Seasons of Womanhood

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatu

To say it has been a while since I have written is an understatement! The last few years seem to have flown by in a whirlwind of big moments and my little Arwa-Hannah turns two this week. From pregnancy to breastfeeding to toddler tantrums to teaching and being on the radio - it has been an incredibly fun tiring and yet exciting few years. At every moment I have been hoping to write again, to use that voice to inspire, and yet with an overloaded mind and schedule it can be quite difficult to find stillness.

Alhamdulillah sitting here on this lovely August morning, hearing the birds chirp, the sounds of the garden coming alive - it feels like a rebirth. A time to find those words again as the next season of life begins. No nappy bags. Shew! just saying that feels enormous. Alhamdulillah how merciful is our Rabb who brings calm and allows us to grow within every stormy period.

Alhamdulillah, Umm Abbad Academy began three and a half years ago and it is only to Allah that we express our heartfelt gratitude for the growth and for having such amazing sisters on this journey together!

This first blog back is a little get-to-know-me, as we have tons of new sisters joining our live classes as well as our self-paced classes.

My name is Shakirah Hunter, and my Kuniyah is Umm Abbad. Alhamdulillah after thirteen years of facing infertility - Allah in His infinite grace and mercy blessed me with a son Abbad, and a daughter Arwa Hannah. The birth of my son whilst living in South America (Venezuela) was the birth of a new vision. I had been traveling and teaching for ten years in South America and alhamdulillah lived amongst Arab communities, Spanish communities as well as Brazilian and Bolivian communities. Meeting women from every walk of life gave me a unique perspective on the spiritual needs of us women. Embracing the busy lives we lead, as well as the mental clutter, my dua was to create a nurturing space for sisters through Umm Abbad Academy.

With the grace of Allah, I am the author of the book "Bring Me Closer to You Oh My Qur'an" and I host a show called Hayatan Tayyibah on Radio Islam International. Umm Abbad Academy has been my baby, and over the last three years, we have had thousands of students join us. This is only the incredible grace of Almighty Allah.

Gardening and designing are my soul food and devouring books whilst mentally preparing for future courses are my passions. Filling my home with people and feeding them endlessly brings me incredible joy Alhamdulillah!

Fun facts:

I speak six languages and understand a seventh!

I won a car in a Radio competition about the Qur'an as a teenager!

I am addicted to sweets and coffee- however, we are trying very hard to live in moderation!!!

My mind works in Arabic for some odd reason even though English is my first language!

Insha'allah my niyyah is to blog weekly and keep you all updated with the going-ons at Umm Abbad Academy.

If you have been a student of Umm Abbad Academy - share with us your growth and your journey over the last few years!

Barakallahu fikum

love & Duas

Umm Abbad

Shakirah