UmmTalhah Speaks

We get through tests in life by adhering to the religion. But what happens when the test is WITHIN our adherence to the religion? It feels like no matter what good deed we try to do, it just doesn't happen. Low Iman is real, and believe it or not, the fix is within the religion.

Among the tests of this dunya is a loss of health. Whether that happens in old age or while still young, losing certain abilities due to poor health is a trial and a calamity. We can sometimes lose sight of our goal, which is ultimately Allah's acceptance. Use your illness as a means of forgiveness for your sins, and a reminder that your reliance is on Allah.

One of the biggest tests of this dunya is the loss of money. Financial struggles expose how reliant we are on Allah or how attached we are to the temporary pleasures of this temporary dunya. Following the guidance of the Messenger of Allah enables us to get through struggles when we can't seem to find a way.

The death of a loved one is amongst the most trying of tests of this dunya. We are still shocked when it happens, as if it isn't the only thing we are promised. Alhamdulillah for the Messenger of Allah who taught us how to be patient with this great hardship and to use it as an opportunity to increase our own reward.

As believers, we know that this dunya is a life of difficulty. Knowing that doesn't always give us the consolation and push needed to get through our trials and difficulties. What does help give us that push and reassurance? The Promise of Allah and the advice of His Messenger, peace be upon him.

In this episode we hear from sister Victoria, who embraced Islam at the tender age of 15 years old. Her interest in history and world religious pushed her into researching about Islam, but it was her pleasant interactions with Muslim school friends that ultimately guided her to embrace Islam.

After asking God for guidance, Sister Faraah found herself walking into a local Islamic centre in her community, and was welcomed with a warm embrace and openness. After realizing this was a place her and her children were always welcome, she continued attending sessions of Islamic knowledge to strengthen her faith.

Starting off an extremely important and personal season of "Our Sisters Who Have Embraced Islam" is Umm Ahmad. Her journey to Islam over 30 years ago was at the pinnacle of drug use, high prison sentences, and the spread of AIDS within her African American community. In an effort to find true meaning in life, she started her search for the truth, and ultimately had her interested in Islam piqued through what she read in the Bible.

How much do we know about the various women in Islamic history? How many names of influential characters can we mention? Who are the wives of the Prophet Muhammad? How does his lineage connect to Prophet Ibrahim? Each of these women were tested, but what makes them stand out is their piety and great deal of patience, may Allah grant us to follow them.

Lady Aishah was the youngest wife of the Prophet, peace be upon him. She was diligent in observing his actions from the intimate confines of their home, and transmitting this to the Muslim ummah. She was a narrator of hadith, a scholar of the religion, and even a doctor. Although she was the most beloved wife of the Prophet, even she wasn't free of harm, insults, and accusations of the people. May Allah raise the rank of Lady Aishah, the mother of the believers.

The youngest daughter of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The only one of his children to outlive him. The carrier of his blessed blood-line. The second-best of all women, As-Sayyidah Fatimah Az-Zahraa was an extremely pious, God-fearing woman who supported her father in the entirety of his call to Islam, and a true example of how to be patient with hardships in this life, may Allah raise her rank.

Lady Khadijah, may Allah accept her deeds is known as the mother of the believers. She was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. She was the first to bear children for him. She was the first to whom he ran after receiving the revelation. She was the first to believe in him. She was such a strong supporter of the Prophet and his call to Islam. Her trust in him, her respect for him and her love for him enabled her to reach such a high status that she will be amongst the highest ranking women in al-Jannah.

How does one of the worst men in history end up married to one of the best women in history? How does a woman living under an evil, horrific tyrant show display her high level of piety and compassion and eventual martyrdom. This is Lady Asiyah, the woman who took in and nurtured Prophet Musa when he was an infant, and died at the hands of her husband when standing for the truth of Islam.

Is Eid Al-Adha, also known as "Big Eid" or "Baqra Eid (Eid of the Cow)" to some, is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims. It is one of the most important days of Hajj for those who are performing pilgrimage, but what about those at home? What are all the extra days before and after it?

Lady Maryam, the best woman who ever lived, is a role model for all women. In her story of a pious upbringing and an immaculate birth to Prophet Isa alayhis salaam are lessons for women of all ages.

In the age of social media and the impact of influencers, particularly hijabi Muslimah influencers, it's not far-fetched to think the concept has at least grazed over our minds. Could it work? Do I have what it takes! Is it something I should aim for?

In this episode we hear from some amazing sisters who have devoted their lives to the path of Allah through teaching about Islam. Ustadhah Naimah works with young children in an Islamic madrasa, Ustadhah Nadia provides Arabic tuition for homeschooled Muslim children, and Ustadha Dahab leads assemblies in an all-girls secondary Islamic school. We all have a lot to learn from their diligence and detachment from the desires of this world.

Starting your own business surely takes a lot of hard work, dedication and guts. In this episode we hear from owners of Spartan Muslimah, The Cookie Addiction, Sisterz Accessories and Umm Jameel, a mobile hairdresser, who offer advice from their personal experiences running their own businesses.

In this episode we hear from some trailblazing muslimahs in the ever-growing field of technology. A true sense of passion is what drives Yasmine (a digital marketing buyer), Moushumi (an auditor), and Iram (a security engineer). Each sister offers some very insightful advice about the importance of pursuing what you love, staying true to who you are, and having a positive impact on society.

"My favorite teacher growing up was...because she..." Everyone can fill in the blanks, and every teacher hopes to fill in the blanks of one, if not all of their students. The classrooms are full of future doctors, lawyers, nurses, police officers etc., but most importantly, they're full of the next generation of mothers and fathers. As Muslims, we need to take a responsibility of and have an active role in the education of Muslim children. In this episode, we hear from Naila, Moina, Jahanara and Sadia who are doing exactly that.

Is it true that jobs in the legal field are reserved for white, non-Muslim men? Absolutely not! In this episode, we hear from some powerful muslimahs who are absolutely smashing it in their careers as solicitors, social workers, probation officers and other amazing roles, who use their personal experiences to explain how a career in the legal field can be suitable for a modest muslimah.

The experience of African American Muslims, which here refers to Muslims who have embraced Islam, or whose parents and grandparents have embraced Islam, is so unique and beautiful. They have accepted Islam in droves and implement it in a much stronger way than many Muslims living in the West who have had Islam in their families for centuries. What makes African American Muslims grab hold of Islam and its teachings with such a tight grip? What should Muslims with ancestral Islam bear in mind when interacting with African American Muslims?

A special episode detailing the history of Black Americans, and particularly how the Muslim Black American experience is so unique. This episode includes practical tips for how non-black Muslims can help their ailing brothers and sisters, whether in their own country or across the world.

From a very young age, professions in the medical field are well-known to us. They are naturally a career choice for many women, including Muslim women. In today's episode we hear from sisters M, Hameeda, Umm Jibreel, Quswa, and Maaria, who are all currently working in the UK in various medical roles. Their experience and advice is so valuable for young muslimahs looking to pursue a career in the medical field, as well as muslimahs who are currently working and want support and encouragement to practice Islam in a more consistent manner.

After compulsory education, each muslimah is faced with a life-changing decision--will she pursue a career or not? If so, what will she do and how will she do it? In this episode we will hear from three ladies, Sabeeha, Mariam and Nabeela, who are either currently in university, or have recently graduated. Their personal experiences and pearls of wisdom are sure to resonate with all girls at the tail end of high school, looking to attend university.

As a start to Season 3 "Balancing Deen and Dunya", Umm Talhah gives a brief synopsis of her life journey, from early childhood, university, marriage, career and motherhood experiences, and what has brought her to delivering Islamic knowledge through a podcast medium.

The journey of raising children can sometimes feel like the longest, unguided, journey ever. But in fact Islam has given advice and tips of how to instill taqwa, patience, humility, and good manners into our children. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and advice from scholars makes this responsibility a lot more manageable.

An episode discussing each woman's journey to having children, or not, through topics including contraception, difficulty conceiving, miscarriages, pregnancy, and labor. All of these issues have Islamic judgements related to them, but also help the person reflect on Destiny in Islam, and remember that everything in this world happens exactly as Allah has willed for it to happen.

Discussing when a husband has another relationship, more important than the relationship he has with you...and that is the relationship with his mom. In following the rules of the religion, a wife is able to tactfully navigate the role as a daughter-in-law and gain the true love of her husband and his family.

Looking into the wives of the Prophet alayhis salaatu was salaam and female companions of the Prophet, may Allah accept them all, for guidance on what actually makes a good wife.

Through looking at the best of role models, Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him, and his noble companions may Allah accept them, we can learn what makes a good husband.

Responding to sisters' questions on how to identify who will make a good spouse, and navigating the pre-marital and engagement periods in accordance with Islamic modesty.

Detailing how Islam instructs us to be with our parents, relying on stories of Prophets Ibraheem and Ismaeel alayhimas salaatu was salaam, and Lady Fatimah, radiAllahu anha.

This final episode of Season 1 discusses the importance of learning and understanding the fundamentals of Islam as clarified by the Prophet alayhis salaatu was salaam in Hadith Jibreel.

Discussing the significance of Hajj in Islam, as well as the historical events that are replicated in some of the most important acts of Hajj. (Ayahs 96-97 of Surah Aal-Imran)

Discussing the chapter of fasting Ramadan, including how to determine when Ramadan starts and ends as well as the merits of fasting. (Suratul Baqarah 183-185)

Discussing the different types of charity in Islam as well as the merits of giving money in charity.

Discussing the fact that prayer is the single-most important action in our day, as well as the different forms of purification required before it.

Identifying some evil sins as mentioned in surah Al-Isra ayahs 23-37 to avoid them. Sins lead to the destruction of self, relationships, and communities. Allah forbade the people from sins for their protection.

Relying on Ayah 217 of Surah Al-Baqarah to explain how to protect oneself from falling outside of the fold of Islam, whether by an invalid belief, an unjust action, or a wrongful saying.

Clarifying characteristics that all Prophets possess, characteristics that are impossible for them, and stories that are often misunderstood about some Prophets.

Exploring the meaning of belief in the final Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, through ayahs 40-47 of Surah Al-Ahzab

Exploring the basics of the Muslim's belief in the creator, Allah, with ayahs from the Qur'an and logical proofs.