Many people often ask the same question. They say that they spend time reading books or articles but after some time they forget what they read. So they feel sad and wonder if their effort was wasted. They think that if nothing stays in the mind then what is the use of reading at all. This is a fair question. Many of us feel this way at some point. But the answer is something that can open our eyes to the real beauty of reading.
There is a well known story that explains this idea in a simple and touching way. A scholar named Sheikh Salman Al Odah shared this story in his book. One day he went to his teacher with a complaint. He said that he had read a whole book but he could not remember anything from it. His teacher smiled gently and gave him a date to eat. After he ate it the teacher asked him if he felt stronger or taller now. Sheikh Salman replied that no he felt the same. The teacher then said that even though you do not feel it the date has entered your body. It has started to give you strength. Some of it will become part of your blood. Some will become part of your skin. Some will help your bones grow. Some will go to your hair and nails. You may not see this with your eyes but it is happening inside you. Then the teacher explained that reading is the same. What you read becomes part of you. You may not remember every word but it still shapes your heart and mind in ways you do not see.
This story carries a deep truth. Reading is not only about remembering facts or lines. It is about feeding your soul and your mind. When you read your thinking improves. Your language becomes better. Your way of speaking and writing becomes softer and richer. Your thoughts gain more depth. Your character starts to shine in small ways. You may not notice these changes from day to day. But over time they make you a better person.
Reading works quietly. It does not make noise. It does not show its results the next day. But it is always at work inside you. Just like a seed that grows roots under the soil before it comes out as a plant reading helps you grow from inside. A good book gives you new ideas. It helps you feel the pain of others. It makes you more kind. It gives you strength to choose right over wrong. Even if you forget the exact words you read those words leave their mark on your heart. They help you see life in a better way.
Think about it. When you eat food do you remember every meal you had last year or last month? You do not. But that food gave you strength. It helped your body grow. It gave you energy to work and live. Reading does the same for your mind and soul. Every book every page every idea feeds you. Even if you do not remember where or when you read something it has still added to you. It has made you stronger inside.
Some people stop reading because they feel they forget what they read. This is a mistake. Reading is like watering a plant. The plant does not bloom in one day but over time it becomes green and beautiful. The same way your reading makes your thoughts beautiful. It helps you become wiser and calmer. It teaches you to listen more and speak with kindness. It teaches you patience and respect. These gifts are far greater than just remembering lines from books.
Reading also helps at times when you least expect it. When you face a hard moment in life or when someone needs your advice or when you have to make an important choice the knowledge from your reading will guide you. You may not even remember which book gave you that wisdom. But it will be there in your words and in your actions.
So do not stop reading. Do not worry if you forget some or even most of what you read. Every word you read has a purpose. Every idea helps build you. Books are silent teachers. They work on you quietly and make you a better person. They help your soul grow just like food helps your body grow.
In the end always remember this. Reading is not about showing the world how much you know. It is about building yourself day by day. It is about filling your mind with good thoughts and your heart with kindness. So keep reading. Even if you forget the words the goodness of those words will stay with you forever.
—The writer is a Teacher /Writer / Public
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