Alima Ashfaq and Samia Quddus joined IHRC to talk about their motivational and devotional books on 23 January 2019.
Buy their books and watch their conversation below.
Alima Ashfaq (author of Duโas of the Superstars) and Samia Quddus (creator ofย Taqdeer Life Journal) joined us in conversation with Samira Mendheria to discuss how and whyย Duโas of the Superstarsย and theย Taqdeer Life Journalย are transformational, exciting and inspiring tools to help everyday Muslims to connect and gain closeness to our purpose, and to our Creator.
About the authors
Alima Ashfaq a teacher by profession and currently is part of the Diplomas Department at the Islamic Online University. She has been studying Islamic studies with various Islamic Institutes and teachers since 2007 and has actively been involved in the community working with several prominent organisations. She currently lectures nationally and internationally focusing on the topic of gender, faith and spirituality. In 2012 she authored Duโas of the Superstars and released a new edition in 2018. Alima is currently pursuing her โAlamiyyah with Al-Salam Institute.
Samia Quddusย has taught as a primary school teacher for over ten years recently specialising in childrenโs social and emotional mental health. She is currently an academic, training to qualify as a childrenโs counsellor with a leading national childrenโs mental health charity.ย Samiaโs work with children from diverse backgrounds both in the UK and international settings has contributed towards developing her skillset to make a positive difference which is the driving force behind all that she does. Aboutย Duโas of the Superstarsย book:Duโฤ is one of the most transformational tools you have. Duโฤ led to the birth of Maryam (AS). Duโฤ opened the sea for Mลซsa (AS). Duโฤ freed Yลซnus (AS) from the darkest depths of the sea. It gave ease to โAyyลซb u, after he was inflicted with a disease, lost his wealth, status and children. It gave Zakarฤซya (AS) and his wife a child in their old age. Duโฤ granted Sulaymฤn (AS) one of the greatest kingdoms known to this world. It perfected the faith of โฤisha (AS). Every time the Prophet (SAW) wanted to speak to His Creator he made duโa. During his traumatic ordeal at Taif, when he lost his son, Ibrahimโฆ even as he was about to leave this fickle life, he made duโฤ. He made duโฤ for you. His Ummah. Duโฤ provides ease and direction in all your affairs.It is described as the essence of worship as it is an experience, a conversation, a connection with Allฤh. However, in order to truly benefit from your duโa, you need to complement it with powerful goals. Duโฤs of the Superstars is an inspiring work focused on developing the reader through duโฤ, with personal examples and practical caseย studies, alongside lessons from the Qurโฤn and Sunnah. One of the primary aims is to raise the standards of the believer through goalย setting and accompanying duโฤs. Do not underestimate this work toย be another duโฤ book โ it is a journey the reader embarks on to develop the best version of themselves.
About the Taqdeer Life journal:
The concept of Taqdeer came about at a time when Samia wanted to incorporate elements of her professional work, her understanding of journaling and the notion of gratitude that encompassed both Islamic and scientific principles in a consistent repetitive structure. This process enabled Samia to channel her thoughts in a positive way, further achieved by the familiarity of what she was expected to regularly reflect on. Over time it became easier to find all that evoked a sense of happiness and appreciation supported by a simple format that remained the same, the only difference being Samiaโs perception. Itโs what she chose to bring to the table.
Until faced with her own difficult life event, Samia never really truly appreciated what it meant to be in the โpresentโ, a concept and self-development skill she learned to channel through Taqdeer. It doesnโt come easily at first however knowing that you are looking for the positives in your daily experiences automatically shapes your mind-set for the better. Though Taqdeer provides some direction in recognising the positive happenings in your life, the overarching theme is acknowledging and expressing thanks to Allah (swt) for all that occurs in your everyday life as well as making a conscious choice to be happy regardless what life may throw at you.
