How to read a book

 Note:These are my notes from Hamza Yusuf's lectures on the topic of "How to Read a Book?"

[Watch on YouTube]

                                 Part 1

Reading Tips:

I. Reading with a Friend:

- Find a friend to read the book with and schedule a discussion after both of you have finished reading.

- This allows for a deeper understanding and exchange of ideas.

II. Rereading and Challenging Books:

- If a book is good but difficult to understand, consider rereading it to enhance comprehension.

- Some books may require prerequisite knowledge or reading other books to fully grasp their content.

- Push yourself to read books that are beyond your current level to improve your understanding.

III. The Importance of Poetry:

- Reading poetry is highly valuable as it helps in understanding language in general.

- If you can comprehend poetry, you can comprehend anything written in that language.

IV. Understanding Words and Keeping a Dictionary:

- Pay attention to the words used by the author and explore their deeper meanings.

- Keep a dictionary handy to look up unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary.

Why people read books:

1. Entertainment or amusement

2. Gaining information

3. Understanding

Definition of Reading:

Reading is an active learning activity that involves engaging with the text to gain knowledge. Whether the teacher is a living author or one who has passed on, the reader should try to answer any questions they have about the book themselves before relying on others.

Three Basic Ways of Reading:

1. Structural Reading:

- Approach reading with an awareness of the book's structure and organization.

2. Interpretive Reading:

- Seek to understand the book and analyze the author's intended message.

3. Critical Reading:

- Engage in a conversation with the book, examining it critically.

- However, it is recommended to save this step for later and prioritize understanding before criticizing the book.

Part 2

I. Reading with Scholars:

- Consider reading a book while sitting with scholars who have expertise in the subject matter.

- Their insights and knowledge can enhance your understanding and learning experience.

II. Author vs. Writer:

- Distinguish between an author and a writer.

- An author possesses authority over the subject they write about, while a writer may lack such authority.

III. Active Learning:

- Embrace active learning by being open to being taught and learning from authorities, whether they are deceased teachers or living authors.

IV. Types and Levels of Books:

- Recognize that there are different types of books, each with varying levels of complexity.

- Determine the type and level of the book you are reading, as well as the purpose behind reading it.

V. Learning Challenges and Rewards:

- Acknowledge that learning is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.

- Abu Hanifah expressed the immense pleasure of learning and suggested that even kings would be tempted to steal it if they knew its value.

{Abu Hanifah eloquently exclaimed, "If the kings were cognizant of the sheer pleasure we derive from learning, they would marshal their armies to pilfer it from us}

VI. Habitual Learning:

- Cultivate the habit of practicing the rules of learning.

- Engage in expository reading: Expository reading refers to understanding and analyzing a text in a systematic and critical manner.

VII. Learning Plateaus and Mistakes:

- Familiarize yourself with the concept of learning plateaus, which indicate periods of slower progress in learning.

- Be willing to make mistakes as part of the learning process.

Margin Side Notes:

- Critical Thinking:

- Note the lack of critical thinking in modern times and the importance of tools such as grammar, logic, reason, and rhetoric to foster critical thinking skills.

- Repeated Reading:

- It is suggested that if a text is worth reading, it should be read at least three times to fully grasp its content.

- Types of Learners:

- According to the book "Mastery," there are three types of learners:

1. Dabblers:Individuals who explore various subjects superficially.

2. Hecklers: Individuals who challenge and question the subject matter without delving deep into it.

3. Masters: Individuals who dedicate themselves to thorough learning and mastery of a subject.