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, “Wondrous 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. (Ṣaḥīḥ 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

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

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