Why Me?: Understanding One's Worldly Fate

by Omar Suleiman

Genres: Islam, Self Help, Religion

255 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Imam Omar Suleiman is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies Program at SMU (Southern Methodist University). He is also the Resident Scholar at Valley Ranch Islamic Center and Co-Chair Emeritus of Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square.

Reviews

[Safiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at the right time for me. Omar Suleiman has such a soft, reassuring way of writing that makes you feel seen without being overwhelmed. Why Me? is a gentle yet powerful reminder that our pain is not pointless, and that even the most confusing or difficult moments are known by Allah.

What stood out to me is how he doesn’t rush to “solve” your pain—he sits with it, acknowledges it, and then slowly brings in the wisdom from the Qur’an and the lives of the Prophets. It felt like a deep breath for the soul. There were so many short reflections that hit hard, especially around trusting Allah’s timing and seeing trials as part of His greater mercy—even if we can’t understand it right now.

Reading it made me feel a lot less alone in certain thoughts I’ve had. It reframed suffering in a way that’s comforting—not by denying the struggle, but by reminding me that there's meaning behind it, even if it’s hidden for now.

I’ll probably return to this often—especially in harder moments when I need to be reminded that Allah sees, hears, and understands.

[Linda Sweiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ilhamdiallah enjoyed this book, suggest younger Muslims should read it and reflect on it. Was not one of top books I have thoroughly enjoyed by Shaykh Omar but nonetheless very good mashallah. May Allah swt reward you tenfold for all your efforts Shaykh. 🤲

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐4.5 stars⭐

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

" A person cannot sincerely supplicate to Allah for a desired outcome unless they forgo the sins and bad habits that impede the passage of our prayers to their Creator" (page 97)

This book has a lot of excellent wisdom. The hardcover is beautiful. I will have to refer to this book again and again because there was so much knowledge in it. I appreciate the way this book was written; at times, like in the aforementioned quote, it felt like a "gentle conviction." Some Islamic books can be difficult to get through based on the language used, especially when translated from Arabic to English.

My only reason for giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I ascribe to the Quranist (Quran only) belief, and this book had a lot of Hadith and stories of the Companions I don't feel like there was an over-reliance on this in comparison to the Quran, though. It can be hard to find an Islamic book that doesn't quote Hadith.

Omar Suleiman is a great Islamic teacher and author. I look forward to reading his other works.

[Liyana Yamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book for Muslims to pause and think about a purposeful life. The author mentioned Surah At-Taubah verse 51 several times in the book. "Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has destined for us. He is our Protector.” So in Allah let the believers put their trust.

[Abeer Arain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really an extraordinary read. It goes deep into your heart, and the way it ends is just excellent. I enjoyed reading this book very much!