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Fatima Inya Yakubu, Lagos (2025)

30/01/2025

Growth Requires Discomfort: Embrace the Struggle

Imagine a seed buried beneath the soil.

In darkness, it begins to sprout, pushing through the dirt, breaking through its shell, and stretching towards the sunlight.

The process is anything but comfortable trust me. Yet, without that struggle, it would never bloom into a strong, towering tree.

Growth—true, meaningful growth—does not happen in the comfort of what we already know.

It requires us to stretch beyond our limits, challenge our fears, and step into the unknown.

It asks us to face discomfort head-on, to endure the growing pains that come with transformation.

Think about the times you've felt most alive, most changed.

Was it when everything was easy? Or was it when you pushed through self-doubt, uncertainty, and hardship?

The discomfort of learning a new skill, taking on a leadership role, or stepping outside your comfort zone is proof that you're moving forward.

Even Allah tests us not to break us but to strengthen us.

The trials we face refine our character, deepen our reliance on Him, and shape us into better versions of ourselves.

And the Qur'an reminds us:

"Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you, and perhaps you love something which is bad for you. Allah knows, while you know not." (Qur'an 2:216)

So, when you feel the discomfort of growth, whether it's in your personal development, career, relationships, or whatever else, embrace it.

It means you're evolving, and stepping into a better, stronger you.

Keep pushing, keep striving, and trust that every struggle is a step closer to your best self.

After all, the butterfly only flies because it once struggled in the cocoon.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

27/01/2025

Dear Sisters,

I see you. Those quiet battles you fight behind closed doors, when your heart feels heavy but you're told to "just pray more."

Those moments when you're struggling with anxiety or depression, but hesitate to speak up because someone might say you lack faith.

I see you, and your struggles are valid.

In our beautiful faith, we often hear that "Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear" (2:286).

But sometimes we misinterpret this to mean we must suffer in silence.

We forget that seeking help is itself a form of worship, a recognition that Allah has created means for our healing through both spiritual and medical pathways.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was grieving the loss of his beloved wife Khadijah and uncle Abu Talib, he experienced such profound sadness that that year became known as the Year of Sorrow.

He didn't hide his emotions or shame himself for feeling them. He acknowledged his pain while maintaining his Eeman.

Too often in our masajid and community gatherings, we whisper about these struggles as though they are a sign of weakness or diminished Eeman.

We say "Alhamdulillah" through gritted teeth, fearing that admitting to depression or anxiety somehow makes us ungrateful for Allah's blessings.

But true gratitude doesn't mean denying our struggles, it means acknowledging both our blessings and our trials.

To the sister who feels she can't tell anyone about her postpartum depression because "Muslim women should be overjoyed with motherhood":

Your feelings are valid, and seeking help makes you a better mother, not a weaker Muslim.

To the brother who battles anxiety but fears being seen as less of a man: Your mental health journey is just as important as any physical ailment.

The strength it takes to acknowledge your struggles and seek help is the very essence of true masculinity.

To the teenagers who feel caught between cultures, wrestling with identity and belonging: Your challenges are real, and they matter.

You don't have to choose between being a "good Muslim" and acknowledging your mental health needs.

Remember that our tradition is rich with examples of emotional intelligence and psychological insight.

The Islamic concept of healing has always been holistic, encompassing both body and mind.

Let us work together to create spaces where:
- We can speak openly about mental health without fear of judgment
- Seeking professional help is recognized as a sign of wisdom, not weakness
- Our mosques and community centers become sanctuaries for both spiritual and emotional healing
- Young Muslims feel safe discussing their struggles without being dismissed or misunderstood

To those suffering in silence: You are not alone. Your pain is not a punishment, and your struggles don't define your Eeman.

Allah's mercy encompasses all things, including the help available through counseling, therapy, and medication when needed.

To our community leaders: We need your voice in this conversation. Help us bridge the gap between spiritual guidance and mental health support.

Let's create environments where people feel safe sharing their burdens without fear of being judged as less faithful.

The path to breaking these stigmas begins with compassion for others and for ourselves.

It starts with understanding that just as we wouldn't shame someone for having diabetes or cancer, we shouldn't shame anyone for mental health challenges.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weak faith, it's a sign of faith in action, recognizing that Allah has created various means of healing and supporting one another.

You deserve to heal, to find peace, and to access all the support you need, both spiritual and professional.

With love and understanding,
Your Sister in Deen.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

25/01/2025

Why We Say Alhamdulillah

We say Alhamdulillah because gratitude is at the heart of contentment.

When we pause and reflect on our blessings, our health, our loved ones, the air we breathe, the shelter over our heads, and even the trials that strengthen us, we realize how much Allah has given us.

By saying Alhamdulillah, we acknowledge that all goodness, big or small, comes from Him alone.

We say Alhamdulillah in times of ease because it reminds us not to take the blessings we enjoy for granted.

When life feels perfect, and our hearts are full of joy, we say Alhamdulillah to remember that every moment of happiness is a gift from Allah.

Gratitude keeps our hearts humble, guarding us from arrogance or entitlement.

We say Alhamdulillah in times of hardship to remind ourselves that we submit to every one of Allah's decisions.

Even in pain and difficulty, there are hidden blessings.

Maybe it’s a lesson we need to learn, a chance to grow, or a test that raises our rank in the sight of Allah.

By saying Alhamdulillah, we acknowledge that Allah’s wisdom is greater than ours, and we trust in His plan even when we cannot see the full picture.

We say Alhamdulillah because gratitude turns what we have into enough.

It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we possess. It reminds us that, no matter how challenging life may be, we always have something to be thankful for: faith, hope, and the promise of Allah’s mercy.

We say Alhamdulillah because it connects us to our Creator.

Each time we utter it, we reaffirm our dependence on Him and our recognition of His boundless mercy.

It’s a constant act of worship, a quiet prayer, and a declaration that Allah is deserving of all praise, in every circumstance.

Alhamdulillah is a shield, a comfort, and a reminder of Allah’s infinite blessings.

So, whether your heart is brimming with joy or weighed down with sorrow, let Alhamdulillah stem from your heart and flow through your lips.

Alhamdulillah for everything. Always.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

24/01/2025

Prophet Zakariyya didn’t know how Allah would grant him offspring in his old age, but he made dua anyway.

Prophet Yunus, trapped in the depths of darkness inside the belly of the whale, had no idea how he would be rescued, yet he still made dua.

Prophet Ibrahim, when leaving Hajar and baby Ismail in a barren desert, didn’t know how they would be provided for, but he still made dua

Prophet Ayyub, weakened by years of illness, didn’t know how he would regain his health, but he still made dua, certain that Allah would respond in His perfect way.

Sometimes, you don’t need to know the "how" you just have to make dua with yaqeen (Certainty).

Keep making dua, and let Allah take care of the rest.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

23/01/2025

The Silent Struggle of Loneliness in the Muslim Community

Loneliness is a silent storm that many in the Muslim community face but hardly speak about.

It creeps in quietly, masking itself behind polite smiles, busy routines, and the communal gatherings that should foster connection but often leave hearts yearning for more.

In a faith that values brotherhood and sisterhood so deeply, why is loneliness still such a prevalent and hidden struggle?

For the single sister watching her peers marry and raise families, the new revert navigating their first Ramadan alone, the mother of young children who feels unseen amidst the chaos of caregiving, or the brother working tirelessly to provide yet longing for a deeper connection, loneliness can feel like a personal failure, a burden too shameful to share.

But the truth is, loneliness is not a mark of weakness. It is a test, a reminder, and an invitation.

Allah, in His infinite wisdom, created us with a need for connection but first to Him, then to one another.

Loneliness, while painful, is a whisper calling us back to our Creator, the One who never abandons us, who is closer than our jugular vein.

"And when My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." (Qur'an 2:186)

This verse is a lifeline for those moments when the weight of isolation feels unbearable. It reminds us that no matter how empty the world around us may seem, the heart that calls out to Allah is never alone.

Yet, as a community, we must do more than offer spiritual placates. Islam teaches us to be the answer to one another’s du'as.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

This hadith calls us to actively seek out those who may be suffering in silence and offer a kind word, an invitation to share a meal, or even a simple check-in message can be a lifeline for someone drowning in loneliness.

Let us create spaces where vulnerability is met with compassion, where the lonely find belonging, and where no one feels ashamed to say, "I am struggling."

Whether through sister circles, brotherhood meet-ups, or simply being more present for the people around us, we can embody the prophetic example of mercy and care.

To anyone feeling the ache of loneliness, know that your pain is not hidden from Allah.

Turn to Him with your heart, and seek connection with those who remind you of Him.

You are not invisible. You are seen, valued, and deeply loved by the One who created you.

And to the community: let’s remember that the strongest ummah is built on kindness, empathy, and love for one another. It starts with you and me.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

22/01/2025

THE SILENT STRENGTH OF MUSLIM MOTHERS

In the quiet moments of the night, when the world sleeps, a Muslim mother often finds herself awake, her hands raised in du’a, her heart heavy with unspoken worries, her lips trembling as she prays for the success, safety, and iman of her children.

This is a story that many never see. The strength of a Muslim mother is not always loud; it’s in her silent sacrifices, her hidden tears, and the love she pours into her family without expecting anything in return.

Who notices the mother who eats last after ensuring everyone is full? Or the one who tirelessly teaches her children the words of Allah while quietly yearning to improve her connection with Him?

How many times has she stood in prayer, her body exhausted but her soul steadfast, asking Allah to bless her children in ways she may never live to see?

Islam honors mothers for a reason. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded us that “Paradise lies at the feet of the mother.”

Yet, in a world that often takes her for granted, a Muslim mother carries on, drawing strength from her Eeman and her love for her family.

But even the strongest hearts grow weary just like mine sometimes.

So to every mother reading this: your sacrifices do not go unnoticed by Allah.

Wallahi, He sees your struggles, hears your prayers, and knows the tears that stream down your face in secret.

Every act of love, every moment of patience, and every hardship you endure is written as a reward, do not forget this.

And to everyone else: cherish the mothers in your life. Appreciate their strength, even when they don’t show it, and pray for them as fervently as they pray for you.

Their love is a gift, their prayers a shield, and their presence a blessing we often only fully understand when it’s too late.

May Allah bless our mothers with ease, joy, and the highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

21/01/2025

“Indeed, along with hardship is ease” (Qur’an 94:6).

Sometimes, we feel so overwhelmed with challenges as though it will k*ll us.

But the truth is that no matter how overwhelming our challenges may feel right now, they are only a part of the beautiful story Allah is writing for us.

Every trial we face is a bridge leading to greater blessings and growth.

We just have to trust in His divine plan, for the ease He has promised is not only on its way, it’s already written into your journey.

Let's hold on to hope, renew our faith, and take each step forward, knowing that Allah’s wisdom and mercy are far beyond what we can comprehend.

He sees our struggles, hears our silent prayers, and will never leave us unsupported.

Share this reminder with someone who needs a little light today.

You never know how much comfort your message can bring to their heart.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach
📷Internet

21/01/2025

This week’s challenge:

Choose ONE small habit to improve.

It could be reading the Qur’an for 10 minutes daily, drinking more water, sitting quietly enjoying your company or spending quality time with your kids.

Small steps lead to big changes you know.

What small habit will you start this week? Comment below to join the challenge.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

21/01/2025

GRATITUDE ATTRACTS ABUNDANCE

Allah beautifully promises in the Qur’an: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Qur’an 14:7).

Gratitude is more than just words, it’s a transformative mindset that draws us closer to Allah’s endless blessings.

When we choose to focus on the things we have, instead of what we lack, we open our hearts to even greater abundance.

Gratitude doesn’t only bring spiritual rewards; it also shifts our mental and emotional state.

It fosters contentment, joy, and a positive outlook on life, allowing us to see opportunities where we once saw obstacles.

Even in moments of difficulty, pausing to recognize small blessings can be a source of comfort and strength.

Today, make it a habit to reflect on your blessings.

Write down or mentally list three things you’re truly grateful for, big or small.

It could be the air you breathe, the loved ones around you, or simply the ability to seek knowledge and improve yourself.

So what are you grateful for today?

Share your list and inspire others to see the good in their lives.

Let’s spread positivity and remind each other of the beauty of gratitude!

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

20/01/2025

Your morning sets the tone for your day.

Think of it as the foundation upon which the rest of your hours are built.

Starting your day with intention and purpose can create a huge impact on your mindset, productivity, and overall sense of well-being.

Begin with Fajr prayer, connecting with Allah (SWT) in the quiet stillness of dawn.

This spiritual moment of submission aligns your heart and mind with gratitude and purpose.

After prayer, engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), allowing the beautiful words of praise and supplication to soothe your soul and bring barakah (blessings) to your day.

Take a few moments to journal your gratitude. Write down three things you’re thankful for, big or small.

This practice shifts your focus to positivity and abundance, reminding you of Allah’s countless favors.

Finally, dedicate a couple of minutes to goal-setting if you haven't done that the night before.

Outline your top priorities for the day. By defining what you aim to achieve, you give your day clarity and direction, setting yourself up for productivity and success.

This entire routine takes no more than 20 minutes, yet the transformation it can bring to your mindset and day is profound.

It’s not just about ticking off tasks—it’s about starting with intention, balance, and faith.

What’s one small yet impactful habit you can add to your morning routine this week?

Share your thoughts below and take the first step toward a more intentional and fulfilling day!

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach
📷Internet

20/01/2025

EMBRACE THE WEEK WITH INTENTION

Dear Sister, this week is a blank canvas, and you are the artist.

Use the colors of faith, determination, and purpose to create a masterpiece.

Remember Allah’s words: 'Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves' (Qur’an 13:11).

Take one step toward your goals today, and watch Allah bless your efforts."

What’s one small step you will take today to create your masterpiece? Share below!

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

20/01/2025

BECOMING WHAT YOU ADMIRE

Have you ever paused to reflect on the kind of people you admire most in life?

Those peaceful souls who carry calmness in their presence, the kind individuals whose warmth leaves a lasting impression, or the good-hearted ones whose sincerity restores your faith in humanity?

And have you ever thought, “I love peaceful people—I should be peaceful. I love kind people—I should be kind. I love good people—I should be good”?

This thought is not just a fleeting observation; it’s an awakening. It’s a reminder that the qualities we admire in others are often a reflection of what we wish to embody ourselves.

When you think about it, loving peaceful people means that your heart yearns for serenity.

You crave a life free of chaos, where you can rest in the comfort of calm. Why not start within yourself?

Make peace in your natural state. Speak gently. Listen more than you respond. Forgive even when it’s hard. True peace is contagious, and when you exude it, others will feel it too.

Similarly, your love for kindness points to your longing for a world where compassion thrives.

So let the kindness you love in others flow from you, even in moments when you feel unseen or unappreciated.

And goodness—oh, how refreshing it is to witness goodness in a world that often feels overshadowed by negativity!

But goodness isn’t just about being perfect or moral; it’s about striving to be better every day.

It’s in choosing honesty over deceit, fairness over bias, and selflessness over selfishness.

Loving good people is your inner self calling you to rise above the ordinary and embody integrity.

The beauty of this realization is that it transforms admiration into action. Instead of simply looking up to the peaceful, the kind, and the good, you choose to become them.

You recognize that the qualities you see and love in others are seeds already planted within you, waiting to be nurtured.

So ask yourself today: How can I embody the qualities I admire? How can I become the peace I seek, the kindness I value, and the goodness I respect?

The world doesn’t need more observers of beauty, it needs more creators of it.

©Fatima Inya Yakubu
Muslimah Holistic Development Coach.
📷Internet

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