knowing You

by Shaziya Barkat

"knowing You" is about heartbreaks, loss, hope, and love. It is a spiritual reflection to return to a better, truer version of yourself through knowing God in all His glory. It is about overcoming your struggles, your disappointments, and your mistakes by finding your worth through faith. This book provides an uplifting spiritual renewal to build yourself back up in times when you feel damaged, broken, and hopeless by reflecting on God's attributes. According to the Islamic tradition, there are at least 99 names of Allah (the Arabic term for God), which describe His greatest attributes. This collection of poetry, prose, personal narratives, and essays is tailored to each of those names. Because it is in knowing Him, that we find who we truly are.

Genres: Poetry, Islam

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2019

About the author

Shaziya Barkat, also known as s.s. barkat, is a writer based in Dallas, Texas. Her work explores themes including faith, spiritual renewal, love, loss, and mental health. Shaziya's passion for writing flourished at a young age through local poetry contests, school newspapers, and spoken word performances. "knowing You", her first collection of poetry, prose, personal narratives and essays, was published in July 2019 and became a #1 Bestseller as well as the "Poetry Book of the Year" by Daybreak Press. In January 2021, Shaziya published "Doctor Diaries", followed by the "My Iman Journal: 52-Week Reflection, Gratitude, & Dua Journal" in June 2022. Aside from writing, Shaziya works as a pharmacist. Stay updated with Shaziya's work on Instagram (@s.s.barkat).

Reviews

[Jill]

Amazing Read even for non-Muslims

Through my college experiences with many Muslim friends, my eyes have been opened to the beauty of Islam, replacing the negative views I learned through Western media. This book also taught me a lot that I didnt know, starting with the fact there are many names/epithets for God in Islam.

Shaziya's words of adoration and reflection on her faith spoke to a place deep within me, even though I am a polytheist. There's a level of intimacy that comes from reading her works and the beauty they display. It's caused me to take a look at my own faith and see where I can improve, and what impact it can have in my life. I started reading this to support a friend but came away with a much deeper understanding of Islam, faith, and the journey one takes with all it's ups and downs.

Thank you for writing this Shaziya and I hope to read more of your works going forward.

[Huda Mitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love LOVED Shaziya’s collection of poetry surrounding the 99 names of Allah. Each poem was woven eloquently, beautifully, and seamlessly into this beautiful anthology and I loved reading every single piece. I couldn’t help but post my favorites on social media while reading! I appreciate the idea inspiring this book and overall had a wonderful time reading this. Wonderful words!

[My.__.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the author based her poems on the 99 names Allah. The little pictures on some poems was also a lovely touch the book!

[Erin Wehrenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! God really is limitless in the ways He can show up for us as Muslims and I felt Shaziya's writing does an amazing job of reminding us just how sweet God truly is. Each day we may need God in a different way, and this book does a beautiful job of describing how to do that. Love this beautiful poetry!! Read with a warm heart.