Assalamu'alaykum (Peace Be Upon You)
If you are ever finding yourself lost, confused, not encouraged and not inspired to be the best you can, I have written an amazing book that helps motivate and inspires to help you become the best and "The Strongest Version Of Yourself." I have also used many authentic hadiths and ayahs (verses) from the Qur'an to help show us that Allah SWT has shown us how to deal with whatever we are going through.
Some of the topics covered in the book are:
Accepting Your Blessings
The Past
Dealing With Negative People
A Hard Heart
And many other topics that you may be dealing with on a daily basis and may need answers for. I beleive you wont regret reading this book because it can be a life changer for you and help you see life in a very different but very positive perspective and help you overcome many things.
Book Reviews
Review #1
After reading 'The strongest version of yourself' I realized that I could be doing much more to reach my full potential. I think it's a really good book for anyone who is looking for motivation of any kind, particularly those of us who are limiting ourselves. It definitely made me think further about the things I could do to help achieve my goals, and definitely made me appreciate the life that Allah has bestowed upon me. I also appreciate the fact that the author took verses out of the Quran and elaborated on them to suit the chapter and assist in getting the point across.
Derya Keles - Melbourne, Australia
Review #2
I have just finished reading your book. I love this book. I think this is a great inspirational book for anyone needing advice for situations that they have gone through or are currently going through. I don’t have any favorite chapters, as I thought they were all great chapters with great genuine advice. The two chapters that helped me are “The Past” and “A Hard Heart”. I learned to let go of my past and stop reliving the pain and hurt over and over again in my mind. To focus on now and look forward to the future Insha Allah. To not let my past prevent me from having a future. More importantly, I learned to not let my heart become hardened because of the actions of one individual, making me become someone whom I’m not but to continue to possess the attributes that Allah (SWT) has blessed me with. You are a blessing and inspiration to me. You are well on your way to becoming a great writer. May Allah bless you for your efforts and continue to bless you with more success.
Malikah Scott - Evansville, Indiana
Review #3
Woooow!!! just finished reading ur book a while ago. I knew it was going to be good but it turned out to be waaay good. Excellent book, honestly. Especially, as an American Muslim, thinking like us, having knowledge like this MashaAllah. May Allah bless u always. I liked all chapters really, especially using Hadith & using Ayat from Qur'an. Every chapter was different & useful, enjoyed it. It motivated me & how to be optimistic, and wanting to change things in life. And liked ur ending or conclusion.
Lamyaa Kandil - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Review #4
Since my deen and mental-state have benefitted from your writings, I was very eager to read "the strongest version of yourself" And I must confess that my expectations have been fullfilled...
It's pretty amazing that Allah (SWT) can change so much in your life through someone you haven't even seen in real life. I feel like this book has been written for me because the topics touched many of my weaknesses that I have always wanted to change.
Without spoiling anything, all I wanna say is: If you are in a bad state of mind and feel a lack of motivation/inspiration, instead of spending loads of money at the place of a psychologist, first get yourself a hold of "the strongest version of yourself" and see how the buds blossom away. .
I mean after all this book isn't just some "blah blab blah" by someone who is a stranger to you, but it is written by one of your brothers in Islam who made use of the best of suggestion about how to deal with life that is the Quran...
Fatma Kaganoglu - Wuppertal, Germany
Review #5
When I read ‘The Strongest Version Of Yourself’ I knew it was going to be good, and it was. The one thing I absolutely loved is how the author always finds a way to bring it back to Allah (swt) and how he incorporated hadiths to get his point across. All the chapters were well written but I have to say my favorite chapters were Dealing with Negative People, The Past, A Hard Heart and Love. I felt like I could relate to all those and isn't that what we want when we read something? To learn lessons and gain knowledge. To see things in a new perspective. One of the many things I learned is not to let anyone control the way I feel. That we need to be in control of ourselves and especially of our hearts. So if you read this I guarantee you will learn something you didn't know before and become inspired like I have been Alhamdulillah.
Nada H. - California
Review #6
Asalamu alaykum warahmatullah wabaraktu
I hope you are in the best of health, insha Allah.
I have just completed reading your book The Strongest Version of Yourself and I am happy to present the following review on your work:
To begin with, the style of writing is clear and easy to understand and relate to, so the audience is fully capable of understanding the core message you are promoting.
The content itself includes a lot of motivational concepts to better and improve oneself, along with a gentle push of encouragement from an Islamic perspective.
I felt many emotions while reading the book and connected to many chapters.
If you are someone who is not sure about who they are anymore, what they want in life, or how to stop letting life consume you, then this read is for you. Especially, if you are holding onto islam by a thread. It does not delve into the hardcore fiqh and fatwa’s, rather it portrays the famous and inspiring hadiths that many of us often forget as we are so engrossed in our busy lives and don’t give our Islam much thought, until Ramadan, for example.
I also think that this book has even more potential because you (author) have a passionate mindset about trying to not only better yourself, but also to promote and encourage individual’s to pursue a better lifestyle, according to Qur’an and sunnah, which in turn could improve communities, societies and entire nations.
I also wanted to ask you on your thoughts about the following quote in your book:
Page 66 “You are everything, Allah swt has invested in you”
I like the point you are making here which is that Allah swt WANTS to see each individual succeed in life, however I was contemplating on the idea suggesting that Allah invests in us. Investment would suggest that Allah has something to gain from us, when in reality, He does not need us nor does he gain anything from our existence. The truth of the matter is that He is already perfection and our existence does not and never can add or subtract from His perfection. Rather we could say that Allah wants to see us succeed, it is up to us whether we want to invest our time in remembering Him and securing our future, AKA investing in the akhira.??
——
Note:page 81 you have written “being strong physically Is easy, but being strong mentally is not.”
Question: what are your thoughts on: “being strong physically is hard, but being strong mentally is harder”. I only say this because it still takes a lot of time, dedication and work to be physically fit, and if it was that easy, we’d all have that perfect physique! (Just my personal opinion though!)
To conclude, I would like to say congratulations on your first book! It truly is an inspiring read and I will do my best to help promote it via as many social media platforms I can! I hope you don’t take my criticism as insult or something to put you down, rather as something constructive and a way to improve your work of inspiration! Jazakallah khair !
Lady Watermelon Jam
Review #7
I finished reading The Strongest Version of Yourself and I have to say it's like a breath of fresh air! Definitely changed my mindset for the better and I couldn't have come across it at a better time. From start to finish, you can feel the sincerity. Clearly, these words have been written with a clean and caring heart.
These days it is easy to get caught up in things which leave you with a negative mindset. The advice in this book direct you to see things differently and motivates you into taking action so that you can achieve becoming a better person. I especially love how you learn how to move on from the negative past. I also really appreciate the important reminder to humble yourself, be thankful and put your trust in Allah SWT.
I would recommend this to anyone who cares to better their lives and boost their Iman.
Zainab Elsayed - Toronto, Ontario
Review #8
I first read your book a month back and since I received your email I felt it was fair to go through it again to give better feedback.
I like the approach you take to writing. Your book was like listening to a very dear friend, someone who really cares about you who wants the best for you, giving you the best advice to keep you going. It really made me think hard about my life, the past and the future and I connected with it straight away. It was very personal- which means a number of things. Your advice and words were very real. I think every single person could relate to the content in your book, in one way or another. Your words were very encouraging and the reminders from the Qur'an and sunnah were added gems which reinforced your words in a nice manner. It was very accessible; no fancy words- which makes it wonderful for many to read and understand it without a problem. However, I don’t mean to be a pain but there were one or two grammatical errors and other minor details which I have listed and could email you them if that would be helpful.Dealing with negative people was a really thought provoking chapter for me due to personal experiences and so were the chapters on the past. Actually now that I think about it, the whole book seemed to make complete sense to me and I could relate to pretty much everything- as if it was written for me. Not many books can make you feel like that.
I have always enjoyed writing myself. I am a reflective person and I write mostly in my journal, my thoughts etc, but honestly, reading your work makes me want to write to help others also.
I noticed on your blog that you are thinking of taking a break from writing… personally I think that you should continue writing, because you do it well and have really good things to say. You could reach a million people with your words and you may not get the credit you deserve, but Allah appreciates every single one of your efforts in reminding and helping people feel positive and return to Allah, the only One who can change people’s lives around. I reckon you help more people than you realise and if your intentions are to genuinely help others then you shouldn’t feel discouraged by a lack of response because Allah knows how hard you’re trying and it doesn’t go unnoticed. And who knows where your work could go, where and who it could reach…
It’s difficult to take your own advice. I’m not too great at that either. But in sha’Allah there are great things ahead.
I appreciate the time you took to write your book and I found reading it very helpful and it also reminded me to be more productive and stop wanting things to change without taking bigger steps to make change happen. So JazakhAllah khair, May Allah shower you with blessings in this world and the Hereafter for all your hard work and dedication. May He ease your burdens and make us all the strongest version of ourselves.
P.S I would love to read whatever else you have written or are in the process of writing.
Review #12
Asalamalaykum
I read your book and I was touched by how much effort you put into it. As I was reading, it was as if I was hearing your voice driving me on and encouraging me to better myself. I felt as if I had found my own personal motivator whom I could refer to any time if needed. It is also really easy for anyone to read and understand, plain and simple ;no long and difficult words. Therefore it's great for teenagers and school kids who would benefit hugely from your book.
My favourite chapters are 'Love ' and 'If '. You really inspired me and helped me immensely. I also gave it to my teenage daughter to read. She was really impressed as well.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece of work with the world and for always trying your best to help others. It does not go unnoticed. I look forward to your future books and may Almighty Allah reward you for your efforts, Inshallah Ameen.
S.P. - South Africa
Review #13
I recommend all my brothers and sisters read this excellent self-help book maa'sha'Allah. 'The Strongest Version Of Yourself' by brother Malik Shabazz.
Living with sihr/jinn possession can be very debilitating and causes disabling disturbances in thinking, feeling, and relating.
This book will help you to maintain a healthy positive mindset, be a guidance for you to be a stronger version of yourself and a lasting comfort to your heart, mind and soul, in'sha'Allah.
I suggest you highlight/bookmark the sentences/paragraphs that help you the most, so you can keep refering back to them when you need uplifting, motivating and your strength reviving.
BarakAllahu feekum
Sister Umm Yaseen
Facebook: Ruqya Support
Review #14
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Mashallah, your book is amazing.
Would it be far-fetched if I saw this as an Islamic Self-Help Book?
Ok, I, like many other believe experience is the best teacher and with experience comes wisdom. I feel some things are common sense but most of your books’ content must have been dealt with first hand.
The thing I like about writing/words is/are, I love how they define us. I think you have created the strongest version of yourself so far and as we age, there is always room for improvement which you’re open to, mashallah. I believe you wouldn’t have shared your findings, if it didn’t work for you.
Subhanallah, reading this book, I went through many stages of my life, it was like listening myself talk. For example, when depression hit, I hit me hard at a young age. Now that I have out grown it, I understand, what was once painful to bear was a blessing in disguise and I’ve fully comprehended that I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. And I am glad Allah tested me like he did.
I love how you mentioned, “THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR SOMEONE LIKE YOU.” Until now I didn’t know what it meant. In fact a few individuals that have popped in and out of my life have stated. “This world needs more people like you.” And Idk. Idk what to think. I don’t know what they meant. The only purpose I am fully aware of is to worship Allah and through doing so, I will find that which I seek in this life and the next and become what the world need me to be.
To be honest, I think I’ve been through so much and I’ve exchanged with all sorts of people that life comes natural to me then the next person. I know who to associate myself with, I know who not to associate myself with. I’ve never been hurt or stabbed in back because I’ve built myself like this. &This book reminded me that I have come a long way and I have a longer way to go to attain the Jannah that I desire.
A few things I’ve learned that I need to are to:
- discover what it truly means to love myself
- master my time wisely
- be the strongest version of myself everyday
- understand every day is a blessing and to implement Alhamdulillah not only when things go my way.
- question the status of heart? (To some it’s hard as a rock to others light as a bird)
Nonetheless, it refreshing to know that I am on the right track and the above points have always been on my list of things to do/become but yet to be accomplished. Alhamdulillah It really put things in perspective for me. Subhanallah, May Allah make us successful.
Jazakallah for sharing. Thank you for taking time to write this. Inshallah, this will be one of the means in which you attain Jannahl; for this is your legacy. Inshallah many will be assisted with their current affairs through it.
I will be sure to post a review and share it with someone. Inshallah.
Zainab Amin - Edmonton, Alberta
Assalamu'alaykum akhi,
I stumbled upon your wordpress and I was interested in your e-book "The Strongest Version of Yourself" then I downloaded it. I read it randomly and yes, this is the book I was looking for. I really love your book, I write down some beautiful words from your book on my notebook. Also it's very easy to read for non-english like me. May Allah reward your effort and may He ease you to benefit the ummah.
Keep up the great work,
Wassalamu'alaykum.
May 19th, 2020