Show Up: A Motivational Message for Muslim Women

by Na'ima B. Robert

A personal story of the author reflecting on her journey of life with references to quotes from the Qur'an, Hadith and contemporary thinkers.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Self Help, Faith

120 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Na’ima B Robert is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father's side and the Zulu people on her mother's side. She was born in Leeds, grew up in Zimbabwe and went to university in London. At high school, her loves included performing arts, public speaking and writing stories that shocked her teachers.
Her popular 'From my sisters' lips' explored the reality of living as a Muslim woman in the West. She has written several multicultural books for children, including 'The Swirling Hijaab', 'Going to Mecca' and 'Ramadan Moon'. She is also the author of the teen novels 'From Somalia, with love', 'Boy vs Girl', 'Black Sheep' and the award-winning 'Far from Home', a historical novel set in Zimbabwe. Her cult classic 'She Wore Red Trainers' pioneered the 'halal romance novel' genre. She divides her time between London and Yorkshire and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to keep telling untold stories, calling for increased representation in children's books and mentoring other aspiring Muslim writers with her writing groups and programmes.

Reviews

[Aiza Idris (biblio_mom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

if anyone's going to asked me which book has impacted my life in 2021, this would be the first among others.

[Siqahiqa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me in the most impactful way; a truly inspiring book. I loved everything about this book. It took a long time to finish read it as I love to repeat reading most of the sentences.

I believe that everyone who loves reading will read this book. For those who’re not into reading, if you only wish to read only one book in your lifetime, this is the book that you must choose.

Highly recommended! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Now, I’m eyeing another book by the author 😁

#instagram.com/siriusiqa

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Show Up: a Motivational Message for Muslim Women" by @naimabrobert might be short, but it packs a punch!

Utilizing and referencing principles expounded upon by personal and professional development writers such as Stephen Covey, Brene Brown, Seth Godin and others, Na'ima brilliantly pairs them with Islamic principles of sincerity (ikhlaas), excellence (ihsaan), tawakkul, and tazkiyatun nafs (purification of the soul).

Loving and firm, Na'ima guides us through what it means to "show up" as Muslim women in every aspect of our lives, incorporating our faith, family, and personal dreams. She provides an outline on how to recognize and counter negative self-talk, foster self-love, questions to reflect on, and concrete points to help us overcome our internally constructed obstacles, in order to better fulfill the potential of our most authentic selves. A link is provided to a downloadable workbook that you can fill in while reading the book itself.

I'll be honest - personal development stuff is not my schtick (that's the Husband's forte), mostly because I am a chronic procrastinator who is fully aware of my personal privileges (strong support system, flexible schedule, all that good stuff) and still procrastinates anyway. Most of the book had me feeling personally attacked (in a good way, I suppose!), while the Husband reminded me of how he's been telling me the exact same things all along and that I need to get my rear end into gear for my book manuscript/ learning Arabic/ studying Shari'ah.

And hey, between the Husband (mostly) and the book, I finally opened my manuscript after 3 years of paralysis. (Whether I actually complete these edits by the end of the year is a separate issue...)

Definitely a great read, and one that is worth going back to repeatedly especially when in an internal rut or struggling to get out a slump.

[Shafira Indika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5⭐️

This book is good, really good. I like how the writer shares story about herself, how she explains the steps about how to 'showing up' for ourselves.

Some parts are not really relatable for me, since she's talking about the problems she encountered when she's become a wife or a mother (stages that i haven't reached yet). So i guess i'll reread this book several years from now. Some parts also are repetitive but i am okay with that. I feel like the writer wants to emphasized some points about showing up—like being yourself, know & understand that Allah always tests us in every stage of our life (if not now maybe someday), etc.

Very recommended read! For readers from Indonesia, you can buy it on Konyv (@konyv_ on instagram).

[Abu Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic motivational book about intentionality and being present in every aspect of one's life. This book is aimed at Muslim women, but its message will benefit anybody who needs to hear it.

[hilal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was written so nicely i loved it 💘

[Rreze · Rating 4 out of 5]

"With every challenge, she grows stronger. With every test, she becomes more faithful. With every loss, she gains in wisdom, clarity, and depth."

"You are here for a reason, blessed to be here, in this time, in this place, doing the work that Allah (SWT) wants you to do, making a difference in your unique way: own that! And allow a positive, grateful optimism to light your way."

[Nadia Khaerunnisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really speakes to me🥲

Merged review:

My top of the list, buat kategori self-help muslimah.

Yang dimaksud Show Up dalam buku ini ga terbatas pada  peran dan kontribusi besar di ranah publik, tapi simply HADIR di setiap peran yg kita jalankan dan memberikan usaha terbaik sbg seorang muslimah, baik itu sbg istri, ibu, pelajar, karyawan, pengusaha, dll.

Buku ini ngajak kita melek dari hidup yg biasanya terasa kayak sleepwalking dan serba autopilot. Dimulai dari benerin niat (intention), being positive, cultivate gratitude, have courage, embrace the flow, dan jadi diri sendiri. Masing-masing dijabarin dgn bahasa yg ngalir dan menyentuh, bahasa ngobrol aja gitu macem lagi ga rumit-rumit.

Kita bakal banyak nemu kutipan ayat Al Quran, hadis, dan kisah hidup shahabiyah dan muslimah-muslimah di jaman Rasul sebagai bahan refleksi soal respons terhadap ujian hidup dan resiliensi. Secara ga langsung, buku ini nunjukkin bahwa konsep-konsep yg kita kenal macem mindfulness, self love, stoicism, resilience, tuh bukan barang baru lo di ajaran islam. Even showing up is a prophetic sunnah.

Buku ini cocok buat bestie-bestie yg lagi low mood ato sering ngerasa "apalah akuuuu" "da aku mah apaa atuuh cumaa..." "yaah sehari2 cuma gini2 doaang" dan butuh bacaan healing dgn sentuhan nilai-nilai tauhid awareness. Dengan diingetin soal tujuan penciptaan, kita kayak ditanyain lagi, yakiiin nih value-mu cuma "segitu" ?

Meski ditujukan buat muslimah, sebenarnya isi buku ini juga bisa dipraktekin secara umum buat seluruh muslim.

[Sadiyah Rawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not particularly interested in self help books, they're often based on Western ideals and written by a white man who hasnt experienced a percentage of my problems. This was different - this was quite the opposite. Written by a Muslim woman for Muslim woman. Written by a writer, who had experienced, lived and learned from the many lessons of life.

In the book Naima B Robert's relates some of her own experiences to give context to her points, but even if she chose not to, her messages alone would speak her story.

I would highly recommend every Muslim to read this book, the train of thought presented through the book allows an individual to break down their own mindset. In times of grief or in times of prosperity, how do react and what do we learn?

We read the Qur'an and the Ahadith and understand them, if you keep them in mind along side this literature, it presents how we can appreciate the verses in the context of our own lives.

The book is an easy read, written in a basic manner. As a Psychology undergraduate and with special interests in Islamic Psychology, alot of the contents was familiar to me. I could still appreciate however, the format and motivation behind this book. I would definitely recommend this to every Muslim woman and it would also make a really lovely gift!

[Umaymah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short, simple yet packs a punch book is what every frazzled Muslim woman needs at this time. After the year we had, almost everyone approached 2021 with bated breath, we dared not even imagine a 'good year'. So for a book like this to come out early in the year sorts of sets the tone for me. 2020 tested everyone, most people reviewed their life choices and made decisions.

The best advice I got from this book was about being authentic, and how do you know if you're authentic? Because you know deep inside when you're settling for less and telling lies to yourself.

I have made so many notes and underlined so many passages, it all seems cliche, things you know or should know until you realize that you aren't applying them to yourself, and that's what really matters.

[Sarah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I was expecting the Muslim version of every toxic positivity book that already exists in a Western context, but she really takes the time to validate the difficulties women go through and how it can be easy to fall into autopilot. I also appreciated how she included an array of examples of Muslim women from mothers to students to women who are focused on their careers. We all have a place to show up in every area of our lives, including but not limited to the home. I love how she weaved Qur’anic and Prophetic examples in a way that invites readers instead of shames them into living a more intentional life. I wish she had more practical examples in the book but there is a free downloadable workbook and a workshop that accompanies it. Overall, well worth the (very short) read.

[Sana Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Show up is a motivational book and I would say its transformational.It gives you rules to live your life better, more mindfully and with purpose.
How do we Show up in life on a day to day basis as a Hero ?
The book cover says it’s for muslim women , I think that’s because it mentions Hadiths and Sunnah so its easy to follow the context if you are Muslim but I would say its for everyone of any faith. The essence of all faiths is same for me.
Naima shares her own life and journey with readers and I didn’t know the strong lady I always saw in Niqab on news or posts had to deal with so much in her past. The story started with her husband of 20 years passing away suddenly and leaving her with their four children behind. Her youngest daughter was two then ,and she also finds herself as a CEO of her husband’s company overnight.
Her story is really inspirational how she handled and dealt with it and showed up in all the testing times

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a self-motivational book the author's goal is to reflect and write which there are blank pages to write make a note so when you read this book again its going to a reminder and reviving yourself from a good or a bad day.

[Samia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sister Na’ima begins by recounting the story of her sudden, devastating loss and being thrusted into managing a corporation all at once. Through her personal experience, she uplifts and motivates the reader to tackle every possible mental roadblock that can come into a woman’s life. She talks to women from different stages of life and challenges them to think differently through the lens of islamic teachings. I found myself saying “I didn’t think of it that way” often enough that I feared the phrase to be written on my epitaph. :) She dares women to show up despite their circumstance, their personal biases, and inner dialogues.

This book was enjoyable to read and the action items left me feeling like I can take my experience with it off the pages and into my personal life. I was grateful to have received an advance copy to be able to review it authentically alhumdulillah.

It left me feeling like something was missing, however. The book came from a motivational speaker’s perspective and at times, it felt like some concepts were repeated more than once and at times, too often. I felt the author could have benefit the reader more with well researched thoughts than only sharing quote from other notable figures. The book felt like a long chat with a friend more than it did with a teacher imparting deep insights to her students. It might be a reader’s preference but I deducted a star rating due to it as it was important enough for me.

“Show Up” is a well written book intended to uplift women, challenge them to overlook their mental roadblocks and reach their full potential because they are created to do so. With a little more researched and deep discussions, it would have climbed another level and felt like a truly outstanding book. Regardless, I think it takes its own place in the Muslim self-help book sphere and is worth a read.

[Narmeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A motivating read. If follows the same principles as The Productive Muslim book by Mohammad Faris. I personally began “showing up” for myself more consiously the past 2 years. Seeing the results of taking accountability through actions for my duas, is so rewarding as opposed to just waiting for my dua to come true without doing my part of the work. Tawakkul is tying your camel and then leaving it to Allah, which is the sunnah of this book and rasool saw.

An easy, simple, positive read. I would recommend if you’re looking for some encouragement in your life and seeking an increase in your dunya blessings and in your spirituality.

[Humaira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t do a full review as yet as there is so much information that I need to work through but while this book is short, it gives you an excellent insight on how to frame popular psychology and self help strategies from an Islamic point of view.

Would recommend.

[Safa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book back up, right on time for me. I appreciate that it didn't preach that happiness for a woman is marriage and kids. And how to face out fears. But what tends to be an issue with these short self-help Islamic books is they have a bad habit of repeating the same things, lessons, tips, and information over again. This one is better than most but still struggled in that area.

[kadeja · Rating 5 out of 5]

SubhanAllah, the perfect book to get you out of the slumps -references to the Quran and Sunnah the author takes us on an amazing journey of self-discovery/realization <3 may Allah reward her!!

[SabihaWritesPoetry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often you come across a book that really speaks to you. Over the years I have read hundreds of thousands of books and I can honestly say Na’ima B Robert’s new book “Show Up” spoke to me in a voice which was loud and clear.

“Show Up” has arrived at a time when many of us are feeling in the doldrums. Life has become unrecognizable from what it was, and we are all trying to find different ways of surviving, coping, winning. Na’ima B Robert’s book actively encourages us to take a lead role in our lives. She wants us to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and stop living in limbo. She inspires us to grab life with both hands and be our best self.

I, like many of us, have had to make many changes in the last twelve months. Without realising it I have become a recluse and Na’ima B Robert’s books shows me that I am letting time pass me by; wasting precious moments by focusing on some nebulous time in the future when things may have changed and I can start living the best me again.

Na’ima B Robert also reminds us that we need to stop hiding under our duvets, eating chocolate, and generally feeling sorry for ourselves. She forces us instead to be grateful for the gifts that we do have. She encourages us to celebrate our uniqueness and honour ourselves by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. Self-sabotage is how she describes it.

We have all experienced grief and loss, more so in the last year than ever before. The result of this is that it has made us doubt ourselves even more. “Show Up” highlights to me that I am wasting my potential whilst the world decides how to move forward. I should be dreaming big and bringing good into the lives of others around me. Instead, I find myself exhausted and overwhelmed. I keep thinking that good times are around the corner as long as I sit it out just now. “Show Up’ teaches me that I need to change my perspective and avoid procrastination. There are always two sides to every story. Yes, I need to practice patience, but “Show Up” also tells me I am a hero and not a victim.

In conclusion, the messages that I take away from this super new book … Stop letting happiness pass you by but instead make each day count. Embrace your uniqueness; tell yourselves, and those around you, that you love them and they matter. Cherish the moments that we have right now and shine bright!

Merged review:

Every so often you come across a book that really speaks to you. Over the years I have read hundreds of thousands of books and I can honestly say Na’ima B Robert’s new book “Show Up” spoke to me in a voice which was loud and clear.

“Show Up” has arrived at a time when many of us are feeling in the doldrums. Life has become unrecognizable from what it was, and we are all trying to find different ways of surviving, coping, winning. Na’ima B Robert’s book actively encourages us to take a lead role in our lives. She wants us to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and stop living in limbo. She inspires us to grab life with both hands and be our best self.

I, like many of us, have had to make many changes in the last twelve months. Without realising it I have become a recluse and Na’ima B Robert’s books shows me that I am letting time pass me by; wasting precious moments by focusing on some nebulous time in the future when things may have changed and I can start living the best me again.

Na’ima B Robert also reminds us that we need to stop hiding under our duvets, eating chocolate, and generally feeling sorry for ourselves. She forces us instead to be grateful for the gifts that we do have. She encourages us to celebrate our uniqueness and honour ourselves by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. Self-sabotage is how she describes it.

We have all experienced grief and loss, more so in the last year than ever before. The result of this is that it has made us doubt ourselves even more. “Show Up” highlights to me that I am wasting my potential whilst the world decides how to move forward. I should be dreaming big and bringing good into the lives of others around me. Instead, I find myself exhausted and overwhelmed. I keep thinking that good times are around the corner as long as I sit it out just now. “Show Up’ teaches me that I need to change my perspective and avoid procrastination. There are always two sides to every story. Yes, I need to practice patience, but “Show Up” also tells me I am a hero and not a victim.

In conclusion, the messages that I take away from this super new book … Stop letting happiness pass you by but instead make each day count. Embrace your uniqueness; tell yourselves, and those around you, that you love them and they matter. Cherish the moments that we have right now and shine bright!

[totesintobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“And there is something beautiful about understanding that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. That we are planting seeds, all of us, and seeds take time to grow. So, in your journey towards showing up more fully in your life, remember the art of patiently presevering and be assured that the results are in Allah’s hands. If you have a good intention and you show up to do the work consistently, diligently, you will see the results, by Allah’s grace.”

Imagine losing your pillar of strength and then having to stand in their place, how would you choose to show up?

If you need a little push, the drive and motivation to show up every single day authentically, this is the book for you. Besides knowing your big ‘WHY’, the book guides you along the steps on how to show up. Personally love the fact that the book emphasises on being intentional as the first step and the prompts for reflection.

I feel it’s worth taking it slow with the book so that you can practice each advice given. 4/5⭐️ because the book not only gives guidance but call us to act upon it.

[Farhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

MashaaAllah i never thought id be so moved by a book. Every single sentence in this book strucks just right into my heart. It breaks and builds me at the same time without overly preachy sound.

Allah builds a woman not as strong as men but the resilience and inner strength is what all women should have in order to build a life for dunia and the herefter.

I love everything about this book. The moment she said about how we should adress our fears, our limit mindset and the most important part is how do we overcome all these and SHOW UP because we dont want to live as a victim. We are constantly tested because we are meant to be there, to fulfil the stage and be a better servant to Him.

May Allah grant you jannah, Naima B Robert.

Merged review:

MashaaAllah i never thought id be so moved by a book. Every single sentence in this book strucks just right into my heart. It breaks and builds me at the same time without overly preachy sound.

Allah builds a woman not as strong as men but the resilience and inner strength is what all women should have in order to build a life for dunia and the herefter.

I love everything about this book. The moment she said about how we should adress our fears, our limit mindset and the most important part is how do we overcome all these and SHOW UP because we dont want to live as a victim. We are constantly tested because we are meant to be there, to fulfil the stage and be a better servant to Him.

May Allah grant you jannah, Naima B Robert.

[heytwentythree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up as my Ramadan read & I find it apt that I did so. What I truly enjoyed about this book is how she just tells it like it is. No beating around the bush, just simply the reality.

I love books that made me feel personally connected to it & this does that through the sharing of her stories, of other sisters she met & also references to the most influential women of Islam 💫

This book is definitely an interactive read, with guiding questions at the end of every chapter that causes me to pause & sit in discomfort while I painfully answer it.

The shift of perspective from this book is amazing! I’d highly recommend for you to pick this book up if you’re feeling stuck in a rut & just needed that extra push to SHOW UP 💪🏼💯

[Melati Lum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Na'ima B Robert delivers an emotional yet motivational message for Muslim women everywhere. I was not expecting to be in tears within the first few chapters, but there I was. Ms Robert takes us on her own personal journey through intense hardship, and shares how she not only lifted herself out of a dark place, but emerged triumphant and stronger than ever. Her inciteful observations on life's challenges interspersed with poems from the heart are a balm to the wounded soul and an inspirational message at once. This is a great read for anyone who is looking for an added push to get moving again, or a reminder of how we can actively take ownership of our actions in our everyday lives.

[Norshafarina Faharuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the name of Allah
This is an eye opener book; inspired us to always Show Up no matter what life throws to us, motivate us on how to get up and be your own hero, taught us on how to fully utilize our capability from spiritual perspective and last but not least, it is also a Book for comfort. Trust me, Insya Allah

[ainisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this book because I want to see how my perception changes this time and what messages that I could take and learn from for this time.
Yet, it elevates my feeling towards being more motivated and inspired than before I started reading it.
And so, I love this book so much and ready to 'show up' my dearself.

[aliyahrambely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review soon

[Dini Zk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To show up is to be present, mind and body, to take responsibility, to take ownership.
To bring your true self to whatever role you are called on to play with all your imperfections and vulnerability in tow.
It is to recommit to your life and your purpose."
(Na'ima B. Robert, Show Up, page 16)

When I first saw --and watched-- the promotional video of Sr Na'ima's new book (which was forthcoming at that time), I knew I would like it. I knew I would get motivated. I knew I had to pre-order this book ASAP or I would cry later. Her words by words on that promotional video were very strong and powerful, very encouraging and uplifting.

And yes... after reading this 120 pages- book published by Kube Publishing Ltd I got motivated! I feel like Sr Na'ima is talking to me in person. I feel like I'm not alone, especially in facing the motherhood problems. If you are a mother, you may understand that even "simple things" like siblings rivalry, kids don't listen to us, or never ending household works sometimes can be triggers for stress and depression.

In this book, Sr Na'ima motivates us to show up. As a worshipper, as a daughter, as a friend, as a boss, as a wife, and of course as a mother. She talks about "Showing Up for Your Children" on page 31. She writes it beautifully yet powerful, as usual.

"Motherhood can often seem like a blur of never-ending routines, responsibilities and tasks. Demands on our time, attention and energy can leave us feeling drained and lacklustre, causing us to sleepwalk through our days, frustrated and mildly resentful. We go through motions but, in reality, we have checked out. There is no joy left, no excitement or anticipation, and our children feel it..."

"... Now I'm not here to guilt-trip you into showing up for your children but I will say this: by not showing up as a mother, you run the risk of losing out on the rewards (in both dunyah and akhirah) of being a parent in the first place."

Maa shaa Allah. Such a great reminder --at least for me. That sometimes I am only in the same place with my kids physically, but that's not enough. To show up for my children, I also need to be intentional and mindful. It involves being present in body and mind.

My kids are my best gift from Allah. They need my full love, kindness, and attention. Therefore, I have to show up for them. I need to change my perspective. I have to choose my own life story: be the victim or the victor.

"Allah chooses our obstacles, our tests. We don't get to choose the tests. But we get to choose how we respond. And that's the most liberating and empowering believe of all." (page 104)

Show Up is definitely a must read and must have book. You actually can't stop reading it because, as I said earlier, the words are beautiful and powerful.

Sr Na'ima writes it based on her personal journey, step by step, with explanations, examples, quotes from Qur'an, hadith, and contemporary thinkers, as well as action points and space for the reader to reflect and apply the principles.

The first ten pages of this book has successfully made me cry. She tells us the pure, sincere and beautiful love, but qadarullah her husband passed away. But maa shaa Allah, through tragic circumstances and enormous life changes, she came to understand the meaning of Showing Up and share her journey through this book.

So only the earlier chapters and pages that brought tears to my eyes. The rest pages are maa shaa Allah very empowering, uplifting and let us understand what showing up is. What is showing up for yourself, for your relationship, for your children, family, and for your dreams?

Sr Na'ima also explains the how of showing up. She has distilled her road map into six steps that, if followed, will lead us to a more present, productive, powerful version of ourselves, biidhnillah. Three of those six steps are Be Intentional, Cultivate Gratitude, and Be You!

My favorite part is "Cultivate Gratitude" because gratitude forces us to be positive. In this part, Sr Na'ima tells us her gratitude journey when her husband passed away. She made sujood of shukr to Allah. It may sound unique or uncommon, but she had a strong reason why she did it. You can find the answer in "Cultivate Gratitude" part or in the earlier chapter.

Another reason why I love this part the most is because she includes the poem she wrote on the Eid after her husband's passing -- which reflects the sense of gratitude, even in the midst of the sadness. It is so beautiful and touching, maa shaa Allah.

I think I will read this book again and again, especially when I need to "recharge my power" and get my motivation back. Definitely one of my favorite self-help books. Highly recommended!

[Buku Arutala · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best time for reading a non-fiction book is when you feel down, miserable, empty, and so on. Do you agree? A non-fiction book comes out to motivate the readers, to remind you what your life purposes are. It helps to people whom are searching for the happiness, the reasons of living at ease or the way to relieve the stress.

In my case, reading a non-fiction book is like finding a soulmate. All of sudden I really want to read it because my intuition whispers that it will change my perspective about life. You know what, it happened to me, last week I was in the lowest point and I decided to read SHOW UP that well-written by Na’ima B. Robert. For the first time, I was not really sure this book would light me up but my mind kept saying that ‘YOU MUST READ IT’. By suprise, it hit me and I couldn't lie it related with my situation at that time.

I couldn’t agree more this book highly recommended for you who seek your moment to show up, to change your sad story become an incredible chapter of your life. Almost all non-fiction books offer the same contents but this book has the different touch. It drives you to be close to Allah and you will realize that you are here to worship to Allah.

You can find out the six steps of showing up in this book. These are the steps :
1. Be intentional
Put your heart in every activity you do. You have to be mindful in your relationship with your spouse, children, family, friends, and others

2. Be positive
Having a positive thought to Allah is a must. Whatever you think about Allah, it will come to you as your thoughts.

3. Cultivate gratitude
How your respond any problems reflects who you are. So, whatever the test that Allah gives to you, keep gratitude. Allah chooses you to level yourself up.

4. Have courage
Be brave to aim your goals, your dreams. You need to have the courage to rise up after the failure. Don't blame on your situation, you have to be a winner, a hero because you can handle your problems.

5. Embrace flow
Being like a water is mean you're not afraid to run into the river flow, the sea wave, the deep ocean.

6. Be you
Be the ultimate you! Allah created you unique with your all potentials. It's a free gift so you just need to use it wisely.

[Annissa Larasati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bismillah,

📌 Buku ini hadir di waktu yang tepat, ketika saya merasa butuh untuk merumuskan kembali apa-apa yang penting dan ingin difokuskan dalam hidup.

📌 Buku motivasi yang ringan dan mudah dipahami. Mengajak para muslimah untuk lebih 'sadar' dalam menjalani setiap peran yang dimiliki dan memberikan ikhtiar terbaik yang bisa dilakukan.

📌 Ditulis oleh seorang motivator dan penulis berbagai genre buku yang telah diterjemahkan ke lebih dari 14 bahasa. Beliau memutuskan menjadi mualaf di usianya yang masih belia.

📌 Lewat buku ini, kita di ajak untuk menjadi pahlawan dalam cerita kehidupan kita sendiri. Setiap insan di dunia akan di uji sesuai dengan skenario dengan kemampuannya masing-masing, hal ini merupakan sunatullah. Maka pilihan ada di tangan kita, apakah kalah dengan ujian tersebut atau mau memenangkannya layaknya pahlawan.

📌 Dilengkapi dengan buku kerja yang bisa di unduh secara daring. Penulis seakan menuntun kita untuk menemukan hal-hal yang layak diperjuangkan. Lewat 6 langkah yang beliau rumuskan.

📌 Sebenarnya, apa yang disampaikan penulis mungkin bukanlah hal-hal yang baru. Namun lewat cerita kehidupan yang beliau sampaikan membuat saya ikut terhanyut di dalamnya. Penyampaiannya pun lugas dan tidak bertele-tele.

📌 Sayangnya, meski di awal buku ini dilabeli dengan 'prophetic sunnah', saya pribadi merasa porsi dari sunnah dan sirah Rasulullah masih kurang dijabarkan dan kurang terasa dalam buku ini. 'Berkejaran' dengan kutipan dari para pemikir kontemporer.

📌 Membaca buku ini, saya jadi teringat dengan #EmpoweredMe nya @byputy. Kedua buku ini saling melengkapi! Setelah mendapatkan niat, motivasi, dan tujuan yang jelas dari buku Na'ima, kita bisa lebih mudah untuk 'mengerjakan' apa yang Puty sampaikan di bukunya.

[Khairun Atika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All are required to show up differently, in their own unique way, with the gifts Allah (swt) gave them and the circumstances He put them in." - Show Up by Na'ima B Robert

I am so grateful that this book showed up in my life. It is filled with so much grace and wisdom, so much advice and golden words that I had to take a breather every now and then to truly embrace her beautiful words.

Showing up is a concept that is the focus of this book. What does it mean to show up?

It is to take ownership and responsibility, while staying true to yourself, and having faith in Allah swt.
It is about constantly renewing your intentions to turn mundane acts into acts of worship.
It is about learning to embrace your true, authentic self.
It is about being your tests, trials and challenges have been tailor made to suit your own strengths and capabilities.
It is about choosing your own narrative.

These are just some of the concepts that Na'ima B Robert illustrated succinctly in her book, supported by verses of the Quran and excerpts of the hadith. She even weaved modern concepts such as self love, self acceptance and the paradigm shift of a woman's status to the stories of the Sahabah's time.

Every little detail is set out so clearly and concisely. Every lesson is conveyed with elegance and grace, making this a very seamless read. While it is catered to Muslimahs, I feel that there are so many lessons that can be embraced by the masses. Every soul can resonate with these beautiful words. Highly, highly recommended.