anam the laptop ninja

Occasional writer. Photographer. Admirer of all things beautiful.

[anamthelaptopninja]

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A few semesters ago, one of my projects was to make a radio drama in Urdu. I went all out with the dramatics and came up with a story that hopefully hooks the listeners.

The inspiration was old school classic Pakistani dramas’ I grew up watching so I decided to channel those aspect. It came out better than I expected so decided to post it on the blog. It’s pretty short.

Written, edited and performed by me with a little help from my aunt. Please let me know how you liked it!

Enjoy!

Anam x

[anamthelaptopninja]

Covid-19: The virus that attacked our economy

A year ago the world was engulfed by a global pandemic causing everything to come to a screeching halt all of a sudden. One year on and not much has changed except the fact that we have a vaccine, but much of the situation is either the same or worse depending on which part of the world you’re in. When the pandemic first began, WHO tried to take a global approach to the problem but countries decided to ignore their advice and take independent actions, either because they didn’t want to or because they couldn’t. The one thing that was implemented by most countries was travel and movement restrictions which meant that the world economy took a hard hit.

One thing we have all observed during this pandemic is the lack of leadership by countries such as the US and UK. These rich and powerful countries have taken a backseat in taking tough decisions, hence, been some of the hardest hit by Covid-19. Many governments across the world such as the US have refused to go into lock down in order to keep the economy going. However, a global health crisis and economy go hand in hand, especially in the situation we currently find ourselves in. Avoiding lockdown means that a health crisis will take place regardless, which will eventually lead to an economic downturn anyways.

This has been the case in the UK. The conservative government initially refused to put the country on lockdown in order for normal economic activity to resume and even starting schemes such as “eat out to help out” to support small businesses and restaurants but these backfired and the country had to go into a severe lockdown, which meant that, mostly EU countries blocked travel to and from the UK, momentarily halting all economic activity in the country.  

The Pakistani Prime minister, Imran Khan, ran schemes for those in the construction industry and export sector, since these make up a large and substantial part of our economy and their halting resulted in a staggering 54% drop in our national economy earned via exports, when lockdown was first implemented in April 2020. PM Imran Khan implemented a “smart” lockdown to make sure our economy kept going and people were able to work and earn their daily wages, while the central bank handed out initiatives to help small businesses. Similarly nations have put together large fiscal sums to support their citizens, India put forward 10% of its GDP, while Japan put 21% of its GDP towards funds for relief funds.

The downturn of the economy globally, has forced businesses to downsize or dissolve leading to job losses on a magnanimous scale. The Pakistan Institute of Developing Economics predicted a job losses at 18.5 million. Even in my own circle of friends and family, people have been let go from their jobs or had salary cuts, effecting their livelihood and future plans which are already so uncertain.  

The US-China relationship further deteriorated during this pandemic thanks to Donald Trump addressing the Virus as China virus. Racism and feelings towards China have been resentful in many western countries. In Pakistan the initial influx of Covid cases came from Iran, while the UK spike effected many other countries where travel was still going on. At present nations have their hands full; trying to hold the corona infested fort. Once the situation balances out, we’ll get to see the change in how nations react and deal with each other.

For now the world has pinned all its hope on the new vaccines to see a stabilization in the global economic and geopolitical situation. But the fact of the matter is the recovery stage will be the most critical. We will see who comes at out at the top and judging from the year gone by, I don’t expect the US or the UK to come on top. Their poor decisions and lack of actions have been witnessed by the world and they have been criticized for it on all forums. For now all we can do is let the situation play out and hope that the new vaccine is efficiently administered and effective.

[anamthelaptopninja]

From silver spoons to Microplastics: alarming new find

The onset of 2021 started with the news of a startling discovery when scientists found microplastics in the wombs of pregnant women for the first time ever. A study carried out in Rome found microplastic particles in several placentas, though the babies were born healthy, researchers are alarmed and have called it a matter of great apprehension.

This Italian research was done on six pregnant women who volunteered to be a part of this study. Researchers found that all the placentas had remnants of microplastics of varying colors which were probably breathed in by the mothers and came from cosmetics, paints, packaging and other products. Though the babies were born healthy, scientists predict that having such impurities in the placenta will have long term effects on the development of children which will come to surface as time goes on.

The infiltration of a foreign particle in the womb may mean that impurities might also have entered the bloodstreams of the babies, but more research is needed on this.

What are microplastics and why are they harmful?

Microplastics are plastic fragments measuring less than 5mm and are a result of our mass plastic consumption. These particles though very small, are causing great devastation to our environment and wildlife, and it seems like humans are next on the list. These particles can be found in all corners of the world, even in the depths of the ocean. Sea life is one to have been impacted the most by microplastics, and in turn those animals which consume fishes have also been effected. Microplastics are not digestible, hence, the animal’s stomachs fill up with plastic particles; killing them via starvation.

However, the question we have to now ask is, how are microplastics entering the human body? As the research suggest, these microplastics enter our body via breathing them in, but much like the animals, when we consume sea food and meat, there are chances we are also consuming microplastics via ingestion. At present, the full effects of the problem are not known but we do know that they cause immune system damages and liver damage consequentially leading to birth defects and cancer. We will have to wait and see what affect it will have on human life.

Though, the presence of microplastic in the womb is of great concern and alarm, researchers have concluded that not all women have microplastics in their wombs which may be due to factors such as location and lifestyle. However, it does force us to contemplate where we are going as a race and the difficult changes we need to make. The conversation about the harmful impacts of plastics has already started and many cities across the world have implemented bans on plastic, but that is not enough. We need to cut down on single use plastic and adopt more sustainable methods, so that the children born in the coming years, are born unpolluted.

[anamthelaptopninja]

5 lessons I learned while reading the autobiography  of  Malcom X

One of the ways in which I’ve been able to measure my growth is by observing the types of books I now read as compared to what I was reading in my early 20’s. I didn’t realize at first but looking back on what kind of books I’ve been approaching recently made me realize that I’ve started preferring non-fiction where most of my life I’ve spent innumerable hours reading and indulging in fiction. I still enjoy the escapism of fiction books but as the years have gone by; an innate desire to access and absorb more and more knowledge, while being aware of not having enough time has pulled me towards non-fiction literature of all sorts.

One of the most recent books I read was the autobiography of Malcom X. Before reading his autobiography, I didn’t know much about him except that he was an activist who spoke about the injustices of the American system against Afro-Americans, and that he was a Muslim, who was assassinated for what he believed in. I’d heard good things about the book and his life seemed interesting and I wanted to know more about his journey towards Islam.

His book has been enlightening and inspiring. For me, it’s one of the most helpful books I’ve read and if you’ve read it, you know what I mean. You walk through his life with him and you feel and see him and his beliefs change as the book progresses. The Malcom from the beginning till the time of his death went through so many changes and you go through those changes with him. Here are some of the lessons I learned from reading the life of Malcom X.

1.       Never be ashamed of the past and your journey.

The biggest lesson for me was to be grateful of the past because it shapes who we are today as individuals. Malcom X lived life on the streets selling drugs and committing crimes. He didn’t sugar coat these times in his book but looked at it in a practical way. His time on the streets allowed him to find his way towards Islam and to be better acquainted to the psychology of those who lived a troubling or difficult lifestyle which allowed him to reach out to them, and he acknowledges that in the book. As Muslims we all believe in Qadr, the divine Will of God, but to see it play out in someone’s life is a proof and affirmation of what we already know. No matter how hard times get or whatever we’re ashamed of in life, it was meant for us to be where we are today. It’s okay as long as we find our way back to God.

2.       There’s isn’t anything that can benefit us more than self-learning.

I’ve always believed in self-learning. I’ve witnessed people with degrees; ignorant, arrogant and unsympathetic, while I’ve witnessed illiterate people with an abundance of knowledge, wisdom and compassion. Sure, a degree equips you with the tools for a professional life and teaches you many lessons that build character but to learn something for your own selfish reasons, is more beneficial and honest. When Malcom X went to prison, he could barely write, and he struggled to read. In prison, he would copy pages of dictionary to improve his writing and simultaneously increase his vocabulary. He read so much he needed glasses. He is the best example of self-learning building character because today we remember him for his eloquence in the way he spoke.

3.       Allah gifts individuals in different and natural ways.

In the age of social media it’s impossible to not compare your life or skills to those of others, or feel like you’re lagging behind your peers. You watch your friends do incredible things in their fields and while you’re proud of them, you feel like you’re not doing enough yourself or maybe you’re not as gifted as they are. But everyone has an innate quality that only they possess. It’s their gift that comes to them naturally or it might be something they’ve accomplished with hard work and patience.  Living a life that was all about survival, Malcom X didn’t get to complete his education or go to University even though he was a clever and sharp young boy. Despite this, he was gifted with the art of speaking and persuasion. He got to polish this art while he was in prison, where he took part in debates. He researched and read on the topics of discussion, he thought tactfully and how the opposition would attack and he would prepare accordingly. A gift that would help him later in life, again the Qadr of Allah and how He mysteriously works.

4.       It’s okay to admit your mistakes.

I think this is the aspect of our lives that most of us struggle with.  One of the reason why I gained so much respect for Malcom X was because he always admitted his mistakes. He learned from them and talked about them. He modified and changed his opinion on matters publicly on television and in newspaper articles. As a member of The Nation of Islam, he formerly believed that the white man was the devil and he publicly made his opinion known. He was accused of being a reverse racist and preaching hate. On his pilgrimage to Makkah he saw men and women of all colours and nationalities together. He was treated as a Muslim, equal to everyone there. His Hajj experience had a profound effect on him when he saw kindness he experience by those who were white. He came back with a changed mindset and came to the conclusion that “the white man is not inherently evil”.

5.       Stand up for what you believe in.

Malcom X’s character from when he was a young man was a formidable one. He was unrelenting and he believed, truly believed in what he was preaching. Even when he was wrong (which he later admitted) he was informed enough on what he was preaching, that he managed to gather a staggering amount of followers for the Nation of Islam just by publicly speaking about what he thought was the truth. But alongside his confidence was the humbleness to admit his faults when he realized he was wrong. Admitting your mistakes when you’re wrong gives credibility to what you say when you’re speaking about something you’re passionate about. A young woman flew to New York from New England and came to Malcom X asking him what she, as a white woman, could do to help the Afro-American cause, to which he replied “nothing” and she went away crying.  Malcom X regretted telling her that and that he wished he knew her name so he could tell her how she could help. Later on, he also said “Anger can blind human vision” referring to his former beliefs.

 The autobiography of Malcom X or El Hajj Malik El Shabazz has been an enlightening one. He had a purpose in life which he spent most of his life working towards. In his last days, he knew he was going to be killed and he said that he wasn’t afraid to die but just afraid for his family. Hs life teaches countless lessons and I’d recommend every Muslim to read his autobiography as inspiration or just for admiration.

 May Allah have mercy on his soul. 

26th February 2021.

[anamthelaptopninja]

Concluding on 2020

It is the last day of the year 2020 and everyone across the globe has experienced something none of us ever anticipated or expected. It’s been a difficult year for many people in different ways. The uncertainty and confusion has effected all of our lives whether in terms of jobs, finances, education, family, socializing or health. 

And for many, like me, it has been a year of anxiety and a feeling of not having any control. For the first time in my life I’ve experienced an all engrossing type of anxiety. It’s been very difficult to direct my thoughts in different directions than they wanted to go in. I’ve held on tightly to things that have brought me comfort, from praying, cycling, reading, going for walks to watching shows that calm me and help me escape. This summer I also realized the importance of talking about the emotions that stir inside. I tried thinking my way out and internally trying to resolve them but I am someone who needs affirmation. Another self discovery that came to surface, though it has always been pretty obvious, now that I think about it. 

I’ve realized my need to talk about my thoughts more with someone I trust. It’s still hard, I’ve become a person who doesn’t like opening up with either friends or family and it’s caused me a great deal of distress. Going forward, I hope I am able to better resolve inner conflicts and fears. Talking about it makes you realize you’re not alone in the way you feel. We are very rarely alone in the way we feel.

I cannot call the year 2020 itself bad because 2020 is just a year and I don not believe in bad omens or bad luck. What has happened in 2020 is just something that was meant to come about. Bad times or difficult times do not last: “With hardship there is ease”. 

Go forward with good intentions and expectations. Optimism brings hope to life and gives us something to look forward to. Know that there is surety that you will be rewarded for what you have endured. 

[anamthelaptopninja]

Is it time we go back to the ways of our grandmothers and abandon single use sanitary pads?

Anam Idrees Khan

Pakistani women have made the move towards sustainable reusable sanitary products after suffering years of health issues related to single use sanitary pads. UNESCO projects such as ‘The Red Code’ started by three young Pakistani women in April of 2019; provides good quality menstrual hygiene products that benefit the women of Pakistan in more than one way. In 2019, Kenyan women started a campaign expressing their anger over always pads which they claimed caused rashes and burning sensations. The campaign was soon joined by Pakistani women who expressed similar sentiments regarding the product. Since then, many women across the country have switched brands while others have made the change towards reusable pads. Single use sanitary pads have been known to cause many health complications due to the chemicals found in pads for extra absorbency and bleaching which may cause defects such as rashes, irritation, infections, infertility and even cancer. Dr. Junaina Nadeem, a gynecologist in Islamabad explained that she frequently receives patients suffering from rashes caused by pads; “We frequently do. Rashes are mostly due to mesh tops of the pads. It’s also in those patients who use panties on a regular basis”. She also recommended that women suffering from burning and itching sensations should make a change towards cotton top pads. She also went on to elaborate other complications women face due to single use pads, such as; “Lacerations on perineal areas and they [women] frequently present complains about discharge and itching in the perineal area”. Health issues aside, pads are also known to be extremely harmful to the environment. An average pads takes up to a minimum of 500 years before it begins to disintegrate. Improper disposal of these pads leads to blockage of sewage systems and pads eventually end up in the sea releasing harmful toxins into the waters. An average woman will use between 5000-8000 pads in her lifetime, so the number of pads really adds up. The Red Code is a project funded by UNESCO and run by local Pakistani women. The project provides jobs to women living in rural areas allowing them some independence by earning extra money, while also making cloth pads accessible to people in remote areas. Cloth pads also have a cultural aspects. Especially for women living in rural areas, traditional forms of menstrual hygiene such as cloth are more acceptable and familiar. Cloth pads are also cheaper making it accessible to people of all backgrounds and much better for the environment since they are made with biodegradable materials. The Red Code also has a program which enables buyers to sponsor pads which are then donated to women and girls who cannot afford or access them. Pakistan has a long way to go in regards to the conversation surrounding women’s menstrual hygiene and women’s reproductive health in general. However, the problem isn’t just on a national scale but a global one. Pads are risking the health of women while also taking a toll on the environment. Women in the western world are currently protesting against period or tampon tax and demanding their governments remove the tax, arguing that periods are not a choice and should be exempt of taxes along with other necessities. The upside is that the conversation is being instigated in Pakistan even if it’s on a small scale. It can be hoped that women’s wellbeing will receive more attention in the future and that more initiatives and programs will be started where women are educated in regards to their bodies and what’s right and healthy for their reproductive health.

16-11-20

[ibn-al-qayyim]

“As long as you pray, you knock on the door of Allah. And whoever knocks at the door of Allah, He will open it for him.”

— Ibn al-Qayyim, Al-Fawa'id, p.248. (via ibn-al-qayyim)

[anamthelaptopninja]

Hakam b. al-'Araj reported: I went to Ibn 'Abbas (Allah be Pleased with both of them) and he was reclining using his mantle as a pillow near the fountain of Zamzam. I said to him: Tell me about fasting on Ashura. He said: When you see the new moon of Muharram then count the (days) and observe fast on the 9th. I said to him: Is it how the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed the fast? He said: Yes.

[derakhtesokoot]

“The light erases the doubt and ugliness of imagination. The human being whose heart is freed of this ugliness sees the one, the most perfect, the most beautiful existence. There is no more harm, confusion, or deformity; all is right and true and beautiful. Such a one sees his own imaginary existence as a manifestation of the true existence, and thus passes from his existence to the true existence. He sees all humanity and all the created world as faultless, perfect, and beautiful, for truth is beautiful. And all is united in love.”

— Ibn Arabi, The Tree of Being

[anamthelaptopninja]

‘Revive your Heart’ by Nouman Ali Khan (review)

I recently read ‘Revive your heart’ by NAK this Ramadan, and I liked it so much that I decided to a review on the book. 

The book covers various issues that Muslims face in the real modern world, always in reference to a specific verse from the Quran in each chapter, always referring back to it and making the connection between the problem we face and what Allah has said about it, and revealing the hidden meaning we would have, otherwise, missed.

Also, you can hear Nouman Ali Khan talking while reading this book, mainly because, I think, some of the written text is actually from his undocumented lectures and talks.

The book is a source to reconnect with Allah and to form a connection that we need to revive as we are creatures of forgetfulness. If you’re looking for something to rekindle the fire within yourself, this is the book. The book covers topics of finance, ways to prosper as a community, contemporary issues (like howsome people react at the birth of a daughter, listening to music) and how to better our afterlife. 

He usually gives examples, and breaks down scenarios or relates the issues in the most simple way that we can relate to so the points really hit home.

In my opinion, the book does what it says. It revives your hearts, pulls you towards the love of Allah and makes you want to make a change. A very inspiring book and nicely written. Gets to the point and gets the message across.

[anamthelaptopninja]

My trip to Kalam valley, Swat

I recently (in April) took a trip to Swat with my family. I’ve always wanted to visit Pakistan’s northern areas since my school days but it never happened, until now. My grandparents and aunt visited us from England, and it seemed like a good opportunity, even though I had exams the following month; the break was welcomed.

We left from Islamabad, the journey was a long and tiring 13 hours. I didn’t know how massive Swat was, it’s huge and just getting to Kalam, even after reaching Swat, took us more than 4-5 hours. The roads that leads up to Swat is a dirt road and it’s very narrow with the Swat river constantly flowing below.

It was also amazing to see how high up people live and have made their homes. Children run down hills and mountains while we were peeing our pants. A lot of the people, especially, children didn’t speak Urdu, they had their own language called ‘kohsari’.

This is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been to and the people are loving and kind. One family invited us to their home and we got to see how they live up there. Locals there had glowing faces with a healthy redness to their cheeks, a result of the fresh mountain are and natural spring water and the organic produce that they grow themselves.

Some of the places we visited while we were there, was a glacier (pictured above), a lake called Kharkhari, a village on a mountain above Kalam with stunning views and a forest. We went before season so a lot of places were still not accessible and only open in summer.

Kharkhari Lake

The food up there wasn’t great, and most of the time we survived on crisps and biscuits which wasn’t great. On the last day we had instant noodles for dinner. But Kalam is famous for its trout. So if you place an order, which you have to do in advance because the shop keeper will literally catch the fish from the river, marinate it and cook it for you. It was the nicest things we had up there.

The 4 day trip seemed too short and I hope that I can go back one day, and that there are many more trips like this in the future.

[anamthelaptopninja]

Focus on the small blessings

Today I went up to the roof to watch the sunset. It was so peaceful with the birds flying home, chirping away. The sky a beautiful canvas of blues, oranges and purples. The sun a bright orange, setting in the distance in to nothing. The clouds pink, reflecting the few rays that were slowly disappearing. The hills in the distance, just a silhouette. The moon, getting brighter with each passing minute.

It was just me and my thoughts. And I was just in the moment. Reflecting and thanking the creator for that specific moment that I got to witness. Take a moment out of your day. Your favourite moment and reflect and thank the Lord for the countless blessings. No matter what the situation may be in your life. 

[anamthelaptopninja]

Achieving something you never thought you would

After school, life took me through things I never thought I would. They seemed like trials at the time, but now, I realise, they were wonderful experiences. I never got to do my A levels, something I really wanted to do, and despite all my efforts, it never worked out. Last year, I started to revise for two A level subjects and I decided to give 2 years worth of syllabus in one year. I didn’t want to wait two years to do my A levels, it seemed too long. I wanted this so much that I gave it my all. And on Friday, I found out that I had passed both of my subjects with good grades. It was the best feeling ever and I honestly couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. I’m so grateful, and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing. All my struggles helped me to get where I got today and I’m proud of all my achievements. The big and the small.

The moral is that, all good things happen in good time. No matter how hard you may try or how much you may stress out, whats not destines for you will not reach you at that time or ever, and we have to be okay with that. In it’s place, you’ll get something better, because that’s the promise of Allah. You strive for it and you’ll get it, or it will be replaced by something better.

[anamthelaptopninja]

Chewy Dark Chocolate chip cookies

What do you do when you have chocolate chips lying around? You bake cookies. This recipe makes around 18 medium sized cookies. I used dark chocolate chips, you can use any, milk or white will be fine too. It’s an easy recipe. The cookies are chewy on the inside and crispy in the outside. They taste great with milk!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup oil

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup dark chocolate chips

Method:

Beat in the sugars and oil until light and creamy. Add the eggs, salt, vanilla and mix well. Sift in flour, baking soda and baking powder and fold. Add in the chocolate chips and mix well so that they are proper distributed.

With a scoop, or a spoon, place small balls on a lined tray. I put six on mine and spaced them apart so that there was space for them to spread. Put them in the oven ( at around 150 Celsius) but keep checking them because they’ll cook in about 7-9 minutes.

[anamthelaptopninja]

Life doesn’t always remain the same

This is a fact. And we all know it. Yet, when circumstances get tough we despair and sometimes lose hope. I was just in my room lying on my bed and out of nowhere the realisation hit me that at this point in life I have accomplished things that I couldn’t even have imagined two or three years ago. I’ll always want more, it’s human nature. Even now I want to do things that seem a little far fetched, yet there’s so much to be thankful for. We forget to live in the present, we look at people and compare ourselves to them, not realising that each person and their life is unique. What’s good for them doesn’t mean it will be good for you too.

Two years ago, I was in a tough spot. I was living in London with no prospects of where life was going to take me and to be honest, I stopped planning every single moment of my life long ago because things never go as you want them to, and you have to be content in the will of Allah. I was desperately trying to continue with my studies but all the doors were being shut. I wanted to complete my A levels and get that burden off my shoulders, but no matter how hard I tried, nothing was fruitful. It was really demotivating tbh, and I kind of lost who I was.

But Alhamdulillah, and I don’t know how, but I realised that moping and crying isn’t gonna do my life any good. So I started volunteering and photographing events. It was mostly free work but I felt like I was doing something and that was good enough.

Two years later, I’m in a different country, sitting in my room on a July summers afternoon. The air con is lightly swishing and I’m sitting on my dresser typing away while a candle is burning next to me filling the room with a sweet yet fresh smell. And I’m content and so incredibly grateful. I gave two of my complete A level exams in May and, Insha’Allah, I plan on giving my last complete A level in November. And sometimes, I can’t believe that I’m almost done with this thing that has bothered me for so many years. As I watched my friends and fellow peer excel in life; I felt like I was going nowhere. I still feel like that sometimes but I know that at least I’ve moved on, even if a little. It’s enough.

I still want to do things and it gets a little confusing at times, but I pray that Allah gives me the understanding and complete faith in Him. I don’t know what I’ll be doing in the next two years or where I’ll be, but I pray that I’ll be content and happy no matter what the circumstances. Try to find joy and peace in every single day, even if it’s just for a moment.

[anamthelaptopninja]

All humans are dead except those who have knowledge. And all those who have knowledge are asleep, except those who do good deeds. And those who do good deeds are deceived, except those who are sincere. And those who are sincere are always in a state of worry.

Imam Ash-Shafi’ee

[anamthelaptopninja]

Allah tests those whom He loves, so don’t let go of hope.

As Muslims, we know and understand that the life of this dunya is a test and a trial for us and only those who practice patience and faith in Allah will succeed. But as someone who’s been through a few tough spots in life, sometimes you end up despairing and questioning the choices you’ve made in life.

Each one of us is facing our own struggle, whether it's regarding marriage, divorce, financial struggles, school, uni, family, friends, society or our own personal and inner struggles. We’ve all felt helpless and depressed at some point; feeling stuck where we are in our lives. At that point we feel useless, like nothing will be the same again and that we’re a failure. Not realising at that moment that we’re being tested by Allah and that He tests those whom He loves.

It is essential to understand that everything comes from Allah, and that it is happening by the will of Allah, therefore we should repent and ask for His mercy and always, be thankful.

Whenever I’m feeling down or upset, or my current outlook on life isn’t great I find comfort in books. If you find the right book(s) you find a lifelong friend who will help you through troubled times and remind you of how wonderful this life is and there’s so much to be thankful for. I’ve made a short compilation of my most beloved books. Books that I can read again and again and always learn something new each time I read them. They’ve helped me and even shaped me in to the person I am today and I hope they will help you too.

1. The Quran, Oxford world’s classic, translated by M. A. S Abdel Haleem

As Muslims we need to learn to make the Quran our companion in every situation. It is a complete code of life where our Creator is addressing us and has blessed us with a book that tells us how we should lead our life in every situation. Finding a good and easy to understand translation of the Quran was a struggle for me until I was recommended this particular one. It’s written n simple and easy to understand manner, and includes small notes about the surah.

The Quran has the solution to every problem you have. We just have to make the first step of opening it and reading it. The Quran inspires, warns and encourages to be the best version of ourselves. It assures us that Allah is ever watching, ever aware and that He loves us and that compared to those in the past how much easier our lives are and it teaches us lessons through the stories of others. No one understand us better than our Lord, so in times of need and trial turn to Him. He understands.

2. Prophets in the Quran by Iftekhar Bano Hussain

This book is linked with the Quran since it’s a compilation of the stories of the Prophets in reference to the verses in which they were mentioned in the Quran. I have the second volume of this book, so it has 10 Prophet (each with its own chapter). The Prophets  struggled in this dunya to spread the word of Allah. Their stories are a lesson for us that no matter how bad situations get, faith in Allah goes a long way. Their stories inspire us to  have complete faith in Allah and that the reward for our struggles is going to be immense and worth it.

3. Healing Body and soul by Amira Ayad

In order to be in a good mind set and have a positive outlook to lead a happy and healthy life, our bodies need to be taken care of. This book covers topics from food, mental well being, psychological needs, emotions and spiritual needs, all in reference to the Quran and Sunnah. The writer, Amira, has done an excellent job in explaining how our mind and body plays a role on our out look on life. It’s a guide on how to change yourself for the better. It a healthy mixture of science and religion to convince you to make the necessary changes you need. The book tells us what kind of perspectives we need to have in order to live a carefree and satisfied life the likes of which the companions of the Prophet lead.It’s a book that encourages to change to a healthier lifestyle physically which will benefit you mentally and spiritually. I definitely recommend this!

4. You can be the happiest woman in the world by Dr. Aid al Qarni

Some of you may already know about this book. But for me it holds a very special place in my heart. It’s gotten me through some pretty tough spots and I keep coming back to it. The way I can explain this book is true inspiration. It points out you blessings and makes you realiise of the blessings you have. It focuses on all the positive aspects of life that a woman would go through. It teaches you to be grateful, kind, forgiving and focus on the small details of life and find happiness amidst the trials and struggles. Its a constant reminder that you’re not alone and that everyone is struggling in their own way.The book is filled with inspirational quotes, verses and ahadith. It emphasizes how YOU can be a source of happiness for not only yourself but those around you.

Life can get tough but we shouldn’t let it bring us down. In a world where there is so much suffering and struggles we should try and be a source of happiness for our friends and family. To inspire and motivate people to do good. Always remember that Allah created us for a reason, each individual is important.

Stay Happy,

Anam x.