way we live our lives is to continue improving them with firm faith and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah.

#sisoread #joyjots #bookstagram #reading #reading #sisoread2023

[Humaira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, such a great idea for exercises, reflections and ways to improve your knowledge of Islam as well as be mindful of the Islamic months when setting goals.

Would highly recommend.