REVIEW OF THIS AIN'T MY LIFE BY BILAL ALAJI
Date : 28 October 2019
By: Daily Madhu
This Ain’t My Life: One Man’s Journey to Finding His Destiny, by Bilal Alaji is a story of overcoming. The author is vulnerable and very straightforward as he takes his readers on a journey through his life, starting with his background as a black Muslim. His dedicated pursuit of purpose will be an inspiration to anyone who has the chance to read the book.
A compelling story of Bilal's journey to finding his destiny. Growing up Muslim Bilal experiences many trials throughout his youth with his father leading him down an arduous path. As he fights and claws his way out of every obstacle he relies on his faith to pull him through. Bilal shows his willingness to never give up on finding his true purpose. As he goes through failed marriages, criminal proceedings, the shelter system, and lost jobs; Bilal refuses to believe that this is the life he was meant to live. He challenges his reality and what he believes by stating, "This Ain't My Life."
Review:
We have our protagonist Bilal, named after a slave from Abyssinia during the time of the Prophet Muhammad— who
demonstrated a strong will and amazing courage against his oppressors and was hence revered as a hero in Islamic faith and culture. The story revolves around how he overcomes all the difficulties that life throws at him and still manage to come out of it shining.
Kudos to the author for not being shy and giving us an absolute truth of his life, without mincing any facts or sugarcoating any events.
In the very first chapter, we can see that there is some friction between the protagonist and his Dad. They have a strained relationship.
I truly admired the author’s mom. She is a formidable woman who took no shit from anyone. The author has himself admitted that she played a very important role in shaping him. At the tender age of 13, Bilal had to grow up overnight and assume his role as the ‘Man of the House’ and it was his mom who taught him how.
In the following chapters, we get to know more about the author, his family, his marriages, children and all his struggles.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Irrespective of where you are born, which country you are from, whether you belong to a minority group or not, what religion you practice, I think that everyone who reads this book will be able to relate to it.
This book is a great source of motivation for those who have lost faith in life. I feel like if the author, after going through so much trials and tribulations, being at the absolute lowest point of his life, can manage to come out of it and become successful and be happy, then the others can too.
The author has very nicely given the message that if you don't feel comfortable in doing something, if you are not happy with your life, if you are not satisfied, then definitely God has some other plans for you and you should not lose your hope yet. Nobody is born great. It is in our own hands to shape our lives with hard work and dedication.
My favorite quote from the book:
Whenever you are faced with something that you know is not for
you. Just say to yourself, ‘This ain’t my life.’ Define in your mind what your life will be and never accept
anything less. Know that your life can be whatever you desire it to be.
Nothing is too big. If things aren’t what you want them to be, no
problem, shout out as loud as you can, “THIS AIN’T MY LIFE.”
I would recommend this book to anyone who is at a dark point in their life and losing hope. This book will absolutely be your ray of sunshine. I will give this book FIVE STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author :
Bilal Alaji is an entrepreneur, mentor, investor, motivational and public speaker. As the Ceo of Illustrious Shoes and O' Ramadan, Bilal, is a transformational leader that uses his platform to inspire and educate others. With over 15 years working with youth in group homes, transitional housing facilities, and corrections, Bilal uses his experiences to motivate youth. "My life is my message", said Gandhi. So, Bilal has chosen to use his life' s story as a way of communicating with today's youth.
Also known as LOGIC THE OFFICIAL, Bilal spent 20 years as an emcee. He performed at such venues as the world-famous Apollo theater and the Nets arena. During his tenure as an artist, he had the privilege of working/ performing with artists such as Shanice, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Gang Starr, Brand Nubian and more. LOGIC THE OFFICIAL generated 2 CDs and 2 street CDs with a compilation of recorded music.
Bilal left the limelight of the music industry obtaining his MBA from Metropolitan College of New York. While in college Bilal worked as a student mentor providing support, counseling, and resources for students to meet their educational goals. After graduating college Bilal became the founder/ Ceo of Illustrious Shoes and O'Ramadan.
Now, the author of This Ain't My Life, Bilal has shared his story in an effort to help inspire others to live their best life. Bilal speaks to diverse audiences sharing strategies, techniques, and life experiences that will ultimately change lives. There is no obstacle too great for Bilal. Bilal is living proof that "what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger".
www.illustriousshoes.com
www.0-ramadan.com
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
The picture used in the blog belongs to the author.
By: Daily Madhu
This Ain’t My Life: One Man’s Journey to Finding His Destiny, by Bilal Alaji is a story of overcoming. The author is vulnerable and very straightforward as he takes his readers on a journey through his life, starting with his background as a black Muslim. His dedicated pursuit of purpose will be an inspiration to anyone who has the chance to read the book.
The blurb is as follows:
A compelling story of Bilal's journey to finding his destiny. Growing up Muslim Bilal experiences many trials throughout his youth with his father leading him down an arduous path. As he fights and claws his way out of every obstacle he relies on his faith to pull him through. Bilal shows his willingness to never give up on finding his true purpose. As he goes through failed marriages, criminal proceedings, the shelter system, and lost jobs; Bilal refuses to believe that this is the life he was meant to live. He challenges his reality and what he believes by stating, "This Ain't My Life."
Review:
We have our protagonist Bilal, named after a slave from Abyssinia during the time of the Prophet Muhammad— who
demonstrated a strong will and amazing courage against his oppressors and was hence revered as a hero in Islamic faith and culture. The story revolves around how he overcomes all the difficulties that life throws at him and still manage to come out of it shining.
Kudos to the author for not being shy and giving us an absolute truth of his life, without mincing any facts or sugarcoating any events.
In the very first chapter, we can see that there is some friction between the protagonist and his Dad. They have a strained relationship.
I truly admired the author’s mom. She is a formidable woman who took no shit from anyone. The author has himself admitted that she played a very important role in shaping him. At the tender age of 13, Bilal had to grow up overnight and assume his role as the ‘Man of the House’ and it was his mom who taught him how.
In the following chapters, we get to know more about the author, his family, his marriages, children and all his struggles.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Irrespective of where you are born, which country you are from, whether you belong to a minority group or not, what religion you practice, I think that everyone who reads this book will be able to relate to it.
This book is a great source of motivation for those who have lost faith in life. I feel like if the author, after going through so much trials and tribulations, being at the absolute lowest point of his life, can manage to come out of it and become successful and be happy, then the others can too.
The author has very nicely given the message that if you don't feel comfortable in doing something, if you are not happy with your life, if you are not satisfied, then definitely God has some other plans for you and you should not lose your hope yet. Nobody is born great. It is in our own hands to shape our lives with hard work and dedication.
My favorite quote from the book:
Whenever you are faced with something that you know is not for
you. Just say to yourself, ‘This ain’t my life.’ Define in your mind what your life will be and never accept
anything less. Know that your life can be whatever you desire it to be.
Nothing is too big. If things aren’t what you want them to be, no
problem, shout out as loud as you can, “THIS AIN’T MY LIFE.”
I would recommend this book to anyone who is at a dark point in their life and losing hope. This book will absolutely be your ray of sunshine. I will give this book FIVE STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the Author :
Bilal Alaji is an entrepreneur, mentor, investor, motivational and public speaker. As the Ceo of Illustrious Shoes and O' Ramadan, Bilal, is a transformational leader that uses his platform to inspire and educate others. With over 15 years working with youth in group homes, transitional housing facilities, and corrections, Bilal uses his experiences to motivate youth. "My life is my message", said Gandhi. So, Bilal has chosen to use his life' s story as a way of communicating with today's youth.
Also known as LOGIC THE OFFICIAL, Bilal spent 20 years as an emcee. He performed at such venues as the world-famous Apollo theater and the Nets arena. During his tenure as an artist, he had the privilege of working/ performing with artists such as Shanice, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Gang Starr, Brand Nubian and more. LOGIC THE OFFICIAL generated 2 CDs and 2 street CDs with a compilation of recorded music.
Bilal left the limelight of the music industry obtaining his MBA from Metropolitan College of New York. While in college Bilal worked as a student mentor providing support, counseling, and resources for students to meet their educational goals. After graduating college Bilal became the founder/ Ceo of Illustrious Shoes and O'Ramadan.
Now, the author of This Ain't My Life, Bilal has shared his story in an effort to help inspire others to live their best life. Bilal speaks to diverse audiences sharing strategies, techniques, and life experiences that will ultimately change lives. There is no obstacle too great for Bilal. Bilal is living proof that "what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger".
www.illustriousshoes.com
www.0-ramadan.com
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
The picture used in the blog belongs to the author.
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