About me

What Else Can You Call Umm Sumayyah Mai?

I have added ‘Amazing’ to my name. This name was given to me by a patient whom l worked with for two days. So, you can call me “Amazing” and l will be proud to answer you by that name!

Why the name?

I gave an abdominal injection of an anticoagulant medication on the first-day l worked with her, and she didn’t feel any pain. She was scared before the injection, and l promised to be soft on her. Alhamdulillah!  She didn’t feel any pain, and she was happy.  So, she said: “Are you coming back, l want you again. You are amazing. That’s what l will be calling you.”

So, upon the arrival of her family yesterday, she narrated the story to them.  And she told them she had given me the name “Amazing” since the day before. We all busted laughing.  She was discharged home without any distress.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Beyond Love

What is Beyond Love?

Marriage is beyond love. Beyond love are sacrifices, piety, and forbearance. It is respect, and care you show to the one you love. The way you treat the one you claimed you love and how their problems become yours.

Love indeed exists in different shades and volumes, but the connections that thrive in the relationship are of great importance. Love can become lost, fade off, or grow and evolve.

Love isn’t just about being in love with a partner, it is more about loving them the way they are. It is more of appreciating them and choosing to love them as the marriage grows. It is more of letting go of your frustration and pains. Marriage comes with mutual understanding and interest. So, ensure you do your best first.

There are days you will wish to call it a day and move on. This is because you are probably hurt by and or simply because you feel not interested again. So, take with you, sincerity and patience. Take with your empathy and compassion. Do not run away from your problems. Trials will come. But how you handle it will determine the success of your marriage. Again, do not compare your marriage with that of others, and do not seek to leave your marriage without care.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Marriage is complex thing

Marriage is a Complex Thing

It’s on this platform that couples who had vowed not to ever have anything to do with one another announce the birth of their precious baby. Marriage is a complex thing. Marriage is LOVE. The SWEET love, yet, maybe SOUR at some point. When an issue arises in your marriage, do never close all doors. Do never think you may not be united again. Seek help when necessary and know from whom that help is sought. The truth is, if you are the one who is being consulted, be JUST, be SINCERE, and be TRUTHFUL between both parties.

You must be SMART and play safe between the both of them. Listen, and do not inflict more harm. Try not to BLAME, but correct and advise sincerely. Those who have helped couples resolve their unending issues are GOD-SENT Angels. Once the issue is resolved, they will never forget your input. So, let’s all be there for one another.

Perhaps you are going through hell while reading this update. You are emotionally traumatized, physically wrecked, and psychologically UNSTABLE. Please, seek help ASAP. May Allah ease your worries.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Sins

The Evil is Becoming Overwhelming

There is no doubt that every single one of us are sinner behind closed doors. We are people who sin and sometimes cross our Islamic boundaries.  Yes, we have for many times wronged our souls. If there is something l wish l didn’t do, it’s to sin against Allah, carelessly.

The evil in the world is becoming overwhelming and l am more scared of the consequences. Indeed, the end time is becoming more nearer. I saw a video of a woman with four children and a negative DNA result flying over the internet, and l said to myself, women can be very wicked.  Yes, l am a woman. And l have said many times that l fear women the most on this earth.  If you have suffered through women like yourself, you will understand more importantly who our women are.

It makes me wonder how unfaithful women can be. How wicked they had become. So, l remembers the hadith of the Prophet about Yajuj & Majuj, and when evil becomes overwhelming on the land.

The Prophet entered upon his wife Zaynab bint Jahsh in an agitated state one day, and said, “La ilaha ill-Allah, woe to the Arabs from an evil that has approached! Today a hole like this has been opened in the barrier of Yajuj and Majuj,” and he made a circle with his thumb and forefinger. Zaynab bint Jahsh said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, will we be destroyed even though there are righteous people among us?’ He said, ‘Yes if evil becomes overwhelming.’” (Reported by al-Bukhari, 3097). Aren’t we approaching it day by day?  So many evils we see and hear on the Internet. The case of a father impregnating his daughter may not be ignored. What can be more evil than that? Do men now need to do DNA on their children?

This is one thing Islam warned against. That “brother-in-law is death.” Islam also encourages us to be firm upon the deen. A God-fearing woman wouldn’t try to seek the wrath of Allah by displeasing him in this manner. So, she is careful and fearful -faithful and submissive to Allah and her husband. She wouldn’t take the path of destruction as thus many women are taking in our contemporary world. May Allah protect our women and may He ease the affairs of our men.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Muslim-Library-1.0

4 Important Lessons from Dr. Sumayyah!

Yesterday, l took my first daughter to the library approximately 30 minutes before closing time.  While l stayed in a private room with my laptop writing as usual, a call came in along with a text via Grandma’s phone.  Mum, this is Sumayyah, do not forget to get my books. Ok, I won’t, ln Shaa Allah, l responded.

Before l knew it, it was already 5 minutes before 9 p.m. So, l quickly went down to the children’s place to get her at least two books.  I grabbed one, and checked the back, Nah! ain’t taking this. Found another suitable one.  At this time, it was 8:57 pm, so l quickly grabbed one more for her without taking enough time to check. I took the book home and went straight to use the restroom.

Mum, this book isn’t good.  It has the LGBT thingy in it was the voice l heard.  I will not read this.  I came out and asked which of the books, and it was shown to me.  I thank Dr. Sumayyah for checking what she was about to read. And was pretty much able to detect that without delay. I was so proud of her last night.

Lessons Learned:

  1. It’s important to always check any books we plan to give our children no matter the circumstances. That was a great lesson for me last night. Wouldn’t repeat it.
  2. The importance of teaching your children the Halal and the Haram can’t be stressed enough.
  3. I have written articles on this, and each time l do, l teach my children first and foremost, and l always make sure l create awareness on issues that are affecting our community as Muslims.
  4. Do not think a child is too small to be taught the evil that goes around the world. The more they know, the better it is for their Islam and personalities. May Allah continue to protect us and our children.

 

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Productivity

Channel Your Grief into Productivity

Yes, everyone gets the fact that you have been tried. That Allah put you through a huge trauma that is hard to swallow. We understand the effect on your mental and spiritual health. And we know for a fact that you are frustrated and depressed.

I think it’s important to know that the whole issue isn’t really about you alone. It’s also about your loved ones, family and friends. It’s about you not crossing the limit of Allah. The Prophet (may Allah be pleased with him) is a great example for us with every challenge that comes our way.  This is a nobleman who lost his wife, and children when he least expected.  How about the pains and suffering he encountered during battles?

I have come to realize the effect of losing a loved one places on women.  And especially our Muslim sisters. Though, very saddening to say the least.  But, it’s essential to know what to do and how productive you can become if you are put on the same trial.

  1. You must believe in Qadar. Accept the fact that it’s Allah’s doing.
  2. You need to breathe. Take a deep breath. Cry it out. Cry, yes, cry and cry out your pain.
  3. Get help as soon as possible. You can request to visit a behavioral unit in the nearest hospital.
  4. Let the attending physician know you are feeling awkward. And you feel like taking your life.
  5. Use strong emotions to increase your productivity.
  6. Express your pain. Speak with someone. Talk about who your loved one was while on Earth.
  7. Channel your strength to what you love doing most. Learn to rediscover yourself.
  8. Choose your grieving skills and scopes. Refrain from dwelling too much on your grief.
  9. You can dedicate the pain and frustration to seeking knowledge and or exercising.
  10. You can start a campaign and talk to people who were once in your shoes and learn their coping mechanisms.
  11. You can choose to write a story about your loss. You can also publish a book to that effect and or create an avenue where you can lend your voice to people with suicidal ideation.

Dear Muslimah, you may not know how strong and deep-rooted you are in faith until you are afflicted with trials and tribulations.  So, it’s important to remember to always hold still when trial strikes. One of those who will sympathize with you either positively or negatively, aside from your loved ones is Shaytain.  So be ready to pass Allah’s test and not give in to Shaytain’s plot.

He is the one who whispers in your ears that the end is now. He may begin to ask you the reason why you still want to live when your husband is gone. So, surround yourself with the Quran and pious people. Gradually, you will overcome the pain.  The truth is, you will feel the heaviness on your chest. The pain is real. But your reward awaits.

 

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Suicide 2

I Want to Commit Suicide, Why?

This has been the statement of many sisters who are going through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and the outside world.

When someone tells you, l want to commit suicide, your first question is why? Yes, why? Perhaps, at that point, you want to hear their rationales; and you definitely will want to settle for open-ended questions. It is important to know that a lot of people are going through some kind of trauma that affects them emotionally and psychologically. Do not just think or say, how could she allow herself to be used by Shaytaan like that? Perhaps, it is more than you think. It is beyond them at some point. All they ever wanted was to speak with someone and share their pain.

It is hard for most of them to forget and let go just like that. It’s hard for them to witness their parents being murdered and it is hard for them to forget the description of the man who had raped and abused them. It is hard for them to forget the spot and the injury inflicted in the process. None of them with this diagnosis ever forget the incident.

To the one going through some of the aforementioned plights, l want to remind you that indeed Allaah ‘Azza Wa Jall knows why certain things happen to certain people. He knows what you do not know. He, Allaah takes and gives. He does as He wills and as destined. Do not take your life for the trauma you have suffered and the pain you have gone through. Do not because someone had abused you sexually and physically take your life. Do not because someone has taken the life of your loved one to commit suicide. For by Allaah, you are better than them. You are blessed by Allaah. Allaah gave you many things to be thankful for. He gave you wisdom and a large heart. He gave you a tongue full of gratitude and a very inspiring soul. Life is a test, we all face it, some of us passed the trial while many of us failed woefully. Yet, we couldn’t take our souls for it. We didn’t fall for Shaytaan’s trap, because, we couldn’t afford to commit suicide. We can’t afford to lose our Jannah for the test of Dunya. Be strong and surround yourself with strong people. Today may be challenging, but ln sha Allaah tomorrow is promising.

Let’s always be there for them. Be there for your sister in faith and be there for your lover in pain. Be there and let them lean on you. Let them know Dunya is temporary and Allaah has created a test/trial for a purpose. The purpose includes knowing who you are in the sight of Allah and the test that includes raising your status when you become patient and persevere when trial strikes. Be thankful my dear sister, and always remember that Allah doesn’t wrong anyone. May Allah ease your affairs.

Umm Sumayyah Mai
June 24th, 2019

Judgement Day

IF JUDGEMENT DAY IS NOW!

Then, l will be naked along with many males and females; uncircumcised, barefoot, and waiting for my judgment. The result of what l did in Dunya. I will not be able to see if sister Maryam is not putting on underwear, nor will I have the time to check if Brother Lukman has covered his private part. I, along with many other people will be overwhelmed. Waiting, waiting, and waiting in fear and humiliation.

I will be waiting under the scorching sun. And l will be sweating until my turn is reached and or perhaps until my name is called. I will not be able to look for my “Treasured Love.”  Nor will l be asking for my children. I alongside many other people will at that time, restless, tired, scared, and scattered. I will not remember my siblings nor will l look out for my parents.

“I will be more shocked, surprised, and scared when the contents of graves become scattered. And the sky breaks apart. And the stars fall, scattering. And the heaven split open.  I will be more scared when my hands and feet begin to speak of what they used to earn. Of what l do with them while l was on the surface of the earth.”

And l, alongside many other people (male & female), will be brought to account for every major and minor action we did in this world, whether it was good or bad. And we will be rewarded for our good deeds and perhaps be questioned about our bad deeds. I am scared and scared penning this down, right now.

And when the “Lord of the Majestic throne say to the Angels, Look at My slave’s prayer, is it complete or lacking?’ If it is complete, it will be recorded as complete, but if it is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether my slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he had done voluntary prayers, He would say, ‘Complete the obligatory prayers of My slave from his voluntary prayers.’ Then the rest of his deeds will be examined similarly.”

And we would be asked about other matters. At this point, l do not know what l will be saying. And perhaps, the answers l will give when these five questions are asked:  “My life and how l spent it, my youth and how l used it, my wealth and how l earned it, and how l disposed of it, and how l acted upon what l acquired of knowledge.”

Oh Allah! Do not humiliate me on the day of judgment. Oh Allah! do not put me to shame on the day of the greatest fear. Oh Allah! conceal all my faults. Oh, Allah erase all my sins. Oh Allah! do not disgrace us. Oh Allah! Be merciful with us, overlook our shortcomings, and grant us steadfastness upon your Deen! Ya Rabbal ‘A’alaameen!

Challenges

For Every Challenges That Come Your Way

Let me share with you how l deal with my challenges. Gone are the days when l allow anything to weigh me down. I have outgrown that a long time ago. I was able to do so because every Muslim should avoid being sad for Shaitain. Once you are sad, Shaitan will be happy and he will find all possible ways to enter you, negatively. This is because he knows you are vulnerable at that time.

So, l have learned to accept my challenges and beautifully deal with them. I know it will come, so l have always prepared myself to be steadfast and cry to my LORD whenever anything displeasing comes my way. I also have this strong mindset that Allah hasn’t left His throne, so, He will not leave me to myself – that everything will be fine at the end of the day. And l will eventually overcome it, ln shaa Allah.

While l continue to work towards resolving the issue in my little way, and with my frequent prayers; l still believe strongly in Allah – that, He will not forsake me. So, it has always been a positive outcome after all the trials and tribulations. You tie your camel first and ask Allah to keep a watch over it. We must always be ready to face our challenges. May Allah ease our affairs.

Umm Sumayyah Mai

Jilbaab

Niqab is Not a Symbol of Oppression

To many non-believers and some ignorant Muslims; those who put on a niqab (face veil) are the ugliest among people of the universe. Some people, even among Muslims believe niqab wearers are the most backward people of all ages. Some even think they might not be able to construct or speak simple and common English, let alone read a poet’s book.

The niqab is not a symbol of oppression. I am a munaqabbah (wearer of face veil). I have never for once been forced into it. I have never been threatened to wear it. No one has ever denied me my right from among family and friends. Not even my husband.

It baffles me to see that some people in the world we live in, really, and truly have to dictate the kind of shoes l put on, the type of clothes l choose to wear, and how l supposed to wear them. I think common sense, and the fact that l have been given the privilege to know right from wrong is seriously enough. The fact that l can choose Aakhirah (Paradise) over Dunya is something I am grateful for. That l am an adult who has the same rights as everyone is enough. The fact that l am a woman raised with dignity and honor should be enough for anyone who sees me as a stranger amidst others.

My father, while we were growing up taught us many things. He raised us to always respect others, and to never deprive anyone of their rights. I recall those days he used to put me on his lap and ask me to read books to his ears. But, he told me many things which l didn’t forget. That: you are a brave girl, and Allaah has given you wisdom. You must never let anyone take your right away from you. You are a precious being and you must never give up on what belongs to you. Keep doing what you are doing, it eventually pays.

There is absolutely something to get just right in our thoughts. A woman who chooses to maintain her faith and beliefs deserves some respect and honor. I strongly believe it is her right to do what she likes with her body, just as it is for other women folks who dress as they please. It is her right to go around with her body covered based on her beliefs and her religious rights. I am sure, none of us would wish someone to take away our pride and of course our honor.

The niqab isn’t a symbol of oppression by the fact that we are not restricted to what we can do as ladies in veil. We have many of us who are doctors, the writer is a Registered Nurse. Many of us are in various sectors, perhaps you are not aware of it. We have among us who are teachers, lawyers, economists, and engineers to list but a few. Using a face veil hasn’t restricted us from getting into these enviable professions. We are still on top of our games. We wouldn’t give up, not even for a second.

Consequently, our contributions to the growth of our society shouldn’t be overlooked. We are indeed among those who are selfless when it comes to assisting the society at large. Do not interfere with our faith and beliefs. It’s our right and our pride.
So, l advise you to ask if you are confused. Let us respect other’s rights and religion. l am not sure someone (adult) needs to be taught how she dresses, especially if she chooses to cover her beautiful body from every Jack and Harry. The hate speech needs to stop. The frustration and molestation of our sisters in niqaab need to stop. Women who choose to wear the veil should be given their due rights. Let there be justice in all we do and allow us to practise our faith as enshrined in the shari’ah.

Umm Sumayyah Mai