Searching for Solace

Abdullah Yusuf Ali is one of the great Muslim personalities of this century who has been inadequately researched by Muslim biographers. This book is a perfect tribute to his life. The first part of this book is a chronological account of his personal and public life, the second draws out the themes which stand out most prominently in his activities, writings and speeches.  The author’s choice of the title Searching for Solace for this biography is significant. For Yusuf Ali suffered the shock of two successive broken marriages and the ensuing agony was further exacerbated by the disrespect shown to him by his children. His career too was riddled with hassles and the faced difficulties in coping with the changes that were overtaking India, the British Empire and the world at large in the twilight of his life.  That Yusuf Ali could fruitfully carry out his intellectual pursuits in these circumstances only enhances our appreciation for the man and his achievements. It was natural and appropriate that in these stressful circumstances, Yusuf Ali should turn to God and to God’s Book for solace. For the Qur’an, in its own words, is an exhortation and a healing for the ailments of the hearts, and a guidance and mercy for those who believe and above all is the fact that it is in Allah’s remembrance that hearts find peace.