How to Understand ‘In the Early Hours’ – A Detailed Book Review 2026

Muslims today are faced with the dilemma of being spiritual, purpose-driven, and productive in this fast-paced world. In “In the Early Hours” by Khurram Murad, readers are provided with guidance on reconnecting with Allah and developing a pure soul and a purpose-driven life.

This book is not about knowledge; it is about transformation. In this In the Early Hours book review, we will explore the author’s life, In the Early Hours book summary, lessons learned, pros and cons of the book reviewed, famous quotes from In the Early Hours, and the reasons why In the Early Hours is a must-read in Islamic self-development.

About the Author – Khurram Murad

Khurram Murad (1932-1996) was an influential Islamic scholar, writer, and Dawah worker affiliated with the Islamic Foundation in the UK. From Pakistan originally, he commenced his professional life as a civil engineer but later devoted himself to Islamic studies, community development, and spiritual training.

His notable and influential writings include:

-Way to the Quran

-Dawah Among Non-Muslims in the West

-Islam: The Easy Way

Murad guides readers through In the Early Hours in a step-by-step manual on self-purification (tazkiyah), ibadah, and attaining ihsan .

In the Early Hours Summary

This book is a short but potent guide to Islam spirituality. Its main points include:

Faith (Iman): Building strong belief and convictions about Allah and the unseen.

-The Quran: Making the Qur’an the foundation of life.

-“Salah” – Prayer: Enhancing spiritual connections through salah and dhikr.

-Tazkiyah (Self-Purification): Removing pride, hypocrisy, and sins of the heart

-Time Management: Getting the most out of life through devoting early hours to worship.

-Dawah and Service – Living for the Sake of Allah and Serving Mankind.

Khurram Murad points out that success is not measured by wealth or status, but rather by the level of sincerity, devotion, and seeking Allah’s pleasure.

10 Key Lessons from In the Early Hours

1:Start your day with Allah – The early morning hours are considered ideal times for acts of worship, contemplation, and learning the Qur’an.

2:The Qur’an is guidance for life – Establish a deep relationship with it through daily reading.

3:Prayer is transformation, and as such, Salah is not ritual, it is an act of purifying the heart.

4:Purify your soul – Remove arrogance, envy, anger, and hypocrisy.

5:Live with sincerity (Ikhlas) – Every deed must be done only to satisfy Allah.

6:Struggle against the ego (nafs) – True jihad is against one’s own weaknesses.

7:Balancing dunya and akhirah – Islam promotes moderation and productive living.

8:To serve humanity – Helping others is to serve Allah.

9:Time, therefore, is amanah (trust) – spend it well before it gets away.

10:Remember death and akhirah – Life is temporary; prepare for the eternal.

Pros and Cons of the Book

Pros

A concise but comprehensive guide on spirituality.

Written in simple, accessible language.

Firmly based upon the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Motivational, suitable for both beginners and advanced readers.

 Cons

Some of the chapters may appear repetitive. 

More practical examples can be included in relation to youth.

 Who Should Read This Book?

-Muslims seeking spiritual awakening.

-Students and youth grasping with modern distractions.

-Anybody seeking a practical Islamic guide for self-improvement.

-Readers of Islamic classics like Don’t Be Sad or Purification of the Heart.

 Famous Quotes from In the Early Hours

“True knowledge is that which leads to action.”

“Purify your heart from pride and hypocrisy and envy, for these diseases destroy faith.”

“The Qur’an is not a book to be only recited, it is a book to be lived by.”

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