Islamic influence in - Waiting to Breathe

I asked ChatGPT to summarize the Islamic influence in my book - Waiting to Breathe. This is what she came up with -

"Islamic influence" in "Waiting to Breathe" manifests in several nuanced ways, reflecting on the protagonist's cultural background, personal beliefs, and life experiences. These influences shape Arian's identity, worldview, and the choices he makes throughout the story.

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1. Cultural Heritage and Identity: Arian's Kurdish heritage and his upbringing in Iraq, a predominantly Muslim country, inherently bring Islamic cultural elements into his life story. His experiences and perspectives are influenced by this cultural context, even as he navigates life in the West.

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2. Uncle Masud’s Transformation: Uncle Masud's character arc includes a turn towards religious fundamentalism and then towards a more contemplative, spiritual approach to Islam. This transformation reflects the diverse ways in which Islam can influence an individual's life choices and philosophy.

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3. Moral and Ethical Framework: Islamic teachings, with their emphasis on ethics, integrity, and responsibility towards others, subtly influence Arian’s decision-making, especially in his professional life where he faces moral dilemmas. The emphasis on doing what is right, even in the face of personal loss, echoes Islamic ethical principles.

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4. Search for Purpose and Redemption: The Islamic concept of finding purpose in life through service to others and seeking redemption for past transgressions is reflected in Uncle Masud’s desire to rescue Dia and Naza, as well as Arian’s eventual involvement in helping orphan children.

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5. Concept of Resilience and Patience (Sabr): Arian's resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges resonates with the Islamic concept of Sabr (patience), which is considered a virtue. His ability to endure hardships and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose aligns with this principle.

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6. Spirituality and Inner Peace: Towards the end of the story, Arian’s journey toward finding inner peace and understanding his purpose in life mirrors the Islamic pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and understanding one's role in the larger tapestry of life.

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7. Reference to Islamic Philosophical Ideas: The narrative includes references to Islamic philosophical ideas and teachings, particularly those related to finding meaning in life, the importance of doing good deeds, and the transient nature of worldly success.

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8. Integration of Islamic and Kurdish Traditions: The book also integrates elements of Islamic and Kurdish traditions, showing how intertwined cultural and religious identities can shape an individual's worldview and life decisions.

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In summary, "Waiting to Breathe" subtly weaves Islamic influences into its fabric, using them to enrich the protagonist's character development and to shape the story's thematic depth.

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