Why Reading Still Matters (Especially Now)

In a world ruled by reels, scrolls, and endless notifications, sitting down to read a book can feel like an act of quiet rebellion. We live in an era that rewards speed – quick takes, quick laughs, quick outrage. But the truth is, slowing down with a book is one of the most radical, life-shaping things you can do. Reading is not just about absorbing words on a page; it’s about building the muscles of empathy, focus, and understanding that help us navigate an increasingly complex world.

When you read fiction, you’re training your imagination, empathy, and focus at the same time. Each page invites you to step into someone else’s world – to see through their eyes, to feel their pain, to celebrate their joy. In a time when we often only see each other through filtered images and headlines, stories remind us of what it means to be human. Fiction deepens our ability to understand others, and that kind of emotional intelligence is something no algorithm can replicate.

Fiction also teaches us to see the world differently. The best stories don’t just entertain -they expand us. They show us how a single decision can have ripple effects, how people are shaped by their surroundings, and how injustice or kindness can change the course of a life. Through stories we learn to question, to notice, and to care. When we read stories set in different cultures, times, or perspectives, we’re not escaping reality – we’re preparing for it. We learn how to hold multiple truths, how to sit with complexity, and how to imagine better futures.

And this is why representation in literature matters so much. For too long, the publishing world only centered certain voices, while others – Muslim authors, Indigenous writers, people of colour, immigrants – were caricatured, pushed to the margins or misrepresented altogether. Our communities have always been rich with stories that deserve to be told with honesty and heart. Storytelling has always been an important aspect of our Muslim heritage. When we read books by authors who come from the communities they write about, we experience authenticity. We see real textures of life, language, and faith. We see ourselves and others reflected with nuance and respect.

When authors write beyond their own experience, that can also be powerful, but only when done with care. This is where sensitivity readers come in – people who ensure that a book represents a culture or identity truthfully, not through assumptions or stereotypes. Reading books that are crafted with this kind of integrity helps all of us build a more understanding, inclusive world. Because every story we read either widens or narrows our view of humanity.

Unfortunately, because of limited access to authentic stories in the past, there is damage to be undone. Racist stereotyping, limited tolerance of other perspectives, misrepresentation, and other similar issues in the media we consume have affected us all in different ways. By reading intentionally, sharing the stories that are written with nuance and care, and being aware of what we feed our mind, we’re able to recognise where we fall short in what we’ve been taught, to think critically and with care, and how to understand different perspectives.

There’s another reason reading matters today – attention. Our minds are constantly being pulled in every direction. Reading a book – with concentration and effort – reclaims your focus. It gives you the rare gift of depth in a world obsessed with surface. It’s not about reading fast or finishing the most books – it’s about slowing down, reflecting, and connecting. Even ten minutes a day of reading can strengthen your attention, creativity, and calm.

So yes, reading in 2025 might seem old-fashioned, but it’s also revolutionary. It’s how we nurture thoughtfulness in an age of noise. It’s how we resist being swept away by endless scrolls and shallow content. And most importantly, it’s how we connect to ourselves, to each other, and to something bigger.

That’s exactly what we’re doing at Faith Reads, our book club for young Muslims who want to think deeply, feel widely, and read boldly. We explore stories by historically underrepresented authors, especially Muslim voices, who are reshaping what literature looks and feels like. This month, we’re diving into Six Truths and a Lie by Reem Shukairy, a compelling, thought-provoking novel that asks big questions about truth, justice, and what it means to speak up.

If you’ve ever wanted to read more but didn’t know where to start, or if you’re ready to connect with others who care about stories that matter – this is your invitation.

Join us at Faith Reads. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your love for good stories. Together, let’s reclaim the joy of reading. Books still have the power to change hearts.