Book SummaryIt's Not What You Think, by Sabeeha Rehman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of It's Not What You Think

Differences in culture and society become clear when contrasting the United States with Saudi Arabia.

In this section of her story, Rehman explores the profound differences in daily practices, social norms, and the occasionally conflicting elements of existence she noticed when contrasting her life in the United States with her previous experiences in Saudi Arabia.

The cultural conventions and everyday occurrences differed significantly between the two nations.

This subsection delves into the distinct social norms that govern daily life in Saudi Arabia, setting them against American practices, with a special focus on the commitment to scheduled worship times, the division of areas by gender, and the common practice of hiring domestic help.

In Saudi Arabia, the observance of prayer schedules and religious duties is much more rigid than in the United States, where there is a greater leniency in religious practices.

Rehman emphasizes the significant impact that the routine of performing prayers throughout the day has on all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. The call to prayer, known as the adhan, punctuates the day with its five recitations, setting the rhythm of daily life in Saudi Arabia, unlike in the United States where religious practices tend to be more private and often take a backseat to work and other duties. Rehman marvels at the cessation of business operations, the pause in trade, and the convergence of diverse people at places of worship, each person prepared and eager. She observes that the disciplined observance of scheduled prayer integrates a distinctive cadence into everyday existence, aligning spiritual observance with every facet of personal and recreational activities.

Her tenure in the United States stood in stark contrast to her previous life, with her busy schedule often leading to clashes between her prayer schedule and simultaneous meetings or a multitude of tasks. The writer is inspired by the intense emphasis placed on devotional practices in Saudi Arabia, a place known for its scant tolerance of neglecting such religious duties. The invocation for worship serves as a continuous reminder and shapes a disciplined framework for religious adherence, permeating all facets of life.

Practical Tips

• Introduce a system of accountability for your personal goals that is inspired by the communal aspect of religious duties. Pair up with a friend or family member and share your respective goals, whether they're related to fitness, learning a new skill, or improving work performance. Agree to check in with each other at set times during the week to ensure you're both staying on track, much like a community coming together for prayer. This mutual accountability can help maintain discipline in your personal endeavors.
• Integrate short reflection breaks into your daily schedule to mimic the mindfulness aspect of prayer. Just as prayer can offer moments of reflection throughout the day, set a timer for five minutes, three to five times a day, to pause and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This can help you stay centered and may improve decision-making and stress management.
• Use an app that plays calming sounds or music at specific intervals throughout the day to create a peaceful atmosphere in your home or workspace. This can be a way to introduce a serene and contemplative environment, akin to the effect of the adhan on the ambiance of a locality.
• Personalize your workspace with subtle religious symbols or reminders. Whether it's a small piece of artwork, a screensaver with a spiritual quote, or a calendar with religious holidays marked, these can serve as gentle prompts to stay spiritually grounded throughout your workday. They can also be conversation starters with colleagues, potentially opening up discussions about balancing work with personal beliefs.
• Implement a "trade timeout" in your financial habits. Choose a day or a specific time each week where you abstain from any form of shopping or financial transactions. Use this time to evaluate your spending habits and financial goals, promoting a more intentional and disciplined approach to personal finance.
• Develop a 'cadence journal' to track and reflect on the rhythm of your daily activities. Each evening, write down the times you paused for your scheduled rituals and note how they affected your mood, productivity, and interactions with others. Over time, review your entries to identify patterns and adjust your schedule to enhance the benefits you're experiencing.
• Create a personal cultural calendar that includes important dates, practices, and rituals from your culture alongside your regular schedule. This will help you plan ahead and ensure that your cultural activities are not overlooked. For instance, if you have a prayer time that often clashes with meetings, you can schedule around it in advance, making sure both your cultural and professional obligations are respected.
• You can deepen your understanding of religious practices by setting aside a specific time each day for learning about different religious duties from around the world. Start with a manageable goal, like 15 minutes per day, and use online resources or local library books to explore the religious practices of various cultures, including the significance and societal impact of these practices. This will give you a broader perspective and help you appreciate the diversity of religious expression.
• Designate a space in your home as a 'reflection zone' where you can go to engage in quiet contemplation or spiritual practice. This space can be as simple as a corner with a comfortable chair and some inspirational items or as elaborate as a small altar or dedicated meditation area. The physical presence of this space can serve as a visual cue to practice discipline and mindfulness, similar to how architectural features in a city might remind its inhabitants of cultural or religious...

It's Not What You Think Summary The author's personal, professional, and spiritual journeys are deeply shaped by her experiences as an American expatriate and follower of Islam, particularly during her time residing in Saudi Arabia.

The narrative delves into the challenges and hardships that Rehman encountered while residing and employed in Saudi Arabia as a woman of American Muslim heritage. She narrates her progression through societal intricacies, enhancing her professional life in Saudi Arabia, and revitalizing her spirit with religious observances.

Delving into the customs and rituals through the eyes of a female adherent of Islam within Saudi Arabia.

The narrative explores Rehman's adaptation to the customs and social norms prevalent in Saudi Arabia, highlighting aspects such as attire regulations, interactions between genders, and the nature of social engagement.

Adjusting to the attire regulations and the expectations for modesty

Rehman narrates her transition from discomfort to acceptance of Saudi Arabia's cultural expectations, which mandated that women cover themselves with a long, black cloak called the abaya and hide their hair while in public spaces. She recounts her first experiences of buying abayas, emphasizing the contrast between the often minimal clothing worn by women in the expatriate community and the mandatory donning of the abaya in public areas. Rehman explores the...

It's Not What You Think Summary The book provides a thorough examination of cultural expectations, social constraints, and the distinct roles held by men and women within Saudi Arabian society.

In this section, Rehman delves into the customs, community expectations, and gender-specific roles prevalent in Saudi Arabian culture. She contemplates the changing status of women, the interplay between traditional practices and modern existence, and the differing realities of expatriates and Saudi citizens.

The transformation in gender relations is reflected in the evolving positions and social status of women within the culture of Saudi Arabia.

Rehman offers an insightful examination of the changing roles and positions of women within Saudi society. She observes a growing trend of female professionals assuming key roles in sectors like finance and technology, which plays a substantial role in the nation's progress. Rehman notes that women in Saudi Arabia often exhibit significant ingenuity in navigating the constraints of a male-dominated society, using their skills and understanding to bring about meaningful changes in their fields.

However, Rehman emphasizes that despite these developments, the journey toward equal gender representation in Saudi Arabia remains long and complex. The persistence of patriarchal norms and the struggle for true autonomy for women continue,...

It's Not What You Think Summary Pivotal events and transformations in the author's life were shaped by events that took place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The story explores significant global occurrences that profoundly shaped Rehman's life and career, focusing on the impact these events had across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She recounts her own experiences in the period after the September 11 events, emphasizing the time characterized by King Fahad's passing and the gradual emergence of shifts within society.

Following the events of September 11th, they adapted to increased security measures and a range of changes.

The 9/11 attacks had a profound impact on Saudi Arabia, particularly because the perpetrators originated from that country. Rehman recounts the transformations she observed following the event, which encompassed increased security protocols and a discernible alteration in the societal atmosphere. The healthcare facility responded by enforcing stricter identity checks, bolstering defenses against potential threats, and providing assistance to employees coping with the traumatic incident's repercussions.

The event marred their time overseas and led to increased pleas from family members back home, urging them to leave the kingdom. Rehman notes a palpable strain within the nation as it struggled with its...