Reflections of a Readaholic...

If you asked me to name some of the books which topped my wishlist; "The Alchemist" would be one of them. I have to confess that it's been a year since i bought this book at a book sale and i still couldn't get my hands on it because i didn't want to cheat on the other books i was currently reading!!! And at last, when i did get to read it, Paulo Coelho didn't dissapoint me.

The book was UNLIKE any other book i've ever read. It was not what i expected. It was different. Beautifully different.... At first glance, It's a story of Santiago; a shepherd boy on a quest for treasure at the Egyptian Pyramids. But when you delve in deeper, there's much more to it than any treasure hunt. Santiago encounters various people throughout his journey, each having an impact on his quest. It enlightens the reader about the life lessons he learns in his pursuit for treasure. 

It's a story about magic,courage,wisdom, determination, love ,taking risks , about listening to our hearts, holding onto our dreams and following our destinies. 

As Santiago embarks on a journey of self discovery, we are left with one important question ; do we do what it takes to follow our dreams? 

With its thought provokingly beautiful quotes, it's a book which will inspire and uplift your soul.

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

Beautiful quote from "The Alchemist"

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

I received this book as a birthday present; little knowing that i would fall head over heels in love with it... I must confess that i was not that into the story as this was the first  young-adult post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction book I've read. The language the Gladers used confused & intrigued me and my head was bursting with unanswered questions. Nevertheless, my fingers continued to flip the pages; curiosity taking over, until my mind was aroused with an interest so deep; i found it difficult to put the book down!!!

 The story revolves around a of a group of kids(boys) with their memory wiped, stranded in a Glade surrounded by a Maze infested with vicious creatures called Grievers; struggling to solve the Maze- but NEVER giving up.

 When Thomas; the hero of the story, arrives at the Glade, he is determined to solve the maze no matter what. Thomas quickly adapts to their lifestyle and wins friends. But when a girl called Teresa arrives with a note saying that she's the last one ever, things start changing...... 

The Title of the book ; "When the Moon Split", refers to one of the significant miracles of the Prophet (sal) when the Quraysh (i.e. the polytheists) demanded a miracle to prove His Prophethood.

The following Hadith from Sahih Al - Bukhari confirms it.

Narrated Anas (rali) : "The People of Makkah asked the Prophet (sal) to show them a sign (miracle). So He showed them (the miracle) of the cleaving of the moon."

Inked about the noble Prophet Muhammad (sal); the last & final messenger to all mankind, this book is a must read  for Muslims as well as  Non - Muslims around the globe. Accurate & easy to understand, the author presents a straightforward account of the Prophet's life. What I really loved about the book was the style employed in writing it.

The Prophet (sal) is indeed the epitome of beautiful character & demeanor. He was honest, truthful, trustworthy, wise, loving, kind to all those around Him, patient during hardships, humble during victory, modest, simple, just & merciful to those who wronged Him. Thus, He earned the love, loyalty & respect of everyone around him.

"O people! By God, I have been to the courts of kings & seen the splendour of Caesar, Chosroes, & Najaashi, but by God never have I seen any king so revered as Muhammad. I noticed that if He spat, his companions ran to get the spittle on their hands & rubbed it on their hands & faces. If He asked for anything, they vied to comply with His order; if He performed ablution, they struggled to get the water He had used, & if He spoke, everybody listened rapt. Nobody dared even to look straight into His eyes."

The above is the account from a polytheist who witnessed the interaction between the Prophet (sal) & his companions.

Above all, His love for Allah surpassed everything & His mission was to spread the truth of Islam to mankind.