Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Assalaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wabarakaatuh

My Dear Sisters

It is only Allah Ta‘ala who has made it possible for me to relate to you a story that may inspire you to become closer to Him.

My life, from the day I was conceived, has been a series of both blessings and trials. My mother was from a small, poor community that was strict when it came to Islam. When she started university, her father, who was the closest person to her, passed away. She then disconnected from Deen and lost her way.

She fell pregnant at the age of 18 and had no means to look after a baby. At that time, her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer, took her to see a medical practitioner. Nevertheless, one thing led to the next and after some time, Allah Ta‘ala made it such that THE DOCTOR AGREED TO ADOPT THE BABY ONCE BORN! This was a blessing from a trial, as Allah Ta‘ala gave a barren woman (the doctor) a baby, and also helped a lost woman with no means to look after a baby, by giving her baby a good home.

My adoptive mother is now 67 years old and has never broken her promise to look after me to the best that she can. Alhamdulillah, my biological mother has also turned her life towards Allah Ta‘ala. 

I grew up an only child, and after completing school, I went to college. When I was 19, I met a man and we decided to marry. My husband had lost his wife in a tragic accident after many years of marriage. She left behind very young children who were pining for a mother. I knew immediately, when I got married, that I would have to BECOME A MOTHER OVERNIGHT and look after them, but it’s always easier said than done. However, Allah Ta‘ala helped me and assisted me to do what was needed. Out of this trial came another blessing… After a year of being married, my son was born. Alhamdulillah, he is the binding force for us all.

I’ve encountered MANY HARD TIMES in my new life as a mother and a wife, and I may have lost my way a few times as well. This year, I decided to completely nourish my soul since I felt it was the only part of my being that I was neglecting more than anything else. I would often think that the gym or hanging out with friends was the best way to escape my daily troubles and stress, but… I soon realized that I was neglecting my Islamic duties as a Muslim wife and mother.

Alhamdulillah, I’ve now put on the niqaab and I use it as a symbol of faith when I step out of my home. In my home, I try to spend my time educating myself and my children. I’ve started reading to my kids one of the most influential books ever suggested to me to read in ta’leem in the home – it’s called “Heavenly Ornaments” (Behishti Zewar) by Moulana Ashraf ‘Ali Thaanwi (rahimahullah). We also read the books by Uswatul Muslimah. Through home ta’leem, I’ve noticed a SERIOUS CHANGE in the behaviour and attitude of my children. I’ve also encouraged my husband to take part in the home ta’leem. Although he doesn’t have much time, he reads one or two pages with the family after supper. This has brought the family closer with muhabbat (love).

I didn’t realize how much there is to do in the home until I adopted this lifestyle, and being productive in the home really makes so much of a difference. Being in the millennium group of youngsters, you are often persuaded to believe that everything besides Deen is what you need to de-stress and improve your life, when in actual fact, if you test out that theory, you will come to realize that IT ONLY BRINGS SHORT-TERM HAPPINESS.

I have not had any major tragedies in my life so far, and I thank Allah Ta‘ala immensely for all the favours He has showered upon me. Sometimes, all we need to do is help others for Allah Ta‘ala’s pleasure, no matter how large the step and how great the effort. It will be a means of benefit to us all insha-Allah.

May Allah Ta‘ala let us all find true happiness, aameen.