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Realities of Submission
In this novel, internationally acclaimed author of If I Should Speak, A Voice, and Footsteps introduces us to the heart, mind, and life of Renee Morris, the narrator of this reflective tale. Told in three parts, Renee's story tells of a stringent childhood in her father's church and her ultimate submission to the religion of her nature in young adulthood. As Renee embraces Islam wholeheartedly, the spiritual tranquility of her initial conversion begins to wane as she faces the often painful realities of navigating the terrains of the Muslim experience itself. At times humorous and at times painful, the story touches the reader's deepest thoughts and incites the familiar questioning of the human soul.
- GenresIslam
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Umm Zakiyyah
107 books295 followersDaughter of American converts to Islam, Umm Zakiyyah writes about the interfaith struggles of Muslims and Christians, and the intercultural, spiritual, and moral struggles of Muslims in America.
Umm Zakiyyah’s work has earned praise from writers, professors, and filmmakers and has been translated into multiple languages. In 2008, Umm Zakiyyah was awarded the Muslim Girls Unity Conference Distinguished Authors Award. Umm Zakiyyah also writes under her birth name Ruby Moore.
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Umm Zakiyyah’s work has earned praise from writers, professors, and filmmakers and has been translated into multiple languages. In 2008, Umm Zakiyyah was awarded the Muslim Girls Unity Conference Distinguished Authors Award. Umm Zakiyyah also writes under her birth name Ruby Moore.
Visit uzauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 17, 2014
This book inspired in me. It took me from a message to another message, an inspiration to another one and that's what I like to admire such books and writers. Although this was written in English by an English author 'n read by me who was born as a Muslim and in an Islamic family and community, it taught me a lot. It was a pleasant time I had spent with. :") I won't say any thing else except I want u to read it by yourself and have your own review reflected on your heart and your life.
November 4, 2014
First Islamic Novel that I read, and an amazing one at that!
April 18, 2015
This is not a spiritual story through Islam, but through life itself.
This is how "Realistic Fiction" should be, not the crap I used to read. Don't get me wrong; I read and loved many RF books out there, but that was not realistic. The girl who -finally- found her perfect boyfriend in highschool and the teens who are expected to save the world and the cancer patients who travelled around the Earth to get a book sign. This is not the normal life normal people have, but Realities of Submission is. For once, I'm put into a real-life situation through a book, not a situation that CAN happen in life, as Realistic Fiction came to be defined lately.
The amount of knowledge (again, not about Islam, but about life) and perceptions I was exposed to when I read this novel was bewitching. It put me to tears sometimes (not beacause an abusive man is beating his wife or an orphan cannot find food for the day) yet rather because of the hard life out there that I, a teen still, am terrified to go through. It wasn't all Islamic stuff and sad moments; it contained some really cute conversations and beautiful paragraphs (Elijah daaaah <3!) The Islamic lessons were incomparable though: My patience expired with all the cliche stories about conversion and difficulties wearing hijaab and the heated fights with family and friends. I wanted something new, and Realities of Submission replenished my interest again. It focused more on the spiritual problems that any Muslim can go through, not just converts. I really liked the way Umm Zakiyyah addressed such a growing dilemma when she narrated how the "Fratenity" and "Sorority" ruined Renee and her family's life. However, she dwelled on the subject for a bit long time, and that's the only thing I disliked in the book.
I always wanted to read about a book that portrays a couple AFTER marriage. I grew sick with all the and-they-lived-happily-ever-after theme, which was annoyingly deceptive and misleading. The way the author addressed marriage and its problems was, from my young perspective, just mature. For a long time, I yearned for a book that would tell me how married couples actually lived this shared life while keeping their bond. I knew it wasn't like a walk through the park, but the reality hit me hard.
Since I couldn't put my flourescent highlighter down while reading, I decided that a review without quotes won't be acceptable. So here are some of the ones I liked most:
About how the loss of one relationship can severely drain the human of any energy:
"I couldn't muster the energy, or desire, to repair them. Life lost its luster, and I found love in the same mundane pursuit that characterized my childhood—academics. So I shrugged off my feelings and immersed myself into doing what I did best: relishing in the artificial glory of honors, awards, and professors’ admiration and approval."
About how Islam is easy. Every Muslim should learn and apply that:
"The religion is easy, Renne, and in sticking firmly to the Qur'an and Sunnah is where you'll find your strength, and peace. Do not let the unrest and unhappiness of others distract you from this simple truth."
About the zeal of the youth:
"In the beginning, I think, I had but one flaw-zeal. But it was the innocent zeal that one might count years later as an ailment of youth and inexperience more than ignorance or ill intention itself. Yet, if zeal is an affliction, it is equally, if not more so, an antidote."
About how grateful those born to Muslim families should be:
"I cannot help but feel a tinge of jealousy for those with Muslim fathers, uncles, cousins, and siblings. How I wish I had the luxury of knowing someone who loved me would take care of finding a suitable mate on my behalf."
About the danger of doubting your religion's principles, friends, family, and your own self:
"These would be the questions that would ultimately lead me astray. Until today, I had not one ounce of concrete proof that I had reason to question any of the books or people they said I should."
There are many more quotes that I would like to put here, but that'll take me forever. Easier solution, go read the book and let us discuss together, fellow goodreaders!
This is how "Realistic Fiction" should be, not the crap I used to read. Don't get me wrong; I read and loved many RF books out there, but that was not realistic. The girl who -finally- found her perfect boyfriend in highschool and the teens who are expected to save the world and the cancer patients who travelled around the Earth to get a book sign. This is not the normal life normal people have, but Realities of Submission is. For once, I'm put into a real-life situation through a book, not a situation that CAN happen in life, as Realistic Fiction came to be defined lately.
The amount of knowledge (again, not about Islam, but about life) and perceptions I was exposed to when I read this novel was bewitching. It put me to tears sometimes (not beacause an abusive man is beating his wife or an orphan cannot find food for the day) yet rather because of the hard life out there that I, a teen still, am terrified to go through. It wasn't all Islamic stuff and sad moments; it contained some really cute conversations and beautiful paragraphs (Elijah daaaah <3!) The Islamic lessons were incomparable though: My patience expired with all the cliche stories about conversion and difficulties wearing hijaab and the heated fights with family and friends. I wanted something new, and Realities of Submission replenished my interest again. It focused more on the spiritual problems that any Muslim can go through, not just converts. I really liked the way Umm Zakiyyah addressed such a growing dilemma when she narrated how the "Fratenity" and "Sorority" ruined Renee and her family's life. However, she dwelled on the subject for a bit long time, and that's the only thing I disliked in the book.
I always wanted to read about a book that portrays a couple AFTER marriage. I grew sick with all the and-they-lived-happily-ever-after theme, which was annoyingly deceptive and misleading. The way the author addressed marriage and its problems was, from my young perspective, just mature. For a long time, I yearned for a book that would tell me how married couples actually lived this shared life while keeping their bond. I knew it wasn't like a walk through the park, but the reality hit me hard.
Since I couldn't put my flourescent highlighter down while reading, I decided that a review without quotes won't be acceptable. So here are some of the ones I liked most:
About how the loss of one relationship can severely drain the human of any energy:
"I couldn't muster the energy, or desire, to repair them. Life lost its luster, and I found love in the same mundane pursuit that characterized my childhood—academics. So I shrugged off my feelings and immersed myself into doing what I did best: relishing in the artificial glory of honors, awards, and professors’ admiration and approval."
About how Islam is easy. Every Muslim should learn and apply that:
"The religion is easy, Renne, and in sticking firmly to the Qur'an and Sunnah is where you'll find your strength, and peace. Do not let the unrest and unhappiness of others distract you from this simple truth."
About the zeal of the youth:
"In the beginning, I think, I had but one flaw-zeal. But it was the innocent zeal that one might count years later as an ailment of youth and inexperience more than ignorance or ill intention itself. Yet, if zeal is an affliction, it is equally, if not more so, an antidote."
About how grateful those born to Muslim families should be:
"I cannot help but feel a tinge of jealousy for those with Muslim fathers, uncles, cousins, and siblings. How I wish I had the luxury of knowing someone who loved me would take care of finding a suitable mate on my behalf."
About the danger of doubting your religion's principles, friends, family, and your own self:
"These would be the questions that would ultimately lead me astray. Until today, I had not one ounce of concrete proof that I had reason to question any of the books or people they said I should."
There are many more quotes that I would like to put here, but that'll take me forever. Easier solution, go read the book and let us discuss together, fellow goodreaders!
November 20, 2016
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I finally was able to borrow it from a university in the Twin Cities, but I was very disappointed with it.
What intrigued me most about this book originally was the Darnell, who was supposedly involved with the Nation of Islam. I thought the main character would look into the Nation of Islam because of her cousin's affiliation, but she did not. Instead, she turned to mainstream Sunni Islam. And that's okay, but it was my first disappointment.
My second disappointment with this book is the lengthy-ness. The font is small, it's single-spaced, and the author was excessive in her choice of words. It was difficult and often boring to read.
My third and final disappointment was the main character, Renee's, affiliation with a group of catty women who claimed to be Muslim yet acted horrible to others. Muslim reverts tend to be more religious than born Muslims, and when I found Islam, I was no different, so it made zero sense to me why Renee would even THINK of joining their sorority. Her membership with these nasty women lasted for years, and I cringed when reading about it.
Overall, the book was a huge disappointment.
What intrigued me most about this book originally was the Darnell, who was supposedly involved with the Nation of Islam. I thought the main character would look into the Nation of Islam because of her cousin's affiliation, but she did not. Instead, she turned to mainstream Sunni Islam. And that's okay, but it was my first disappointment.
My second disappointment with this book is the lengthy-ness. The font is small, it's single-spaced, and the author was excessive in her choice of words. It was difficult and often boring to read.
My third and final disappointment was the main character, Renee's, affiliation with a group of catty women who claimed to be Muslim yet acted horrible to others. Muslim reverts tend to be more religious than born Muslims, and when I found Islam, I was no different, so it made zero sense to me why Renee would even THINK of joining their sorority. Her membership with these nasty women lasted for years, and I cringed when reading about it.
Overall, the book was a huge disappointment.
January 1, 2012
Enjoyed it, but slightly less than the first three books by this author. I did like the style of writing - first person, and so believable I thought this was the author's autobiography until more than halfway through when I noticed on Goodreads that it said 'novel.' The whole 'creepy group that remains unnamed' was confusing to me - I almost wished the author had just picked some random made-up label or name for them because I got very distracted by 'sorority/fraternity' and 'Fulan.' I guess I should just thank God I've never met or heard of a group like that.
She could use a better editor - there are distracting errors. "'Peaked' my interest" instead of 'piqued' drove me CRAZY in this book, and I remember similar things in the first three also. But all in all I really enjoyed reading it, and will very likely buy her next book ASAP.
She could use a better editor - there are distracting errors. "'Peaked' my interest" instead of 'piqued' drove me CRAZY in this book, and I remember similar things in the first three also. But all in all I really enjoyed reading it, and will very likely buy her next book ASAP.
October 18, 2013
Great novel took me to the inside of the story events to touch the character's feelings. I enjoyed the slender literary sense.
It shows some experiences of the journey to Islam. Summarized most of the difficulties, obstacles and most common mistakes for new Muslimah and how to overcome them. a happy ending that I wished for the character.
Allah Bless You
It shows some experiences of the journey to Islam. Summarized most of the difficulties, obstacles and most common mistakes for new Muslimah and how to overcome them. a happy ending that I wished for the character.
Allah Bless You
April 4, 2016
There are so many gems in this book. It left me pondering over them and motivating me to be a better person. It taught me humility, not believing everything that I hear and not even offering to listen to backbiting, much less indulge in it myself.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
March 7, 2014
Beautiful story. Well written. Another page turner for me.
January 14, 2013
Wowowowow just....amazing.
May 12, 2013
Simply amazing <3 will stay with me for a long time iA
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews