My Dearest Hafsa,
Nine years ago today, Allah blessed me with you. I am forever thankful that you are my daughter and I have the privilege of being your Mom.
Like most parents, I have a long list of prayers, wants and hopes for you. The most important thing I want and need you to know is that you are loved by Allah, your family, community and an extended group of friends.
My prayer for you is always the best in this world and the next. I pray that Allah blesses you with a marriage like that of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had with Khadijah (RA). Friendships like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had with Abu Bakr (RA). I pray that Allah grants you the ability to be strong but not hard. I pray that we are united in Jannah with all of our friends and family.
I want you to be happy, secure and confident in all of your identities: Black, Muslim, and Woman. I hope the world does not dim your shine nor your happiness. If folks cannot handle how brightly you shine then leave them in the darkness. I hope you can continue to laugh more than you cry. But if you want to cry then know I am here for you.
I look forward to seeing you continue to grow mentally and physically. You are almost as tall as me! There are so many journeys that you will take but always enjoy where you are. Enjoy being 9 and everything that has to offer. Enjoy your childhood and your youth, enjoy these moments.
Do not waste your time or energy trying to be someone different. You are you and that is special.
Today, you want to be a journalist, last year it was a pediatrician, I’m sure it might change again next year. Remember your occupation is what you do, not who are you. We do not care what you decide to do, as long as it is within the guidelines of Islam and it makes you happy.
Thank you for making me feel like a great mother. Thank you for being easy to raise. Thank you for making me laugh when sometimes I do not want to. Thank you for being you.
I like you just the way you are. I am always here for you. Not only do I love you but I like you for you.
Love Always,
Momma
This is your child Hafsa and I really enjoy all of your blog post especially this one.
“Friendships like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had with Abu Bakr (RA)”. AlhumduAllah, that is a beautiful dua that I never heard spoken. We often learn about the true friendship between the two, but are never told to ask for that ourselves. And why not? They had a such a wonderful friendship – believers encouraging each other to do right. MashAllah, that you want that for your daughter! Now, I want that for myself. Thanks for sharing and inspiring 🙂
I want to take credit for that dua but I’m sure I picked it up from a lecture! Glad you are incorporating it into your dua list.