Book Reflection: Longing for God's Closeness by Ayesha Syahira

Assalamualaikum and Salam Ramadan day 6 ^-^

Since it's the blessed month of Ramadan, I kinda want to write something more beneficial to us all so I decided to do a book review of a book that I recently finished reading. I actually started reading this book in November (if I'm not mistaken) but only get to finished the last chapter of the book a day before Ramadan. Thanks to my cousin Solehah who offered me her mysiswa coupon so I get three books worth RM100 for free and all she claimed back from me was just a cup of Chagee hehehehe <3

When I started reading this book I was at a state of finding peace. My work life during that time was heavy and lonely, I needed something that could sooth me, tender words from human that went through something similar I would say. This book helps me so much in terms of finding inner peace and comfort.

Through all the five chapters of this book, it does not feel like a chore at all, in fact, I needed to read it. Ayesha Syahira surely knows how to write while also still connects, do you get what I mean? The feeling when you read the book and finally you feel seen. We struggles the same, and trying all the same to be better. It's like a best friend you needed the most. 

The main essence of the book is discussing Salah. Yes, it's one of the Pillar of Islam, you would think it's too heavy to discuss casually right? But no, the author's writing truly captured the beauty of connection with Allah through Salah without over thinking it. What I mean here is that, it's great that we think of Salah seriously but not to the point it started to overwhelmed us because we keep thinking we are not kind or good enough to start. Instead, we should start doing it slowly. Consistently. Because Allah always knows your intentions and see you trying. That's it. Keep trying every day. That's what I have been holding on ever since I started reading this book. I learn to slow my pace down and took my time properly. 

Sometimes, simplicity is all that we need. It's true, live life in moderation, in every essence of life. Because we are all human, we tend to break too, so it's okay as long you did not go far from His path. Remember to reset your intention, to review your life goals. And I like to remind this again and again, take it slow. In a world of efficiency, do not rush your Salah. That's your actual break time to collect your thoughts and go face the world again. As long as you have put your life intentions towards Allah, there's nothing that can stop you :)

p/s: to those who have worked hard, I'm so proud of you! Keep going ^-^