I turned 23 this past summer and ever since, I’ve been reflecting on my life and the things I’ve learned about myself. My thoughts immediately wandered to the idea of vulnerability and my experiences with it. For so long, I’ve viewed vulnerability as something although so raw and sometimes messy, was rooted in strength. But … Continue reading Facing Vulnerability
How can I consider myself a writer when I haven’t written in a while? When I’m having trouble picking up a pen (in reality, my laptop) and weaving words together in a way that is simply coherent? I honestly struggle with feeling insecure about embracing the label of being a writer. It’s one of the reasons why … Continue reading The Push & Pull of Writing
When du'as (supplications) are answered, life halts and feels almost fragile. The solace it brings is a gentle [Divine] nudge: that your endured pains have never existed. What an incomparable gift. • • • Dear God, In times of distress, I've learned that stability is a blessing. That soundness of mind provides you with a … Continue reading Finding Sakina (Tranquility) in Supplication
At a point in my life where I was feeling extremely low, I would sometimes go to the nearby masjid just to feel some sort of peace. I would go alone and attempt to avoid any interactions. I would try my best to slow down the negative thoughts that ran through my head. Doing this … Continue reading Light Is a Gift & a Mercy
I turned 21 in August, and after some time of reflection (and mourning of my childhood) I wrote down a list of things I learned: Sometimes things may take longer for you than they do for others, and that's okay. Trust the process and find peace in whatever pace life is going at for you.Doing … Continue reading 21 Things I Learned in 21 Years
As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I remember gulping in the ancient air and instantaneously looking around. I absorbed everything in awe: the ground plastered with sand, the exhaust from the traffic of cars swirling up into the bright blue sky, the worn buildings, and copper-colored people rushing back and forth - … Continue reading Living in Egypt for a Year
Things I'm grateful for: The ability to breatheMy homeAccess to food and waterMy parentsMy grandmothers being alive & lovingMy siblingsBeing able to get an educationMy jobIslamHaving a direct connection to GodUnderstanding SomaliHaving a masjid close to homeHaving had the opportunity to teach and inspire young childrenHaving people believe in my abilities even when I don't … Continue reading The Oceans Would Run Dry
