Muhyiddin Shakoor, the author of Writing on the Water, which has become a classic in Turkey, continues his "Sufi Chronicles" in Beyond the Coral Reef. Following the seemingly ordinary signs with a careful eye, Shakoor encourages the reader to open oneself to Divine Mercy in order to recognize, witness and experience its ability to penetrate into each and every moment. Together with this opening comes the possibility that one's mind and heart may acquire access to mercy revelations hidden in everyday life. As protection against threat to the Seeker's endeavour to witness, Shakoor gives subtle warnings about distraction which is one of the biggest challenges of psycho-spiritual balance in twentieth century life. He illustrates this in ways that we do not often encounter in Sufi texts. Sometimes he shows us through a puppet show, sometimes through a cult movie like The Matrix, or through "a bird from Mount Qaf". Then he extends a compassionate hand to help us see how all these signs can be read from a very honest, yet hopeful perspective towards one's spiritual seeking, self-discovery, and Faith. Shakoor lets readers know that beyond the coral reef, the world of appearances, there lies an endless ocean of Reality. As my guidance unfolded, I felt grateful for Allah’s generosity. I saw that His help was coming from all directions. It poured forth onto me at all levels, from the mundane to the sublime. I saw that Mercy abounds to help us to finally “get it”. And also it is prevalent, to help us get free and begin to really live. Here in this dimension as Seekers, extraordinary opportunities are available for each of us.
