SAJIDA

SAJIDA… 

A few weeks ago, I came across an individual and her personal story, which not only deeply touched and inspired me, but also made me realize some of the key ingredients we must strive towards in order to navigate ourselves during these uncertain and trying times. Thus, it is this Story of Sajida, which I would like to share with you today in this month’s team email. 

During Ramadan 2020, at the peak of COVID-19 when borders closed, Sajida was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer and the highest grading of aggressiveness, one that only 1% of cancer patients globally are diagnosed with today. The prognosis was unclear and there was no certainty on whether the treatment on offer would work. 

As news spread, all those who knew her crumbled by the uncertainty and the prospect of losing her and what it would mean for her five children who were stuck abroad and her two disabled sisters who she personally took guardianship over and physically looked after when she lost her parents during her early 20s. And lastly, her beloved husband, an essential worker, who was required to self-isolate throughout her treatment. However, Sajida did not, even though she had every reason to!

Every evening, Sajida would open her journal and write what she was grateful for that day. While Sajida struggled to find something to write at the start, as each day, week, and month passed, her sadness and fear turned into pages filled with gratitude, happiness and hope. 

Sajida began to embody the essence of her name, One Who Prostrates and made a choice to be steadfast, positive, and cultivated a grateful disposition, which became unshakeable. 

Sajida’s gratitude was contagious, and it allowed no room for others to mourn or be sad, and even led her Oncologist to say, ‘while the odds are stacked against you Sajida, it is your faith and your positive attitude which will be your savior.’

What was Sajida grateful for?

Sajida gave gratitude first to God, as she was given a chance to fight and not be taken over night. Then, gratitude towards her parents who economically migrated to the UK, so she had access to healthcare. Gratitude that her children returned home to her when the borders opened, and held her hand through her surgery, weekly chemotherapy sessions and radiotherapy and didn’t miss a beat to celebrate each milestone along the way. Lastly sincere gratitude that her youngest son finally learnt how to cook!

Sajida finished her treatment in December 2020. She has also taken her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and is currently in the process of rebuilding her physical strength. 

Let us take this moment to recite a prayer for Sajida that she be granted full shifa (????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ??? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ??????? ????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?? ????? ????), but also let us reflect on ourselves and see how we can be more like her both at home and at work:

1.    By embodying the beautiful and unique meanings of our names <3 (Endless Hearts to the Beauty of our Names - What signals to they send and what they imply), 

2.    By cultivating a disposition of gratitude as a trait where we practice gratitude as part of our daily life or as a state of being, where we experience rich emotion from someone expressing gratitude for them. 

With all my love and gratitude, 

Side Note - May we all be in tune with every note of our Names’ harmony ...Let us believe that for us nothing is early, nothing late and that all the seasons of our lives provide us with the perfect fruit for our growth and actualization. May we all celebrate this gratitude bond as we discover our purpose, live with equanimity, soak our minds, and serve our nation and world…

Shamma