TREASURE EVERY MOMENT

I’m not one that likes to write about marriage and all that relationship advice on here because as it is, I’m still learning each day. So, this is not marital advice just something that touched me and I’ve wanted to share ever since.

So, some weeks back The Mister and I needed to pray Jumuah in an unfamiliar environment and my darling Umm Sumayyah Mai (aka Mummy I love you šŸ˜˜) was kind enough to send us an address. Our only option was to Uber it and MaashaaAllah, the khutbah was awesome. The Imam emphasized on the role of women and how the menfolk should care for their women and not be irresponsible.

The highlight of that day was the trip back. The Mister was saying Salams to the brothers who had noticed we were new around when our Uber arrived. It was this sleek, black Mercedes that I won’t forget in a while and our driver was a woman. Annette. I hopped in beside Annette like I always do with female drivers and we couldn’t help but compliment her on the car. Yes, it was that fine! Then she thanked us and said her husband got it for her that she had told him before that she wants the car when she’s 50 and he really did get it for her. Wowzer! Meanwhile, Annette looked 35ish. Like an Ad for ‘Black don’t crack’. Then Annette asked if we were married. Of course, we are. That was when she made me cry.

She said, “Treasure each other forever. I lost my husband earlier this year. We always act like we’ll be here forever but we may just leave at anytime. He had a massive heart attack and didn’t return home. He was only 49. God’s got me.”

I just kept saying sorry while fighting back my tears. She had his funeral program with his picture right there in the car and showed it to us. I couldn’t look at it. My eyes still fill up with tears whenever I remember.

I may never meet Annette again in my life but I won’t forget her in a long time. She reminded me that sometimes we just dwell on things that do not really matter and won’t mean a thing in a couple of hours or days when we should really be enjoying the moment because we don’t know what will happen next. I’ve learned from her that every moment we share is priceless and can’t be replaced.

If you have a good partner, appreciate them, be happy, don’t complain about meaningless things all the time. When either of you is gone, it’s memories you’ll have to hold on to and not ill feelings. What kind of memories are you making? Treasure every moment…

Thank you.

Maryam Abiodun Omolade

Heart-to-Heart With My Sister – Maryam Abiodun Omolade

ā€˜ā€¦And they lived happily ever after
Many young girls used to dream of that happy ending, of a long life with their one true love. That was when marriage was portrayed as a place of happiness and unbridled joy. In this present age where morality is fast going out of fashion and the alternative is easily obtainable, what obtains is a fear of the ā€˜shacklesā€™ of the marital bond further enhanced by the endless tales of bad marriages across different spaces. Muslim marriages are not devoid of challenges and navigating the hurdles can be daunting, especially with a lack of useful information.

Known for her passionate concern for the well-being of Muslim women, Majeedah Ashimi Idris has penned this book of heartfelt advice that can serve as a guide for Muslim women on different stages of their marital journeys. This book, Heart to Heart With My Sister centers around highlighting the Islamic expectations of the Muslim wife in simple points without losing touch with the realities of attaining these expectations.

NEW BOOK: Heart-to-Heart With My Sister

The book #Heart-to-Heart With My Sister’ is a discussion of the complexities of the contemporary time; the challenges Muslim women face in their daily lives. The author gives concise accounts of her experiences in marriage and medics, using the experiences of women she had come across, and general issues bothering people from afar. She communicated the idea in a deep and resonating manner to remind her sister of her duties and obligations as a slave of Allāh, and her role, status and duties as a wife. The author relates lessons to be learnt from true life events and solutions on vast topics ranging from seeking a spouse, the dignity of the woman, keeping the marriage bond, living apart, divorce, coping with infertility, coping with stress and anxiety, seeking halāl means of livelihood and socialising with other Muslim sisters physically and virtually. This book contains the records of some of her services to humanity while seeking the Face of her Lord. She employed simple diction to drive home her points as she talks to her Sisters as though they are conversing one-on-one. This book should be kept as a reminder, as reminder benefits the Believers. May Allāh bless the author and accept this great work as an act of worship.

TO THE ONE IN DISTRESS!

I remember wanting to give up. I recall stating l want to quit. But, a friend said to me, if you ever quit, just forget about me. Then, I realized quitting isn’t an option. Perhaps, l knew l wasn’t born to quit, but l was tired, restless, and almost hopeless. The truth is, our challenges most times make us strong. It gives us more courage and strength, more energy, and the ability to raise our voices and face the battle.

To the one going through pain and distress; I want to remind you that Allah is your creator; he sees your pain and worries. I want to remind you of holding on to his rope. I want to remind you not to give up on your challenges. It will come and leave eventually. It sure will be okay, someday soon. It’s a matter of time. Perhaps, I have witnessed the cry and then the happiness of those who used to complain beside me. I have seen those who wanted to call it a quit smile afterward. Now, they are reinforcing the teaching on the importance of not giving up on yourself; the importance of knowing your worth and values; Yes, your dignity and honor.

How wonderful is the affair of a Believer:
The Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him, said, ā€œWondrous is the affair of a believer, as it is good for him in every matter. This is not the case for anyone but a believer. If he experiences a pleasure, he thanks Allah and it is good for him. If he experiences harm, he shows patience and it is good for him. (SĢ£ahĢ£iĢ„hĢ£ Muslim). Do never call it a quit. I was there before. It all worked out in the end. Do never give up on yourself. May Allah ease your worries and pain. May He ease all of your affairs. Ya Rabbal Ala’ameen!

Umm Sumayyah Mai

IMPROMPTU SPEECH

I had the children on a hot seat tonight. I called them one after the other to give an impromptu speech on any beneficial topic. So, l was impressed by them. Most surprisingly, was Sumayyah. This girl shocked me. She came out very bold and confident in what she was about to ditch. Then, she began by saying. ” I will be talking about Zakat.”. You should give Zakat to the poor and give them food because they do not have food to eat.” And on and on. By Allah. I was so surprised. Wouldn’t have expected her to even know what to say on the spot. We can always encourage our children. Perhaps, they may be called out to give a soul-inspiring lecture someday. May Allah protect them from all evil eyes. May He increase them in beneficial knowledge. Amiin.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

SOMEONE IS LOOKING UP TO YOU!

Perhaps, someone is looking up to you too!

Oftentimes, many of us are carried away by other people’s posts and statuses. I used to say to people that: by Allah, my status as a person and my updates do not make me better. Perhaps, you do not know what l do behind closed doors. May Allah save me from the evil of myself and the evils of following my whims and desires.

Before you think someone is better than you, remember only Allah knows what is in the person’s breast. Before you look up to someone’s status thinking he/she has high eemaan, remember perfection belongs to Allaah, for by Allaah, you do not know them; only Allaah does.

Think about others who may be looking up to you. Allah continues to keep a watchful eye on us, and we are always judged by what is most apparent to people. Our hearts belong to Allaah.

I am not better than you, not by anything; Wallah, not even by knowledge, character, humility, or generosity. But, there is always one thing that keeps me going, it is doing everything to please Allaah. To seek the face of Allah and l humbly ask Him to overlook all our hidden sins. Ya Rabbal Ala’ameen.

Umm Sumayyah Mai