Azim’s message of SPARK celebrates the potential within all of us regardless of our circumstances — Harvey Mackay, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Swim With The Sharks
Simerg’s series entitled “Books by Ismaili Authors” continues with Azim Jamal’s “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance.” We follow the same Q/A format as our earlier presentations of books written by Rozina Ramji (Edmonton), Shamim Murji (Brampton), Mahmoud Hirji (Toronto), Zul Premji (Calgary), Azim Jiwani (Vancouver), Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (Montreal), Shairoz Lakhani (London, UK), Shelina Shariff Zia (New York), Ali Lakhani (Vancouver), Nizar Sultan (Toronto), Nargis Fazal (Vancouver), Nazlin Rahemtulla (Vancouver), Azmina Suleman (Calgary), Alnasir Rajan (Mississauga), Shafeen Ali (USA), Mansoor Ladha (Calgary), Zeni Shariff (Toronto) and Shamas Nanji (Edmonton). We encourage Ismaili authors from around the world to participate in this series, regardless of when their books were published. See details of the series HERE and submit your responses accordingly to Simerg’s editor, Malik, at mmerchant@simerg.com.
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Simerg’s Interview with Azim Jamal
Simerg: What is behind the naming of the title of the book?
Azim Jamal: In our all-out pursuit for success, we lose touch of what deeply ignites that drive. I refer to that ignition as the SPARK. Through the book, I share how the end game is not as much about Success, but more so about Significance. Hence, the title SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance. In some way, the motivation for the protagonist’s journey resembles my own personal journey when I made the shift from “accounting for business (Success)” to “accounting for life (Significance)”. This journey led to three powerful discoveries:
— How my vocation became my vacation
— The more I aspired, the more the universe conspired
— On my path to transforming other lives, my own life transformed
Simerg: Why would you want me or my family members to read the book, and what will we all learn from it?
Jamal: This book will offer all readers a visionary yet practical pathway to discovering an unwavering significance to life. SPARK is a beginner’s guide to finding the sense of purpose and passion which lives inside all of us.
Simerg: What inspired you to write SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance?
Jamal: During the pandemic being locked down for 2-3 years resulted in physical and mental fatigue. However, the pandemic pause made us question whether our pursuit for bigger and better was in fact what defined our happiness. It was clear to me really our desire for meaning (Significance), and not our motivation for profit (Success) that brought us the most fulfillment!
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PRAISE FOR SPARK
All the elements Azim shares in his inspiring book are time tested, proven and indeed foundational principles that can ignite the SPARK within you — Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University
This is a book for those who dare to search for answers, and who are unafraid to SPARK a change in their lives — Brian Tracy, author of # 1 international bestseller Eat That Frog
If you would love to make a significant difference on the planet, doing exactly what you truly love, then Spark is the book to read — Dr. John Demartini, International bestselling author of The Values Factor
Designed for our increasingly uncertain world, SPARK is a reassuring guide to discover your purpose — Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author of Mojo
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Simerg: How can I purchase the book and what are its available formats?
The book is sold through Amazon Canada, Chapters-Indigo, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. May I note that some of my other works are summarized at Amazon HERE.
Simerg: How did you find a publisher for the book?
Jamal: Over the years, I have self-published a few books and also worked with several publishers. For this book, I am taking a hybrid approach (partly self-published, and partly through selected foreign publishers). I’m hoping this will result in a win-win-win outcome for all parties — author, publisher and reader. My experience working with a major publisher began in 2005 when I co-authored The Power of Giving, which topped the Amazon charts. It was at that time Penguin showed interest. Soon after, the book went on to win the Nautilus Gold Award for books that inspire social change. The Power of Giving was translated in ten languages, which in turn triggered work with other foreign publishers. Overall, however the experience of working with publishers has been a difficult one and despite writing ten books, am still figuring out the book publishing journey!
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Simerg: Did you hire an editor, an illustrator or did you do all the work by yourself?
Jamal: Yes, I did have lots of help in writing this book. From creating the fable to hiring copy editors and proofreaders. My family and team helped me tremendously in my journey. Writing a book is rarely, if ever, a one-person endeavour!
Simerg: Which was your first book and how many have you written?
Jamal: My first book, called 7 Steps to Lasting Happiness, was published on July 13, 1999. As mentioned above, SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance is my tenth book. All my ten books revolve around the synergy of Business, Balance & Beyond.
I hope to introduce the remaining of my earlier publications through this very useful and informative series that you have launched. It encourages Ismaili authors tremendously and informs the Jamat as well as members outside the Jamat about the literary scene in the community.
However, I would wish that books by authors you have featured so far as well as books by other Ismaili authors are made available at Jamati literature counters here in Canada and around the world. The Ismaili literary scene has become rich in the last two decades and Ismaili authors, established as well as new ones, deserve to be promoted within the community, just as there is so much institutional encouragement for artists in the community.
Simerg: I sincerely hope the situation will change and that a regular literary forum is created where Ismaili authors can engage with community members. Reading your profile, your own personal story about how you became involved in writing is fascinating in itself.
How long did it take you to write “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance from start to finish and to begin marketing it?
Jamal: From concept to creation, it took me approximately 2 years. In comparison, the first book I ever wrote, 7 Steps to Lasting Happiness, took me 5+ years to complete. With every book I write, the timing and process gets better!
Simerg: Tell us something more about your book.
Jamal: In this inspiring fable you will meet Steve, a hotshot lawyer fighting to climb the corporate ladder. His life transforms seemingly overnight when he is sent to India for a task he considers pointless. Things quickly fall apart. Steve, forced to reconsider his path, realizes that the curveball life has thrown him is an opportunity to find his true purpose. This spiritual odyssey is about to transform him beyond his wildest dreams. A powerful lesson follows each chapter, making up the SPARK that transforms Steve’s life.
Date posted: July 17, 2023.
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We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click Leave a comment. Your letter may be edited for length and brevity and is subject to moderation.
Buy Azim Jamal’s book at one of the following on-line booksellers: Amazon Canada, Chapters-Indigo, Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
PROFILE
Azim Jamal is the founder of Corporate Sufi, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering leaders at all levels to achieve material success, blended with a deep sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. Author of several highly-acclaimed books including, “What You Seek is Seeking You”, co-authored with Brian Tracy, Azim twice was a # 1 Amazon bestselling author, and in 2005 topped Harry Potter. He has also been a # 1 bestseller with Barnes & Noble with his co-authored book — “The Power of Giving”, which won the Nautilus Gold Award in May 2009 for books that change lives.
Once a highly successful accountant, he was moved by the plight and inner strength of refugees he went to serve; he was inspired to make a life-altering decision that transformed his mission from “accounting for business” to “accounting for life”. His dynamic, inspiring and thought-provoking message has been heard live by over 1 million people in more than 100 cities in five continents. His media message has reached more than 5 million people around the world. We invite our readers to listen to one of his podcasts HERE and watch his TEDx talk Live to Give.
Read more about Azim Jamal at his official website, Corporate Sufi.
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Calling all Ismaili Authors
We encourage Ismaili writers to introduce their books in a similar format as has been done in the post above. Please also see the series launch article and submit your responses to Malik at mmerchant@simerg.com. All submissions will be acknowledged. If a writer has published multiple books, each book will be highlighted in a separate article, and not combined with other books into one post. All writers should include a brief profile with a portrait photo.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Please click . Your letter may be edited for length and brevity, and is subject to moderation.
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Links to the Ismaili Authors’ Series (in chronological sequence, oldest article first):
- “Justice Bertha Wilson Pushes the Boundaries of Humanity” by Shamas Nanji (series start, February 10, 2021)
- “Little One, You Are The Universe” by Zeni Shariff (February 25, 2021)
- “Memoirs of a Muhindi” by Mansoor Ladha (March 6, 2021, and see also 15, below, by the same author)
- “To Be One With God: Seven Journeys to the Meaning of Life” by Shafeen Ali (March 25, 2021)
- “Invisible Birthmarks” by Alnasir Rajan (April 13, 2021)
- “IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE – Portrait of a ‘Cowboy’ Judge” by Azmina Suleman (April 28, 2021)
- “RSVP Rice and Stew Very Plenty” by Nazlin Rahemtulla (May 28, 2021)
- “Coughdrops” by Nargis Fazal (June 12, 2021)
- “The Roots and the Trees” by Nizar Sultan (June 25, 2021)
- “Faith and Ethics: The Vision of the Ismaili Imamat” by M. Ali Lakhani (July 4, 2021)
- “Nairobi Days by Shelina_Shariff Zia (July 21, 2021)
- “Shine Brighter” by Shairoz Lakhani (December 8, 2021)
- “This is My Life” by Naznin Rahemtulla Hébert (February 26, 2022)
- “Humanizing Medicine – Making Health Tangible” by Dr. Azim Jiwani (March 9, 2022)
- “A Portrait in Pluralism: Aga Khan’s Shia Ismaili Muslims” by Mansoor Ladha (June 8, 2022, and see also 3, above, by the same author)
- “Malaria Memoirs: My Life Journey as a Public Health Doctor in Tanzania” by Dr Zul Premji (June 30, 2022)
- “Monkey Tales and Other Short Stories” by Mahmoud Hirji (September 10, 2022)
- “Bloom! A Story of Diversity and Understanding” by Shamim Murji (October 27, 2022)
- “Cooking with Mom” by Rozina Ramji (November 7, 2022)
- “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance” by Azim Jamal (July 17, 2023)
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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos.
Simerg’s editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 
Azim is a role model to follow for any business person or professional. Reading his books will not only inspire you but also show you the path and provide tool insights for your journey.
Azim, thank you for sharing the wisdom and knowledge we all must use in our daily personal mission😊🙏🏼
I would recommend the book “Spark; A journey from success to significance; How to Create a Life of Meaning and Impact” by Azim Jamal. This book explores the journey that many successful individuals undergo, as they shift their focus from personal success to making a lasting impact on the world. It outlines practical strategies and thought-provoking insights to help readers discover their true purpose and cultivate a meaningful and fulfilling life. Whether you’re already successful or just starting out, this book can provide valuable guidance on transforming your journey from success to significance.
SPARK is a wonderful read. However, to me, “The Business Balance and Beyond” by Azim Jamal remains the best work that has ever touched my soul and spirit. I have re-read the book several times. The book blends the principles of Sufism with the modern Corporate practices. In this book, Azim emphasizes the importance of spirituality, inner transformation, and connection with our divine power (God).
As much as one may think this book is religious, I would instead say the message focuses on universal spiritual principles and practices that can help individuals become better leaders and create positive impact in their professional and personal lives. It also promotes spiritual values and mindfulness into business practices for more ethical decision-making.
As a leadership Enthusiast, I am inspired by his work to embrace a more holistic and compassionate approach to leadership and success in general.
This is one of the highlight books of my life. A captivating story with a rich tapestry of expression, finding purpose and some real soul searching. I found myself relating a lot with Steve in the fable and his inner demons and challenges. The book has certainly helped me towards rediscovering and re-igniting that inner SPARK and the journey of Success to Significance. Azim is Paul Coelho and Wayne Dyer on ice! A few months on, its time for a re-read…!
The book was an engrossing read with questions to reflect upon at every turning point. Great for people looking to find purpose or ways to live it.
I love Azim’s underlying message that each one of us is born with a SPARK but many of us lose it through what we call circumstances. However, he powerfully points out that our SPARK does not depend on what happens outside us, but rather on what is inside us!
With SPARK Azim has created a captivating fable that engages the reader from start to finish!
Read the book and unfold your personal SPARK and transform your life! Thanks Azim, for sharing your wisdom.
In “SPARK: Journey from Success to Significance”, Azim Jamal has masterfully assembled a bible of parables that address many of the challenges of our hectic modern lives. By following Azim’s guidance I have no doubt that our lives will be enhanced and our impact will be amplified.
Roger Killen,
cruise ship enrichment speaker
Azim is a testimony to walk the talk. He has inspired so many souls to work towards their purpose and make a world better place. I am so grateful for your presence and support in my journey. I wish you all the success in your life.
Azim is insightful, honest and motivational. He is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations. SPARK is a must read.
I have know Azim amd his family for many years. He has never ceased to motivate and inspire me, be it with his conversations, his motivational speeches, his books or his coming home to have a cuppa chai and having some great discussions about life.
I have always looked forward to meeting with Azim as he is a breath of fresh air in this sometimes chaotic and challenging times.
Azim I pray that you continue to inspire people whether in the Jamat or outside for years to come and may you and your family be showered with barakat!
The edifice of Azim’s writings is his authenticity. The values of honesty, sincerity and integrity that Azim lives by are embedded in his writings. Azim’s writings (and his being) have an agenda. He wants to have an impact on his readers. He wants his readers to live a life of purpose and significance and thereby scale the heights of love, joy, happiness and passion which are gifts of a life lived to its full potential. That’s the SPARK that Azim ignites in all of us.
Just finished reading the SPARK; so enlightening; would recommend this book to my colleagues who are working in the humanitarian sector.
SPARK is a brilliant book that I just couldn’t put down. Very well written and extremely helpful to lead a purposeful and enriching life
“SPARK provided great insight and had a great flow! Definitely one of those books that i could not put down – highly recommend!
– Mhamud
I have been fortunate to have known Azim and worked with him as a volunteer for many years. He continues to enlighten, inspire and bring out the best in each person. His book SPARK illustrates this and much more. So very proud of you and I look forward to hearing about your continued success.
SPARK: A Journey from Success to Significance by Azim Jamal gives us strategies to achieve true transformation of ourselves by making positive changes to bring happiness in our life.
This easy read reminds us that we get so caught up climbing the ladder in the pursuit of success and a higher standard of living, that we forget the basic principle of giving of ourselves and enrich our souls.
Superb read!! We all have the SPARK in us. We just need to tap into it and let it grow with steadfast love, hope & humility.
I have known Azim for over 30 years, I have called him Alwaez Azim. I have known him to do voluntary Waez all over Metro Vancouver Jamatkhanas, always accommodating all the requests that we would have regarding various topics that were timely to customizing language that suited the demographics of the audience. Whatever topics that he took on to talk about, he always gives his best and from his heart. I have been fortunate to have been in some committees where Azim is also in the committee and I always find myself enriched by speaking to him one on one or hearing him give a talk to the committee. I am happy to call him a friend.
I thoroughly enjoyed his book Spark. Currently I’m reading Ome Minute Sufi.
Thank you.
Azim is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known in my life. He is a world renowned individual but every one of his interactions comes from a place of wisdom and profound humility. His book is very inspiring and provides guidance in discovering our inner spark.
Thank you, Azim, for helping so many of us and many congratulations on this book!
If you haven’t already, this is the book you should read! Hands down!!
Listening to Azim talk about SPARK is invigorating. Makes you have that spring in your step, smile on your lips, a twinkle on your eye and love in your heart. This makes you realize indeed that your spark lies within you not from the circumstances around you. Kudos to Azim for another life changing book!
I read Azim Jamal’s latest book “ Spark”. The book is well written, concise, and clear, and is cordially recommended.
I am not your typical reader of books unless I am really drawn to them with a specific expectation or information that I need, but upon receiving the book from Azim “SPARK” I read it in less than a week – I was overwhelmed at the manner in which your inner thoughts get processing while reading this book. It relates to everyday experiences which we regardless of our own upbringing can resonate with.
It gets you think of how you/me can create a “spark” be it in your own life or in the life of others.
Fantastic read and has no age limitations everyone can benefit from the SPARK. Cant wait for the next book 🙂
Very inspiring. Enjoyed the book immensely. Would highly recommend. Very proud of you Azim!
I’ve known Azim Jamal for a couple of years, and I’m inspired by his story. While we don’t know each other too well, I can comment on what I know about him and his message. It’s empowering to realize that at any point one can shift their focus from the external sphere of material success to the internal search for personal fulfillment and significance. Too many people focus their attention on the world and they think they will derive a meaningful life from focusing their attention outward, but in reality the answers we all seek lie within. This is a profound insight that Azim Jamal shares with the world in this book.
Excellent Azim! I am going to buy the book. Azim, you and myself played cricket in MAMA X1 and I am extremely proud of both you and Malik. This amounts to SEVA. May Mawla bless you two with Barakat, good health and happiness every day of your lives.
I have been blessed to know Azim for over 25 years, and have thoroughly enjoyed all his work – be it books, podcasts, blogs, fireside chats and especially one on one consults.
This book and its title at our point in time is most fitting. The world needs a SPARK, not the type that ignites, but rather the type that enlightens. Azim has highlighted really well, that a leader, be it a CEO, head of a household, head of a faith based organization or for that matter even a self employed person in our new “gig economy” needs to not just motivate people around them, but to inspire and encourage to raise those around them to achieve their maximum potential in every area of life. As you raise others, you raise yourself tenfold. Keep inspiring us Azim. Continued success!
One of my favorite books is Spark. I can’t wait to read the full series that are being made by all those amazing people.