The Alchemist Fatima Quotes

Fatima

Quote 1

"Maktub," she said. "If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day." (2.291)

The Arabic term maktub translates to "It is written," and it means that events are written down in the grand plan before they even happen. This is Coelho's way of reminding us that Fatima and Santiago come from different cultures. Fatima's Arabic culture has made her comfortable letting events occur and trusting that they will work out for the best, whereas Santiago is super uptight about controlling the future. But who cares about silly things like culture and language when it comes to twu wuv?

Fatima

Quote 2

"Don't say anything," Fatima interrupted. "One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving." (2.453)

Hm. Is it better to love someone because of their qualities, like their beautiful nostrils or amazing waffle-making skills, or just because? Fatima thinks not. See, qualities can change. What if you get a sinus infection and your nostrils get crusty? What if your waffle iron breaks? There's got to be something deeper that keeps the lovers in love.

Fatima > Santiago

Quote 3

"And I am part of your dream, a part of your Personal Legend, as you call it." (2.289)

You say tomato, I say طماطم. Fatima is saying that she's part of Santiago's dream, or, in Melchizedek's words, a Personal Legend. It's all the same in the end: it's Santiago's destiny that he can fulfill by following his dreams.