The Limitless Dreamers

Today I met someone who inspired me beyond words.

She is a Qu'ran teacher, a student of knowledge, an aspiring haafidha, and a mother of five beautiful children; the youngest only a baby. I had heard lots about her before I was blessed to meet with her. About her amazing style of teaching, and the quality of it, as well as the several classes she taught to sisters in the community. Yet, I could hardly believe that a mother of small children could run around in such a way, whilst take care of her family and home (which was spotless!). Teaching Qur'an multiple times a week is definitely taxing work, and with a baby around - it's double the effort and hard work!

Yet, I was inspired.

I was inspired at the way she *managed* and *balanced* raising her children with teaching the community. She would teach, recite, review and assist her student whilst the baby sat in her lap, smiling away and biting on some random object. Sometimes the baby would start to cry, yet with such calmness, her mother would start nursing her whilst simultaneously reciting the words of Allah. The baby would slowly doze off to sound of  melodious Qur'an. Her other children would get on with their work or their own Qur'an memorisation.

It was so amazing. I know for fact that there *are* so many more sisters out there who have mastered the art of balance. Who work tirelessly, who sacrifice, and who put there heart and soul into what they do without neglecting other rights and responsibilities. Who have not let cultural expectations and norms stop them from pursuing their other dreams, rather they have worked out a way to balance both.

I sometimes wonder, how such people do not burn themselves out, how do they get time for themselves and quality time with their children. When I asked, she replied that teaching her students was also a time for her to review her own hifdh and to recite the Qur'an. She always kept a day free to spend time with her children outside of home. At the same time, her baby was also being exposed constantly to the words of Allah, and so was becoming accustomed to it from a young age.

This is what it means to kill two birds with one stone! To achieve two or more ends with a single effort.

Sometimes. it's by renewing our intentions that we are able to plant multiple seeds at once. Sometimes, it's by shifting paradigms that we are able to reap not only one, but many fruits through the work we do. No doubt its difficult, but if there's a will, there is a way. This is what it means to dream big. As long as one is able to maintain a balance and is able to priorities when needed, then there's no harm in having one, two or more lofty aspirations in life. You can *strive* to be the best home-maker, and the best Qur'an teacher, or a nurse and a haafidha at the same time. Yes, it may take time, yes it will require sacrifice, and yes sometimes one may require more of your time and work than the other, but with Du'aa, effort and trust in Allah, even that which seems possible can become a beautiful and blessed reality.

Aim high. Work Hard. Dream limitlessly. Remember, when there is a will, there is a way.

May Allah preserve this sister and all of the hard workers out there. May Allah enable  us to become the best in whatever we choose to do in life, ameen.

And so you walk...

You will fall.
Sometimes, in a way you never expected to,
In a manner you never perceived, 
But how is it that, O traveller, you let your worth be defined by the falls?
Every journey has its fair share of struggles,
It has its bumby roads and dead ends,
It has those sharp bends and unexpected storms,
It has its grey skies, but it also has its sunny spells,
It has its long, winded paths which sometimes exhaust you -
To a point you become unable to walk any further,
Your clothes are torn, your eyes swollen,
Your face muddy, and your feet sore,
Your mind lost, your lips chapped,
Your hair disheveled and your heart, broken.
Yet,
You believe.
So you rise,
You brush off the dust,
You force a smile,
You pull up your sleeves,
And you stand up tall,
You walk a few steps, it hurts, but you walk,
And you walk,
And you walk,
And you walk.
For the path to Jannah was never going to be easy,
How can it be?
When Paradise is a place that our heart and eyes can't perceive,
When you will dwell in peace and tranquility for eternity,
So with your eyes set on this mesmerising goal,
And with your heart filled with an overwhelming love,
For Al-Qawiyy,
You keep going.
Treading the path of truth,
Stronger now than ever before,
Determined to never give up,
Fighting every battle, and every strong wind,
Every rocky path, and sudden sandstorm,
Every devils whisper and his continious calls,
Till you reach your desired Home,
Till you reach,
Paradise.

Knowing Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wasallam)

Marking the children’s books is one of my favourite tasks as a student volunteer in a Primary school. It’s pretty interesting reading through the work of 8 year olds, and getting an insight into their innocent (or perhaps not so innocent) thoughts, ideas and perceptions.

One of the tasks that the children were assigned over the holidays was to write about a famous figure in history; someone who they found interesting and whose work had impacted the world in a positive way. Since 95% of the class is Muslim, I was hoping to see ‘Prophet Muhammad (s)’ there at the top. However,  as I began sifting through the work, I was surprised to find that only one child, out of a class of 30 so children, had chosen to write and research about the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). I was so excited to have a read of that one piece of work, but became disheartened when I found that only one or two lines had been written on this incredible person. And even that, was but a few words about his position as a prophet in Islam.

I'll admit, I was gutted.

How is it the case that whilst we are the chosen members of the Ummah of Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), ourselves and our children no nothing or but little about him and the amazing things he did for us? Why is it that when our children are told to think of a role model, or someone who impacted the world in a positive manner, they don’t think of Allah’s Messenger? Why is it that today, eight year olds, have only a line or two to say about someone you could write volumes and volumes about? Yet, in our history, we hear about eight year olds who were teaching ahadith, fiqh, and other Islamic sciences, whilst undertaking great and mature tasks for Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi wasallam).

It's no doubt a good thing that these children are educated about other historical figures in the world and in history, yet their knowledge the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) is but a speck compared to their knowledge of other people, figures and celebrities.

Change begins from within. It begins in ourselves, and then our homes, in our children and then spreads to our communities. The stronger in faith and knowledgeable those in our homes become, the stronger and knowledgeable our communities will become, and the stronger and knowledgeable this world will become. It’s a matter of starting small – but starting somewhere. Its time we revived the legacy of our Messenger, especially in the hearts of our future and aspiring leaders. Those who have the potential to become beacons of light in this dark and cruel world. That is IF they are nurtured and taught their faith well. Well enough to go out there and spread it to the world.

Another reason to add to my 'Why I believe homeschooling outshines all other schooling systems' list.

#KnowingMuhammad #SalallahuAlayhWasallam #ANewGeneration #Children #Tarbiyyah

Language Development in Newborns

A super interesting Psychology fact I learnt today on language development in new borns and infants!

“Newborns are biologically capable of hearing the entire range of phonemes in all languages worldwide. But as babies grow and are more exposed to a particular language, they only notice the linguistic distinctions that are meaningful in that environment. Specialization in one language increases while the potential hear other language sounds is lost.”

"Infants are equipped for language even before birth, partly due to brain readiness, and partly because of auditory experiences in the uterus."

Now imagine if a baby was exposed to the words of Allah and the Arabic language from the time it was in its mother womb... by the time it reaches the age of 5 or 6, it will have absorbed and learnt the language with much more ease, than anyone who learns it at an older age. It will be *specialised* in the language that the Qur'an was revealed in. Too awesome.

5 Pieces of Advice For Aspiring Authors

Assalaamu alaykum and hello to you all,

So after spending ages trying to mentally compile a list of advices to give to my fellow aspiring authors out there, I finally thought of a few important ones, that I hope will be of benefit to all those who are dreaming of publishing a book.

I say dreaming, because that's how it all begins. Well, that's how it all began for me anyway. To summarise my writing journey thus far, I would say it's been a somewhat unimagined and unexpected journey. I never really can comprehend how it all happened because time just goes so fast and everything happened so super quickly. All I know, is that I never imagined actually ever publishing a book, but suddenly one day, it all became this huge, fascinating dream that I wished to pursue. And ever since that dream ignited, Allah opened doors for me from places I never imagined, in ways I couldn't fathom. So, here I am, an 'aspiring author' who is patiently awaiting the release of her first ever non-fiction book for all the confused and intrigued teens out there.

Despite it happening so quickly, I have no doubt learnt so much on this journey so far. So much about myself, so much about my writing, so much about publishing and how it all works. I've also learnt from my mistakes, my errors and regrets too. I've learnt about those things that are vital when publishing a book, that without them, none of it would be possible. So I wish to share just a few of them with you. If you also have any advice of your own - feel free to share, here on my blog, or over on my FB page. :)

Bismillah,

• Start small - This is so important. And I'l tell you why. I'm a dreamer. A BIG dreamer. This means, that when I begin to dream, it can get slightly dangerous, because I start working towards the inevitable, I dive into the deep end thinking I can swim in it, yet I end up drowning in despair and failure, only to have to struggle my way back to shore. And when I do that, wham, I am zapped back into reality. Okay, ignore what I just said there. But my point is, start small. Sometimes we get so excited over our goals and ambitions and dreams, that we want to achieve them right away, we feel so determined, that we take whatever road and path to get there, without realising that not all roads are straight, and unfortunatley sometimes, some roads will come to dead ends. We forget to take small, consistent steps and instead take huge leaps and end up falling. That's what I did. When I first realised my passion for writing, I straight away wrote down, that one day I wanted to publish a book. I began to work on it immediately, without realising that I was being too hasty. I needed to slow down. And that's my first advice to you; slow down and start small. Don't just jump to 'I want to write a book.' Sit down and write down daily targets, they don't have to be huge, but even things like, 'learn a new word every day', 'write a short story every week',  'brush up on my grammar knowledge.' These are all reasonable and reachable targets on your list. I only realised I should have done this, after completing most of my book, and although it wasn't too late, I still did regret not making the most of it all before diving into my book. Things like, learning about my writing a bit more, improving it a lot more, and learning new vocab before putting pen to paper and starting the book.

• Have a writing buddy - I can't emphasise how much this is needed! I don't think I'd ever have unleashed this love for writing, was it not for Allah blessing me with one of my closest friends to this day, Safaa Baig, who is a self-published author, and someone I hugely benefit from. She was the one in fact, who inspired me to write, whose encouraging words truly boosted my confidence, and most importantly, someone who believed in me and in my work. When I first met her (virtually), since we've never met in person (yet), I couldn't string a sentence together, but she held my hand and offered all the advice, support, encouragement, and help I needed to become better. So always have a writing buddy alongside you. Someone you can turn to for advice, someone who will give you honest feedback, someone who *believes* in you. Trust me, not everyone will. When you first start writing, you're not going to be Shakespeare, so don't let anyone belittle you or e way your write. You are your own person and you're unique! An honest writing buddy or buddies (because I have a few, such as mummy and daddy!) will not look down at your work, regardless of how rubbish you yourself may think it is, but will support you ever step of the way. Keep such people close!

• Read & Write - everywhere! - Yes. Everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. Believe it or not -  and I hope my Health and Social Care teachers don't stumble across this, but I wrote the majority of my book in their lessons! Now, no I actually won't advise you to do that. I only did that because when I had finished my work for that lesson or day, I needed a break from learning about conventional medicine, and what-not, so would spend the remaining time working on my book. I'd say in fact, all my book was written in college. Either in lessons or frees, or break times. I would just sit and write away. My advice would be to carry a notebook or journal wherever you go, you just don't know when inspiration might strike. Try to write something fun about the most mundane encounters or situations. Pen down your thoughts whenever they enter your brain. And read a lot. Read on the train, read in the garden, read in bed... (just don't read in the bathroom!). Read all different genres. Even children's books, read them. They will definitely help in your writing. I sometimes get nostalgic of the days I would read ALOT, and spend time writing ALOT of nonsense. Now, I write when I need to, for the organisations I work for, or for my blog - and occasionally I'll write dairy entries in my journal - so this advice is definitely a biggy for me personally.

• Trust Allah - Have faith in Allah. Nothing, and I don't say this out of fake humility, but I don't actually believe that any good that stems from this book is from me. In the sense that, if anyone is to benefit from the good in the book, then it is Allah you should praise, not me. He is the One who blessed my pen to write, He is the One who places in my heart a passion for writing. He is the One who granted me the ability and energy to fill up those hundred of pages with words. All Praise is due to Allah. And I remind you, that when you have a will, He will make a way. Always. So if you want to be a writer, and are struggling, turn to Him. I can't emphasise this point enough. No one can make your dreams a reality for you except Allah. So do your best and leave the rest to Him. Take the first steps and He will come rushing to you. Plant a beautiful intention and He will cause it to grow and flourish. Writing a book for me was just a huge dream, that I'd often think about, yet, He made it into a reality. Believe in Him, and His command of "Be, and it is." Work on your relationship with Allah, because that will help you in becoming more sincere and true when you write. 

• The Publishing Part - My final advice for this piece is in regards to the publishing part. I left it till last, because although everybody's concern is this before embarking on their writing venture, it should be least of your worries - for now anyway. You focus should not be on publishing the book, leave that for later. For now, just work on your writing. For me, the publishing part just fell into my hands, subhanAllah. A good friend of mine decided to open her own publishing company last year (A-Faaih), so after a couple of email exchanges, and signing of a contract, my book was ready to got for editing! Like I said, you'll be amazed how Allah will open doors for you. But what I will say is, begin your research. List some publishing companies, you'd like to publish a book with, perhaps speak to authors you know, and discuss the routes they took. Research on self-publishing as well, because although it is much more difficult, it is definitely more rewarding and fruitful in the long run. Also, keep a journal or scrapbook of your dream designs, book covers, colours - that sorf stuff. When you get bored of writing, you can go back to dreaming of the look of the book you wish to hold in your hand one day. :)

I really pray these five short advices shed some light for aspiring authors. I intend to write a part 2 on this, as and when I collect more gems on this journey. Feel free to contact me for any help or support - I'll be happy to lend a helping hand. :)

My email address: madiyah.r@gmail.com

May Allah bless you all and your pens and allow your writing to touch, inspire and benefit many hearts.

Written by an-exhuasted-from-typing-for-so-long traveller,
Madiyah

On Trust, Honesty and Heartbreak...

Sometimes I wonder about this weakness of mine. A weakness of trusting too easily. Where, when one shows me even a little bit of care or compassion, they've gained my trust. But I say it's weakness, for, nothing breaks my heart more than when the one whom I've trusted betrays my trust. When the one whom I held good opinions of proves my opinion wrong. When the one whom I would never think of hurting, hurts my feelings.

They say, true friends are those who stay by your side through thick and thin. They say, the loyal are those few who won't let you down, they say, trust those who are honest in word and speech.

I say, such people are a few. And it scares me now, to hold people so close to my heart, to trust... for its never guaranteed that the trust will never be betrayed. And so, I am reminded that the only One who will never break my heart, and whom I can always trust, is Al-Wakil. The Trustee. The Protecting friend. The only One guaranteed not to betray.

Yet, I also know, there are presently gems in my life, gems amidst the many rocks, whom I so hope and pray I can forever trust, and whom won't betray their amanah. They are those whose hearts are filled with piety. Who fear Allah, who love Him, who are honest and caring and helpful. Who when they care, they care for His sake. And any bond based on in His pleasure is worth holding onto, so tight.

In a world full of disonesty and distrust; honest, trustworthy & caring people are more valuable to me that all the amount of gold this world can hold.

And I pray, I truly pray, that He increases the presence of such people in my life. For righteous company is truly priceless.

When someone trusts you, don't ever betray it. You are not just breaking a trust and a promise, but you are breaking someone's heart. A fragile, weak heart.

When Dreams Come True

“I’ve realized..” Ummi began. “That I need to embrace my fears and allow myself to allow you to follow your dreams."

She smiled.

“I want my babies to be happy. And if this is what makes you both happy. Then go for it. Go fly to the ocean of knowledge.”

My head was lowered, my heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness. After all I had been through in recent months, Allah had surprised me with the most beautiful gifts. An opportunity to study in the land which was once home to His beloved Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

The desert heat swamped my face as I made my way down the staircase and onto the ground. We had landed. Directly in Madinah.

My heart was thumping out of excitement. I pinched myself to make sure that what was happening was true. I followed my brother, Salman into the check-out area. After finding our luggage we hopped into our hired taxi and made our way to the hotel.

I stared out of the window. Everything felt magical. As soon as I entered the city a sense of peace was felt in the atmosphere. A sense of tranquility had entered my grieving heart. Finally, this would be my new home for a while.

The tall, beautiful palm trees stunned my eyes. The sharp rays of the burning sun caused my eyes to sting with tears. And the distant sight of the Masjid minarets filled my stomach with butterflies. We were really here!

“Na’m. BarakAllahu Feek.” Salman replied to the driver who had dropped us off right outside our apartment. He waved the driver goodbye before turning to face me.

“So this is where we will be staying?” I squinted my eyes due to the strong sun light.

“Nope. This is the first student accommodation. Once we begin studies, they will separate us. You will be in the dorm with the girls, and I with the brothers.”

“Sounds promising!” I exclaimed. My forehead had already beads of sweat as I lifted my niqab a little to breathe in a bit more air.

“Bismillah!” Salman recited as he dragged the suitcases up the slope and into the reception area.

After settling into our apartment and after some sleep, myself and Salman made our way by foot to the Prophet’s mosque. I couldn’t stop smiling. Madinah hadn’t changed much since I last left. The markets were alive and bright with shoppers of all colours and ethnicity. There were greetings of Salaam by whoever you passed and the air as hot yet tranquil.

We arrived ten minutes later. I stopped for a moment. Treasuring this beautiful and awe-inspiring moment. I paused to reflect. Tears filled my eyes as I looked around the courtyard of the Masjid. I wanted to fall onto the floor and make sujood and thank Allah for this blessing. All the hardship I felt previously, I forgot for a moment. And I knew this was the double ease Allah promised after every hardship.

“Alhamdulilah.” I whispered as I walked into the Masjid as the sound of Adhaan began to echo in the city, the Adhaan echoed in my heart and mind as I repeated after the words. After the Adhaan was over, I sat down on the hot marble floor to make my Du’aas. I poured out my heart and then rose, to pray my Salaah.

[Part of a fictional story inspired by my love for Madinah. :)]

Photo credits: Sister Sameera.

Creative Writing

“There is absolutely no way out of here.” Khadeeja cried to her friend Elhaam.

"Deej. There’s got to be. We got into here *some* way right?" Elhaam replied as she searched for an exit route.

They both kept walking through the forest, crunching on the dry leaves, hoping and praying for a miracle to happen.

After searching for what seemed like hours, they decided to take rest in a cave they found nearby.

“I hope someone will come looking for us.” Elhaam cried out as they both threw off their rucksacks.

It was getting darker by the minute. Both girls had accompanied their brothers on a biking/hiking trip at the Isle of White to raise money for charity. Yet somehow, in the process they had got lost and wondered in the total opposite direction to the 30 other people who were with them. Thus, they were now trapped in a dark and eery forest with the freezing winter wind causing them chills and adding the haunting atmosphere.

“Yep, that’s if they’v even realised we’re lost.” Khadeeja snorted.

“HA, Deej. We’ve been missing for an hour and you think they still won't realised?” Elhaam replied.

“Ahh well, great! I mean it’s not like dangerous or anything spending a night in a forest, all-alone, without wifi –

“- WIFI?! Seriously deej, that’s the least of my worries right now.”

“I kid, I kid. Just trying to create a light-hearted atmosphere, ok?”

“Yeah, yeah… in the middle of a dark forest. Things are so getting ‘light’ around here.” Elhaam rolled her eyes.
 

“Ok, on a serious note…what are we going to do?” 

"I'm not sure..." Khadeeja whispered.

"I'm actually getting really scared." Elhaam replied as she stared at the now dark sky.

"Maghrib has kicked in. Let's pray, Ellie. Let's make some Du'aa."

They stood together, behind a two huge trees. Elhaam led the prayer and began to cry as she recited the verses on Allah being near and close to the believer. They then prostrated and made a heartfelt Du'aa to Allah to open a way for them so they could return back to their team and go home.

"Try your phone again?"

"I can't Elhaam, there's no service."

"Your lips are turning blue, deej!"

"It's feels like -15 degrees Elhaam. I can't take it. I need to eat and drink."

"Ya Rabb, so do I. Let me check my rucksack."

"SubhanAllah... I don't remember packing this!"

"What is it?" Khadeeja asked she rested her head on her rucksack. The cold air was encompassing her.

"Brioche bread. Quick, have some deej, I'm worried about you." Tears were strolling down her face.

"Don't worry, Ellie. Allah is taking care of us. Look he just provided us with food."

"Let's wait till the morning and we'll continue walking along and find out way back."

"They must have began a huge search operation for us now!" Deej said, a look of anxiety was apparent on her face.

"Take my hand. Allah is with us, He'll open a way."

"It's 4 am. Yalla, Tahajjud, Fajr and we'll set off InshaAllah."

"Ok, so which way?" Elhaam pursed her lips.

"Follow me!" Deej replied and they both scurried along.

Mum, can I sit with the big people?

There is a certain vivid experience etched in my memory, which takes me back to when I was around 8 year old girl. I remember my mum telling me about a place called 'Islam Bradford' which had newly set up. Back then, Islam Bradford wasn't a centre, it was two small classrooms, wherein intelligent and knowledgeable sisters would teach the religion to others. This was the time I believe marked the beginning of a breakthrough of Dawah, right here, in the city of Bradford.

My mum began attending the classes, and since I was the eldest girl, she would take me with her. Everytime, she would leave me in the creche to play with the other children whilst she went upstairs to attend the halaqahs.

I remember sitting in the creche bored out of my brains. I didn't want to play. I was more fascinated by the babies that were messing around, throwing tantrums, and all the other stuff babies like to do. I felt too 'big' to be in a creche and I was yearning - craving in fact, to experience what it was like to sit in a halaqah with all the big people.

I'd start throwing tantrums of how I hated being looked at as a child. That I was big and wanted to be treated like a big person!

I clearly remember asking my mum if I could join the classes with her, I wanted to learn like big people too. Her response to me was that the things they were learning were thinks I could't hear about yet. That was confirmed when one day, I decided to sneakily glance at her halaqah booklet and found chapters on fiqh issues related to Marriage and Pregnancy. Nevertheless, I still wanted to learn. I felt like I was a big girl now and that I could handle this sort of stuff.

So my mum let me sit in with her. It was amazing. I didn't really take in much of the information - it was all a bit complicated, but the parts I did understand really mesmerised me and motivated me to learn more. I fell in love with the akhlaaq of the teacher, her humbleness, modesty and the sincerity which shined through. I fell in love with knowledge, with learning, with Islam - it was so detailed I thought, sometimes hard to understand - but that's what made it much more beautiful.

I fell in love with the sisterhood. The relationship between fellow sisters was so pure and sincere. I wanted to be like that sister who taught the class every week.

It makes me smile every time I think back at this memory, because that was truly a moment of realisation. A moment I acknowledged that knowledge has no age, that you're never too young or old to begin learning. I smile especially at how I always felt too' big' for the creche, I disliked being referred to as a child, and by the will of Allah, it helper me mature quicker as now, my mum wasn't placing me into kiddy environments but taking me to big people classes. So I learnt from them, from their mindsets and most importantly, from their beautiful and amazing manners. They became my role models, and some to this day, continue being those I truly admire and look up to.

Thereafter, my mum enquired for me to get a teaching assistant position at the centre. I was enthralled! My first job landed to me when I was around 11 or 12. 

The point of this post, is that children's minds are able to comprehend much more than you think. Its Psychologically proven that at the age of 6, the child's brain has a period of rapid growth or pruning, where the information they stored settles and fixates in their brain. Hence why memorising is much easier then that at an older age. I didn't know anything about the way my brain worked then, but the experience taught me, that children will mature quicker if they are exposed to mature surroundings and circles of knowledge from a young age.

May Allah preserve all those who were role models to me as a child, ameen. May Allah increase in knowledge and grant us sincerity in all we do, ameeen.