Assalamu Alaikum, my dear friend,

Some moments in life change us forever. For me, one of those moments happened when I was seventeen—a time when I thought I was invincible, full of dreams, and ready to take on the world.

Then came the accident.

I don’t remember much about the impact, but I do remember waking up in a sterile, white hospital room—the rhythmic beeping of machines, the unfamiliar smell of antiseptic, and the strange feeling of isolation. I was still new in Switzerland, and for the first time, I felt completely alone.

Days passed slowly. There were no smartphones back then, no endless scroll of distractions—just silence and my own thoughts. Out of desperation, I asked my mother to bring me some books. Anything to pass the time.

One of the books she brought was about mindset. I had probably skimmed through it before, but this time, something was different. Maybe it was the stillness, maybe it was the isolation—but I devoured that book like a starving man at a feast. I read it once, then again, and again.

By the time I left the hospital, something had shifted inside me. I had discovered a new world—a world of learning, personal growth, and limitless possibilities.

That one week in a hospital bed set me on a path that changed my life. Since then, I’ve read hundreds of books—probably over 500 at this point.

The power of books is this: an author spends years—sometimes decades—researching and mastering a subject, and through a single book, we get to download that knowledge into our minds in just a few hours. It’s like having the wisest minds in history as our personal mentors.

But here’s the real magic of reading: it’s not just about consumption; it’s about connection.

Years ago, when I was touring different countries teaching Time Management, I spoke about the importance of reading and how anyone could finish at least one book a month. After my talk, a doctor in the audience raised his hand and said, “That’s true, but instead of reading many books, I prefer deeply understanding one and practicing it before moving on.”

I smiled. He wasn’t wrong. But I explained that reading isn’t just about gathering information—it’s about connecting ideas. When we read broadly, we start linking big ideas from big thinkers, forming new perspectives that we could never have reached on our own. It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about wisdom.

And that brings me to the most important book of all—the Quran.

If reading the words of great thinkers can shape our minds and perspectives, what about reading the words of the Creator of all wisdom?

Allah subuhanawut’ala has given us the ultimate source of knowledge and guidance, yet many of us rarely engage with it the way we do with other books. Especially in this sacred month of Ramadan, what could be more powerful than deeply connecting with Allah’s message?

Imagine spending just 30 minutes a day reading and reflecting on the Quran—not just reciting it, but understanding what Allah wants to communicate to you. Imagine the impact it would have on your life. Imagine how it would shape your decisions, your mindset, your heart.

When I think back to my younger self in that hospital room, completely unaware of how one book would alter the course of my life, I wonder—what if we approached the Quran that way? What if we let it change us? What if we allowed it to guide us, inspire us, and transform the way we think, feel, and live?

With today’s technology, accessing the Quran’s meaning has never been easier. One app I personally recommend is The Clear Quran, which even has an audiobook version. You can listen while driving, walking, or before bed—bringing the wisdom of Allah into your daily life effortlessly.

This Ramadan, let’s not just be passive consumers of information. Let’s actively seek connection—with wisdom, with purpose, and most importantly, with our Creator.

May Allah subuhanawut’ala bless us with understanding, insight, and the ability to live by His words.

With love and gratitude,
Rushdhi

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