Al-Rahma: Days from My Life

At every stage of a person’s life, there must be a defining moment—a pause in the lines of passing days. There must be pages written and archives recorded, so they become a station where the reflective mind, the reader, and even those who wish to revisit the memories of their own lives may stop.

In my life, I lived as a young girl, loved by my parents like any daughter whose family admires and cherishes her. When I reached school age, I began my education—something I adored deeply and through which I hoped to achieve my dreams.

When my father passed away, my mother remained by our side like a towering mountain, unshaken by the winds of gossip, talk, and questions that every widow inevitably faces. She clung firmly to God, seeking His help and support in raising us. My mother did everything that was required—providing food, medicine, and care—as if my father had never died.

Oh God, how vividly I remember those harsh days my mother endured while we were unaware of her suffering. She felt pain without anyone hearing her, struggled without my siblings or me realizing it. How magnificent her heart was, and how much strength and determination God bestowed upon it so she could overcome her difficult days and their dark, heavy nights.

No one helped her. She alone triumphed for herself, like Gaza when it withstands its pain in every war that comes upon it.

Days, months, and years passed, and we grew up. My mother rejoiced in what her hands had given. She endured—and she prevailed. One day, she would cover us with her blanket to protect us from the cold and embrace us when fear came, and in her arms we found warmth, tenderness, and safety.

As I grew and became educated, I was keen to ensure that my brothers and sisters stood beside me—educated, committed to their studies, their morals, and their conduct among people. I was the eldest, and I believed that my success would have a great impact on theirs, for the eldest is always a role model. How much more so when that model is your own brother or sister.

One day, we received news from a relative about a foundation that cared for the education and sponsorship of orphans. My mother said she would take us there so we could learn, achieve our dreams, and triumph over orphanhood, sorrow, and every obstacle in our path.

I joined Al-Rahma while I was in secondary school. After graduating, I enrolled at university, choosing a specialization that was in demand in the labor market—a field through which I hoped to achieve a major victory that would make me forget the fatigue of the days that had haunted me since childhood. I wanted our situation to improve and become more beautiful and stable, and to ease the burden on my mother, who was struggling through life alone.

Specializations such as administration, banking, and accounting were—and still are—highly sought after, especially as the private sector has grown to rival the public sector in importance. Thus, embarking on this path was essential.

I began university with determination and resolve, my heart filled with optimism and hope that tomorrow would be brighter once I achieved the dream I had long awaited.

At Al-Rahma, we learn, work, and are raised all at once. Imagine how we divided our time between university studies, working at the foundation, raising our younger sisters, and managing household duties—just like any housewife working in her kitchen and home.

At Al-Rahma, we learned that stagnation, lethargy, and laziness are forbidden; they have no place in our home or among us. Mama Ruqayya taught us that intellectual, cultural, and social rigidity is harmful and must be avoided if we wish to triumph and realize the dreams within us.

I completed my studies, and the day came when I rejoiced in this achievement. My mother’s feelings were indescribable. She said to me, “My daughter, the exhaustion of years has left me, all sadness has faded, and today I rejoice again. Praise be to God who granted me life until I saw you in this moment.”

Mama Ruqayya also played a major role in encouraging me and lifting my spirits. She is the primary driving force for us girls who live at Al-Rahma, and everyone knows her. Even during moments of recognition and celebration, she always stands beside us and says, “These are my daughters, and they are my pride in everything they accomplish. Every success they achieve is credited to me.”

Yes—because she is the maker of success among us. Was she not by our side at all times? Did she not guide us, advise us, and offer counsel? Do you remember all her articles written for us? How she grieved when one of us faltered, and how she rejoiced when an achievement was realized?

May God protect her and make her a treasure for us. Time itself bears witness to her love. She wanted us to be the same for her.

I did not limit myself to university studies alone. I added numerous training and qualification courses to strengthen my professional skills and to master the principle of quality in all work. In addition, I engage in documentation and photography. I love reading and writing. I live in solitude when I need time alone with myself, and I live socially when circumstances require it. My life lies in balance and moderation.

I love to be natural and never arrogant toward anyone. It is the simple life we inherited from our parents and grandparents, and humility is a trait of the honorable. A woman’s true beauty lies in her morals—a beauty that delights all who behold it.

Currently, I still work at Al-Rahma. We wish to repay kindness to those who gave it, and we also want to dedicate part of our time to God through voluntary work—work that is essential to the success of this project, which was itself a cornerstone of our own success. Kindness is repaid with kindness, and God loves those who do good.

Finally:

Words of thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to my mother and my brothers and sisters, who—after God—are the reason for everything I have achieved.

To our dear mother and teacher, Mama Ruqayya Al-Hajri, who supported and aided us in building our future: we will never forget her standing by our side. We ask God to grant us the ability to repay her kindness. She is a fundamental pillar of Al-Rahma and our protective shield in times of hardship. Her beating heart grants us warmth of residence and love of home.

To my brothers and sisters at the foundation:
Thank you to everyone who has always been helpful, encouraging, and sincere in advice.

My advice to you:

Do not surrender to the harshness of days or the injustice of years. Struggle for your future, your family, your siblings, your الوطن (homeland), and those you love—so that you may live with happiness and triumph over your pain. Beware of despair, for it is darkness that burns away the hope and ambition within you.

Learn that everything God has decreed and written for you will reach you—no matter how long it takes. Trust in God and in yourselves is sufficient for victory in this life.

A person must fight their own battles. This is only a part of my life, not all of it—a point to remember when we grow older, so that we may teach our children that struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance are the path to deserving success. As the saying goes: whoever walks the path, will arrive.