Diaries of Her

In this week’s episode of Diaries of Her, I’m reflecting on the first 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah, spiritual wakefulness, and the feeling of not wanting these sacred days to pass by unnoticed again.We talk about intention, sincerity, small acts of worship, and returning to Allah more consciously - even in simple ways.

In this week’s episode of Diaries of Her, I’m reflecting on what worship can look like in quieter seasons—especially when life feels full, heavy, or overwhelming.We talk about spiritual rhythm after Ramadan, the pressure to always be doing more, and the reminder that small, sincere acts of worship still matter.Phrases Used:Assalamu alaikumA greeting in Islam meaning “Peace be upon you.” It is a duaa (supplication) for peace, mercy, and blessings upon another person.BismillahMeans “In the name of Allah.” It is said before beginning any task as a way of seeking blessings and guidance.Allah (swt)“Allah” is the Arabic word for God. (swt) stands for Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning “Glorified and Exalted is He.”RamadhanThe ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, focusing on worship, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.MashaAllahMeans “As Allah has willed.” It is said to express appreciation or admiration while acknowledging that all things happen by Allah’s will.BarakahRefers to divine blessing or spiritual abundance in something, even if it is small in quantity.DuaaPersonal supplication or prayer made directly to Allah, asking for help, guidance, forgiveness, or blessings.ShaytanThe term for Satan or the devil in Islam, who whispers evil suggestions and tries to lead people away from righteousness.HadithRecorded sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which help explain and complement the Qur’an.Salallahu Alayhi Wa SallamMeans “May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him,” a phrase said whenever mentioning Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).JuzA division of the Qur’an into 30 equal parts, making it easier to complete recitation over the month of Ramadhan.AyaatPlural of ayah, meaning verses of the Qur’an.SurahsChapters of the Qur’an, each containing a set of verses (ayaat).SajdahThe act of prostration in prayer, where the forehead is placed on the ground in complete submission to Allah.Ruku’The bowing position in Islamic prayer before going into sajdah.La ilaaha illallahMeans “There is no god but Allah.” It is the core declaration of faith in Islam (Tawheed).IstighfarSeeking forgiveness from Allah, usually by saying phrases like “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness).AdhkaarRemembrances of Allah, often repeated phrases of praise, gratitude, or supplication said throughout the day.A’udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajimMeans “I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed.” It is said to protect oneself from negative whispers or influences.

This episode almost didn’t happen.I didn’t feel my best. My voice wasn’t perfect. And part of me wanted to wait until I could show up “better.”But that’s exactly what this conversation is about.In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to show up in the middle of imperfection; when you feel a little off, a little behind, or not fully put together. The quiet ways we delay ourselves, the pressure to get everything right and the small but powerful decision to move forward anyway.Because maybe it’s not about showing up perfectly.Maybe it’s about showing up honestly.If you’ve been waiting for the “right” moment, this is your reminder that you’re allowed to begin as you are.Bismillah 🤍A few terms for those unfamiliar:Allah - God in IslamSubhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT) - “Glorified and Exalted is He” (used after mentioning Allah)La ilaaha illah Allah - "There is No God (Deity) Except Allah" (Statement of Faith/First Pillar in Islam)SubhanAllah - “Glory be to Allah” (often said in awe or reflection)Alhamdulillah - “All praise is due to Allah”Assalamu alaikum - “Peace be upon you” (a common greeting)

Some of us learned how to carry more than we were meant to… quietly, without ever questioning it.In this episode, I reflect on the emotional weight of growing up as the “strong one." Something many eldest daughters may recognize but also anyone who has ever felt responsible for holding things together.This is a gentle conversation about unspoken expectations, emotional weight, and learning to acknowledge what we’ve been carrying so we can move with more softness and intention.If you’ve ever felt like the one who carries everything, this is for you.A few terms used in this episode for those unfamiliar:Allah - God in IslamSubhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT) - “Glorified and Exalted is He” (used after mentioning Allah)Duaa - Supplication; a personal prayer or calling upon AllahSubhanAllah - “Glory be to Allah” (often said in awe or reflection)Alhamdulillah - “All praise is due to Allah”Yusuf (alayhi salaam) - Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him)Yaqub (alayhi salaam) - Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him)Qalb - Heart (spiritually and emotionally)Rahma - Mercy, compassionInshaAllah - “If Allah wills”Assalamu alaikum - “Peace be upon you” (a common greeting)

In this episode, I reflect on the quiet ways we begin to lose connection with one another and why women need other women in their lives.From the effects of individualism to the subtle distance that can grow between us, this is a gentle reminder that we were never meant to do life alone.A conversation on friendship, community, and returning to what truly nurtures us - in this life and the next.If this resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who came to mind 🤍Referenced:The example of good and bad companionship (the musk seller and the blacksmith) -Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2101Common phrases used:Assalamu alaikum - Peace be upon youDunya - This worldly lifeAkhirah - The hereafterHadith (plural: ahadith) - Sayings and teachings of the Prophet ﷺSallallahu alayhi wa sallam (ﷺ) - Peace and blessings be upon himSahih al-Bukhari - An authentic collection of hadithJannah - ParadiseAllah subhanahu wa ta'ala - Allah, glorified and exalted is HeInshaAllah - God willing / if Allah wills

I really thought life would look different by now.In this first episode of Diaries of Her, I reflect on expectations, timelines, and the quiet realization that maybe we’re not behind - maybe we’re exactly where we need to be.This is a conversation about faith, becoming, and learning to trust Allah’s timing, even when it doesn’t match what we imagined.If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind in life, this is for you.Episode 1 - the beginning.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube 🤍Follow along: @diariesofher.pod

A space for women navigating life, faith, and becoming.Diaries of Her is a soft, reflective podcast - like a voice note to the woman you once were, and the one you are still becoming.Episode 1 drops today at 12pm inshaAllah 🤍