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Seeing for Ourselves: And Even Stranger Possibilities by Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan

izarahreads's review

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

“Beyond the desire to be seen by people is the possibility of being content with being estranged from their gazes, of going unseen by others because you recognise that is how to be seen in the best light by the Unseen One who sees you best”

I deeply appreciated Suhaiymah’s writing style; it felt like I was part of a sisterhood circle where we openly shared our thoughts, experiences, and reflections. What struck me the most was how she seamlessly integrated the relationship we have with God into the conversation about societal norms and the challenges of adhering to our faith while navigating school, workplaces, and other external influences. It's a reminder that we often feel pressured to shrink a fundamental part of ourselves to fit in when our ultimate acceptance and validation should come from our relationship with God.

“Seeing for Ourselves” prompted me to reflect on my own identity and the challenges I’ve faced as a person of colour and a Muslim woman. Despite these challenges, I believe that people like me have a place in the world. This aligned with the author's question about defining oneself on one's own terms. 

Each chapter in this book, penned by the author, is a unique experience for every reader. Despite our differences, there's a common thread that connects us all in some way. We've all experienced moments of reflection, growth, and self-discovery, and this book seems to touch upon those universal human experiences.

I think everyone should read it. It provides a sense of validation for our experiences, even the ones we find challenging to express. It prompts me to examine my relationship with God, my interactions with others, and my own self-perception. It poses questions that invite introspection and growth.
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