Living in an ever-advancing, technologically-dependent world, we’re forgetting the beauty of opening up a book and reading. It’s so important that we hang on to that, and never take books and reading for granted.

When you read, you go to places you could never before have imagined. You open your mind and lessen your chances of being prejudiced. You begin to see the world in different ways and begin to think critically, and question things.

Literacy and reading are one of the greatest forms of self-empowerment – and self-empowerment is the greatest thing you can do for yourself. When you empower yourself, you’re in a position where you can do more and consciously make a difference in the world around you. Read anything and everything so you can become acclimatised to all kinds of writing – figure out what you like and what you don’t. Read, and think, and discuss, and never lose a love of books – you’ll only cheat yourself if you do.”

Aaisha is completing her master’s degree in media studies at Wits University, South Africa. Her research interests include gender and representations of Muslim women in the media.

Thank You, Aaisha Dadi Patel, for sharing your perspective on what it means to #bewellread. This forms part of our campaign to call people back to the first Qur’anic command to mankind which was ‘Read’. #callto1stverse