I am a proud mother of two children who attended Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, Kwara State, where they each became a Hafidh and Hafidhah, respectively, after three years. It is deeply disheartening that some people still assume that students—or women who wear the niqab (face veil)—are unintelligent.
I was saddened to see some ignorant individuals attempt to diminish Maryam’s remarkable achievement for reasons best known to them. How can anyone claim to have “removed” her niqab by circulating a random photograph of someone else that clearly does not match hers? Even more disappointing is that such misinformation came from a well-known media outlet.
Maryam Yusuf, Allah has honored you with a success you truly deserve. He has caused your name to be recognized across the world, and we are grateful to Him for this blessing. No one can take away the honor Allah has bestowed upon you. No one can diminish what He has elevated.
As a proud mother, I stand with you, your parents, and the entire Ar-Raheem International School family. You are loved, respected, and cherished.
Thank you for making Islam, the Ummah, and Nigeria proud. May Allah increase you in beneficial knowledge, protect you from every evil, and grant you even greater success in this world and the Hereafter. Āmīn.
— Umm Sumayyah Mai
