With everything that has happened this year, it's been hard for me to grasp onto any positivity. I've felt as if I was constantly being battered down into dirt and getting thrown into a deep grave.
In the past, I would try to reevaluate my thoughts and feelings in order to change my way of thinking but it would only last for a couple days. Nothing seemed to stick. I wanted change for myself, but I lacked the motivation to do anything. I was coming close to accepting my depressing life but then one night that all changed.
I was scrolling on TikTok and came across a video of a girl showing off this book; Spiritual Gems of Islam by Imam Jamal Rahman. Initially, I was thrown off. It was super random to see a book review on my feed and a religious one at that. But as I continued to watch her video, there was something that told me to buy it and to buy it right away.
The book was delivered to my doorsteps on July 17th, 2020. Today, I am more than halfway finished and I can't explain how much has changed in my life since then.
Though I was raised under the Islamic faith, I haven't really been "all in" since my high school days.
I didn't care enough to educate myself on my given religion and by default I didn't really align myself with it's values.
I would just pray and read the Quran whenever I felt like it was convenient for me.
I had too many questions but didn't care enough to reach out for the answers in front of me. But for some reason, this book called to me and prompted me to change.
As I read from Rahman's teachings, I came to realize how religion was everywhere and how the word itself held various meanings. He showed me that I was capable of interpreting my faith in any way I felt comfortable. There was nothing wrong with tieing my modern views with a spiritual one. He spoke to me and reminded me that I had the power to create my own world.
If I want to be motivated and happy, I need to have that mindset. There's a difference between waking up and wanting to sleep in a couple more minutes versus waking up and brushing your teeth right away.
It's all about having the power to push yourself and committing to your intentions.
Since reading this book, I have been working more on my inner self by purifying my heart and giving light to my soul. I've noticed that with the work I've been putting in, I've been becoming happier and I've been able to take better note of the positivity that has been surrounding me.
Spiritual Gems of Islam has been a beautiful read so far. With every page I read, I feel as if I have the amazing ability to hold moonlight in my hands. Since this purchase, I have been finding myself coming back into reality with a more open heart, mind and body.
Though the title may appear as if the contents within are only meant for fellow muslims, it's not. There are insights given from various religions throughout. The book doesn't focus on Islam entirely, rather more on self growth and enlightenment. There are a couple Islamic verses and fun little stories in each chapter to help guide the intention of every lesson. With each chapter, the author illuminates insights on how to accept the trials we as people face in our day to day lives with great instruction. His tone and voice also highlight the value of peace and worldly understanding.
Overall, the book is truly a gem and beautifully written. I definitely recommend.
To end off, here's a saying by the 13th-century Persian poet, faqih, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic, Rumi:
" A bee and a wasp may drink from the same flower, but one produces nectar and the other a sting. We must choose the nectar."
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