The Book
Title – The Crowning Venture
Author – Hafiza Saadia Mian, MD
Genre – Self-help
Publishers – Daybreak Press
Pages – 137
It is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter focused on her Journey. The second was an introduction to the stories of other women. And in chapter three, she shared the stories of the journey of twelve different women. These women had different backgrounds and situations but one same goal. The fourth chapter, focused on the guilt of forgetting, setting goals and a guide to memorisation. In the fifth chapter, she talked about women who had limitations in their journey. The sixth chapter is basically a roadmap and the seventh covers the etiquettes of recitation of the Qur’an.
The Author
Hafiza Saadia Mian is a Michigan based endocrinologist. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology. Her journey with the Qur’an started when she was only six years old. It wasn’t until later that she embarked on a deeper journey. At age 23, she took time from medical school to go to Syria to study Arabic, Qur’an and Sacred knowledge. It wasn’t her life plan to become a Hafiza, she was just in search of more – a closer relationship to Allah.
She decided to share not only her journey but that of some women who have walked the same path although each person’s situation was very different.
Lessons and Reflections
The Crowning Venture is real stories by real women. And it is a great idea. The book is well written, inspiring and motivating. It isn’t too much just concise and straight to the point. Mian put a lot of thought into the name of the book.
I found that I wanted to relate to the author’s story. You know, just go somewhere and let the Qur’an be my focus. I especially loved reading Charlotte’s story. Anne’s story was another favourite. A lot of myths and negative self-talk were put to shame in the book. Like women thinking they are not worthy to memorize the book of Allah. Or that if you memorize and forget, its an even bigger sin. Another awesome thing I following each woman’s story was her
Some of my takeaways from the book are;
Memorizing the Qur’an is not an all-or-nothing venture. It is continually striving to build and keep a relationship with the Book of Allah. Approach memorization in a relaxed manner. The journey should lead to love, peace and contentment. It should not be stressful.
Perfection is a journey and not a destination. I cannot sit on the sidelines and be perfect. I need to continually put in efforts and strive. Every effort counts. One doesn’t start off perfectly.
I don’t have to attain a particular level of spirituality or faith before I start my journey to memorization of the Qur’an. in memorizing the Qur’an, I should also live it.
It made me more humble. It made me more forgiving. It made me more tolerant. It made me kinder. It made me more patient. It made me more loving. It completely
Charlottechnaged me from whoi was before, its like 180 degrees because, mind you, I was 28 years old when I accepted Islam. i
had lived a lifetime before then.
Approach memorization in a relaxed manner. The journey should lead to love, peace and contentment. It should not be stressful.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to every Muslimah, then to every woman blessed with kids, then to every Muslimah who thinks she cannot memorise the Qur’an, then to every Muslimah who wants a better relationship with Allah, then to every Muslimah who is too busy and finally, I would recommend the book to every Muslim man.
May Allah reward the author and all those who shared their stories. May Allah bless
You can find other books I have read here.
You can also get your copy here