Maybe This Is Love

by Maria Mahat

“Why are you following me?”

“I’m not, I’m just walking in the same direction as you. You’re so fierce.”

He called me fierce! The nerve!

*

Sufiah longs to be in a loving relationship, and she has always believed that a good Muslim woman is meant for a good Muslim man. But when her idea of a "perfect destiny" marries someone else, her heart shatters beyond repair.

Then comes Reza—laid-back, impulsive, and not exactly religious. He’s from a world completely different from Sufiah’s and nothing like the imam figure she once dreamed of.

Still, the more time they spend together, the more she can’t deny the attraction. Sufiah finds herself confused and conflicted.

Why is she drawn to someone who seems to take his faith so lightly? Is this a test of her own? When a deeper side of Reza is revealed, Sufiah begins to question everything she thought she knew about love, faith, and what makes someone truly right for her.

Can two imperfect hearts come together to find their own kind of happiness?

332 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Diniy Qistina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, selepas hampir 3 bulan tak membaca, akhirnya berjaya habis satu buku. Kali ni kita cuba baca novel bahasa Inggeris pulak sebab muqadimah. Buku ni dibeli masa PBAKL dan terus baca sebaik selepas beli.

Mengisahkan tentang Sufiah yang sedang konfius dengan hala tuju masa depan dia. Tak tahu nak sambung belajar kat mana. Sama ada kat Mesir atau Singapura atau Malaysia. By the way settings place most of the time kat Singapore. Sebab Sufiah ni orang Singapore. Ada suatu hari Sufiah ni ada terserempak dengan seorang lelaki baya-baya dia kat Haji Lane, Reza namanya. Sufiah ni dari awal dia tunjuk dia tak suka dengan Reza. Nak-nak Reza ni nampak macam liar. Dia pulak 'Muslimah'.

Fast forward, tetiba girlfriend non-Muslim Reza ternampak Reza sedang bercakap dengan Sufiah. Terus dituduhnya diorang berdua ada affair. Pastu demi menafikan hal tu, Reza tercakap sesuatu yang mengguris hati Sufiah. Sufiah pun apa lagi? Laju blah dari situ.

Empat tahun kemudian, diorang berjumpa semula. Reza dah 'lain'. Tapi Sufiah ni masih ada stigma pada Reza. Dia masih rasa Reza ni tak layak nak berkawan dengan dia sebab dia rasa dia lebih bertakwa@beriman dari Reza. Memang judging habis dia dengan Reza.

Dalam masa yang sama, wujud karakter Khairil. Dah jadi cinta tiga segi pulak. 😌
Pada akhirnya, siapakah yang jadi pilihan Sufiah? Reza? Atau Khairil?

[Izzah Berhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Cinta islamik. Bermanfaat. Bacaan yang ringan.

Macam ala² Hlovate tapi english keseluruhannya.

Mungkin kalau remaja akan lebih menikmati cerita ini.

[Fardeena Dania · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me that no one is perfect in this world, whether in the eyes of people or in the eyes of Allah. But Allah will always guide the right person to you, someone truly worthy of your love. No matter how long it takes, there's always a reason behind it.

Hope to read more novel from Maria Mahat, love her writing!

[nur reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Faith is about believing in Allah's plan and His perfect timing. When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also the finder of His love and mercy. " -my fav quote from the book-

4/5 ⭐: The most suitable word to describe my reading process of reading this book would clearly be cozy. For me, it is a very cozy reads. I did not felt super curious or super hard to finish it, so I really take my time and only picked up the book when I feel like it, which is really not me because normally I would always read too fast or just really slow 😪.

As someone yang who never really fully understands the idea of love, I think personally this book have helped me to finally at least somehow understands it. The author have highlighted a lot of things, especially in Islamic way by quoting and explaining some verses from the Al-Quran and also in casual way by the story line of a young women which is the main character, Sufiah.

Now, about reviewing the book, I think all of the characters in this book is very human and that makes me felt so close to the character, especially Sufiah, whenever she's in dilemma, I felt that too, from the first plot of her choosing a place for her study and to the next one that you need to find it yourself in this book 😅. Also, the character of Aunt Noor, she is so similar to one of my aunt, the way she talks, behaves and kepoh is so like my aunt. hehe.

Next, about the romance part of the book I think all part of it is so so so cute. Ngl I kinda swoon away over the words of Reza. So memang blushing all the way 😙. Also, bila moments diaorang tgt, that is just so damn cute even though they did not being lovey pun and I still love it so so much.

Other than that, I like that the author made the chapters of the book very short, so it is easier for me to stop when I want to take a little time off.

Despite benda ii best in this book, I think honestly for me the first few parts in this book is a bit slow but still okay je because it's not to the point jadi malas nak baca. And there are some parts i noticed ada some typos but still okay.

All in all, I would really recommend this book to all young adults out there that are so confuse of love and are trying to understand the meaning of it. This book will help you seriously.

p/s: I've met the author, Maria Mahat at pbakl 25 and she is so kind and comel hehe. Hope I'll get to meet her again. So that I can get her sign my book because sadly haritu I forgot to bring the book during her sign event 😭.

[Aina Mazlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful journey of seeking god and seeking for love.

The right definition of ‘if you seek for Allah’s love, then He will take care of everything for you’.

Juggling between future and islamic beliefs, Sufiah is the right example of a faithful believer, who always stands firm with Islamic principles.

The journey of Reza finding his ‘kiblat’ is truly inspiring!
We all deserve the second chance, to repent and to be a faithful servant.

In conclusion, this book is not only about finding the love of your life. But seeking the truth and turns to Allah for his mercy and love even if we’ve sinned repeatedly.

Straightforward and beautiful story 💞

[Joy (Cheery♡Reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm, it is a well written book but unfortunately, I found the dialogues stiff, awkward and stilted. It felt too prim and proper - like a textbook for students.

It is a lovely and simple Islamic love story but it was hard for me to get invested because it lacked the typical Singapore accent and flavour when they’re talking.

I would recommend this to middle grade students and for those who would like to know more about the culture and traditions of Muslim and Islam.

[Hussainitermizi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall books are okay.

Straight forward plot.

Introduction is a bit lengthy but if reader who are not familiar with the place, it gives perspective.

Trope : second chance

[Nurul Farahin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book for kids. Cringe. When I read the author’s portfolio, she wrote children’s books. No wonder. Not a best read for this old lady 😂

[Petalslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing. When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also a finder of His love and mercy.

As someone navigating the same chapter of life as Sufiah, this story felt deeply personal. We all eventually reach a quiet crossroads where the weight of the future feels heavy. It is a season of life when we must choose our studies and our passions while knowing that every decision will ripple through the years to come. Sufiah is in the middle of this delicate journey to build a bright future when Reza enters her world.

Reza begins as a man who seems distant from his faith but his transformation throughout the story is truly moving. Through his brief but meaningful interactions with Sufiah he finds a hidden motivation to return to the right path. It is beautiful to watch him grow over the years and slowly embrace the heart of Islam once again. His journey reminds me that change is always possible when a soul is touched by the right light.

I felt a profound connection to Sufiah when it came to the dream of finding a husband. Like her, I hope for a spouse who can be a spiritual leader for my heart. I want someone who will inspire me to be a better person and walk beside me on the path to Jannah.

One of my favorite parts was the way Reza and Sufiah shared the book titled The Truth Seeker.
There is something so enchanting about a person being reminded of you every time they see a specific book. It is a quiet kind of intimacy that does not need many words. I hope to find a connection just as sincere one day where love and knowledge grow together in the same garden.
This book is a beautiful reminder that love is not about finding someone who is already perfect. Instead it is about two imperfect souls striving together for the sake of Allah. It taught me that while we spend our lives planning the future the most wonderful chapters are often the ones we did not expect to write.

[Khairun Atika · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing. When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also a finder of His love and mercy." - Maybe This Is Love by Maria Mahat

As a Muslim Singaporean who frequents Arab Street and of course, Haji Lane, there is a sense of familiarity and homeliness in this story that felt like a balm to my soul. There is also the fact that it is a love story of two young souls who seek their place in this world, and it touches largely on faith and religion.

Sufiah is a driven dreamer with great ambitions for a career, and great hopes for the ideal husband. Reza is more free-spirited and far from spiritual, a trait that convinces Sufiah that he is not her ideal life partner. As their paths continue to cross time and again, over the years and distance, Sufiah finds herself moved by Reza and the depth of his growth. As Sufiah questions all she knows about love and faith, she slowly comes to realise that there is more to Reza than meets the eye.

I was instantly lifted by the constant references to our religion, the reminders and quotes by Rumi and most importantly, the beautiful verses of the Holy Quran. I appreciated how the author weaves in faith into the story of true love. However, the love story felt somewhat rushed, and I would have loved to learn more about Reza's growing feelings towards Sufiah. The story does come across as sweet and wholesome, but there were instances where I wished we had known more about Sufiah's personality and interests, as well as Reza's experiences that changed him. In all, this is a story that I believe many might enjoy, and you can always learn a thing or two about faith and love from this.

[Layli Chee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Rating: 3.7 stars

This was adorable in its own way. A very direct yet calm Islamic Romance story. I loved the idea, the story progression was nicely built, the character development was there. I liked the term "taqwa-metre" haha comel! True, we can't judge someone's iman from the outside. Only God can be the judge of that. I liked that, the way we judge people on their first impression, the way we speculate things (things we shouldn't) but at the end of the day, we're only human. Humans make mistakes and it's up to us if we want to change for the better - to chase Allah in whatever.

I loved and admired Sufiah, I loved her energy. I liked Reza too. If I were to be honest, I was rooting for him since the beginning. It's just my thing to root for the first guy I see in someone's story. The journey they had, the light conflicts, the ups and downs were written nicely.

However some improvements can be made such as dialogues between the characters. I wasn't that keen on reading the same dialogues, the same inner thoughts when they saw each other the second time. It didn't felt right? They could've talked about something else as dialogue fillers even if the idea was to make them feel awkward with each other.

Overall, I loved the Islamic insights in the book. It definitely touched my soul. Also... the amount of quotes/sayings that I highlighted in the book? Along with my remarks, comments and reactions were a lot! I like books that has me interacting with them.

"Faith is about believing in Allah's plans and His perfect timing."

Congratulation Kak Maria! This was a good book! Keep on writing!

[hana ฮาน่า · Rating 3 out of 5]

an extremely singaporean, malay-muslim "halal love story". as much as it was original by virtue of it being singaporean and malay-muslim, it was largely archetypal in terms of story and characters. of course sufiah, who went to madrasah and afterwards KL for university, would be judgy of a person like reza, who (another of course) went to australia after a foundation year, and thus had seemingly lower iman as a result of his angmoh background. a lot of gossip-worthy tropes such as reza trying to halalify his relationship with his non-muslim, chinese girlfriend, sufiah's childhood (ustaz?) crush and fixation on finding an imam who can lead her... the list goes on. it was really very typical, and combined with the writing style and introductory paragraphs to every place, institution, education pathway in singapore made me wonder if this was actually meant to be a children's book, or else targeted at foreigners who know nothing about singapore? (i could not find the answer.) the phrasing at some points bordered cringe too. nonetheless, it was a joy for me to laugh at the typicality of the events and characters of the book, so i'd give it 3 stars. bonus points for the islamic reminders that i shall take personally, so this book would not amount to simply another average chick lit read.

~ "He has performed his hajj... Allah invited him before me, and here I am, questioning his piety. Who am I to judge?"

~ "Yet, at the end of the day, it was God who ultimately decreed, guiding her path in ways she could never have foreseen."

[Alia Azmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Maybe This is Love by @maria_mahat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!

Bismillah, first of all, I would like to say thank you to the dearest author for this amazing novel. Tbh, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this book because I kinda had a hard time trying to turn the page during the early chapters. Dear author, it's not your fault. It's mine. I had a book slump for the whole year. And guess what? This one novel broke the slump. So, once again, thank you.

People might see this and think, what's up with the (so) many stars? Because I can relate to the characters. Especially with Reza. Growing up in a family that's not really religious (?) is somehow hard in certain cases... The details? Let's just leave it to the unknown. What I can say is, I can see myself in Reza's place. I cried okay! Some sentences really 'menyentuh hati'. I feel like this book is my version of 'The Truth Seekers'.

Not only that, this novel is also the definition of reality. I do feel like I actually lived in it. Like I'm one of them. Also, the character development! For both Sufiah and Reza. Really love it and it is in fact 'real'. We always wanted to be the best version of ourselves, right? Therefore, sometimes letting go of the current 'normal' might lead us to a far better future that soon might be the new 'normal'.

I'm not sure whether the author will read this, but I still want to say thank you so much!

#readwithleya #MaybeThisIsLove #rumaabooks

[lvndrblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe This Is Love by Maria Mahat

It’s been a long time since I read this kind of genre, and tbh, it took me some time to finish this book. After reading a few pages at the beginning, I thought it wasn’t for me, so I put it aside, gave myself some time, and read another book first. Few weeks later, when I finally picked it up again, I finished it in just a few hours.

Surprisingly, I felt strangely contemplative, like my heart felt full after finishing it and kinda reflecting myself. This is a light-hearted love story with a gentle Islamic vibe. There’s nothing I disliked about this book.

What I loved most about this book were the many reminders, especially about faith and how we should never judge another person’s iman or taqwa. Someone who may not be practising Islam before can end up being more beriman than us, just like Reza in this book.

Moreover, this book beautifully reminds us that love, faith, and destiny unfold best when we surrender them to Allah, because, in the end, we are just small human beings.

“When you are a seeker of His love and mercy, you are also a finder of His love and mercy.”
“He who is a seeker will be a finder.”

[yinroseate 𐙚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s simple and easy to follow, but what makes it intriguing is the natural flow of the story. It weaves seamlessly and gives you a sense of ease while reading. If you’re in a slump, I think this might just help you get out of it.

Usually, Islamic love tropes don’t excite me enough to continue, but this one doesn’t feel forced, which makes me want to know more about the characters. May we all find the right one for ourselves, just as Sufiah found Reza—in the way that Allah decides what’s best for us. Thank you to the writer for sharing this story 🤍

[꣑ৎ sue (hatter-pendragon version) ꣑ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

an easy and light read. the writing is okay, i think certain sentences were a bit stilted. some info dump here and there but overall i enjoyed the book.

i’ll be honest, i didn’t think i was ever going to accept reza after what he said about sufiah. it’s not that i think she should be put on a pedestal for being a practicing muslim, it’s just that callous remark was too hurtful.

however, after a while, just like suffiah, i slowly began to “forgive” him. whatever reza. you better take care of our girl well!

[qist · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of different layers — islamic takeaways, singapore's heritage, the beauty of the characters' journey as muslims, both individually and together packed in this book. this book sets as a reminder on how one wants to shape themselves as a young muslim. simply and beautifully written story overall, especially towards the ending (:

[Amalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. I love the love story. It realistic. Mature. This is a good and enjoyable light reading. Tak cringe for me. The only thing that I wish author had add is a scene or two after the wedding. Just them talk to each other, have a meal together, enjoy each other's presence. But still, I do enjoy reading this.

[Irdina · Rating 3 out of 5]

i admire people who have always been steady in their journey as a muslim. but what i admire the most are the people who strayed away from islam and came back to their religion to be better. inshaallah ill stay true to my religion amiin

[_pwinchess_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaa i really love thisss. This novel is a gripping and emotional journey that kept me hooked until the very last chapter. The characters are well-developed and relatable, while the writing is beautifully descriptive without feeling heavy. Lurvee reza🫶

[finn's · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written piece by the author. It captures a lot of faith, trust, and effort. I love how she shows that changing is not easy but it is possible. Reading Reza's struggle kinda hits home. This book touches my heart in so many ways. It really exceeded my expectations.

[violethunns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Singapore - intl student - uia — it reminded me of my singaporean friend who studied in IIUM too, such a cute relationship between this two, you know if this person is meant for you so he/she will be yours, you cannot run away la from that fact, Allah’s plans are much much better than our planned ♡

[Syafiqah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very light read. More of a teenager story with character growth and little plot twist. But it definitely drew me in and kept me hooked the whole time. It wasn’t boring at all, and I enjoyed how easy it was to get through the book

[Syikin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I liked the story. Penggunaan bahasa yang santai and easy to understand.
Sangat berharap ada sambungan tentang kisah Reza dan Sufiah selepas berkahwin. Menyesal tak baca dari awal. Tapi keseluruhannya, saya suka <3

[Nad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ini boleh jadi english version untuk novel hlovate

[hyul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly reccommend this book to Norhafsah Hamid’s fans, it’s a calm and easy read.

[Syaza Irdina · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet simple and inspirational

didnt love the time skips but it helped make it make sense so its okay. still love it!! :)

[aunitofu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku ni jadi "light reading" bagi saya. Konsepnya yang Islamik Love pun buatkan buku ni menarik untuk dibaca. Saya suka jalan cerita yang simple & tidak berat. Kudos to Maria Mahat.

[Anis Zulaikha · Rating 5 out of 5]

slow burn romance & the direct storyline is good for me as a english beginner😻😍. I recommend it to anyone who wants to read this book with a direct storyline, this is for you🔥

[Aisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me that we should always try our best in improving our faith to the One and Only. It also makes me want to read `The Truth Seekers’ book as well.