My Gift on This Earth <3

Esraa

So, it’s been a minute or two since I’ve written anything. There are so many topics that have been running through my head to write about,  but I keep returning to one particular topic over and over again…my father.

I contemplate daily, on how blessed I am in this world to have my father in my life. With all the struggles that come along with being the daughter of an Imam, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  I’ve learned so many valuable life lessons from my father, that I can’t imagine living without.  My father taught me perseverance, independence, love with no limitations, and to give with no expectations. He showed me life.  I’m so honored to have inherited his smile and laugh; they are what fill my world with joy.  I couldn’t be more proud to be like him.

Wouldn’t you wish to have a father like mine? Alhamdullah; Praise be to God.
Every where my father has gone, he has left behind a legacy. From his homeland of Egypt, my place of birth–Yemen, the valleys of California, the lakes of Michigan, the streets of Cleveland, and the greens of Pittsburgh. He has left an everlasting impact on each of these places, so much so, that his love surrounds me through the people he has lived amongst. When I was younger, I hated the thought of moving, of never being able to lay down roots, however, as I have grown into a young woman, I have come to truly appreciate all the places I have gone and the people I have met in each of the cities I’ve lived in. It’s due to this amazing man, that I have been able to have experiences in a variety of communities and countries, that many others have not been so lucky to experience.  The roots that I searched for,  were established in the people and places that he taught and lived.

My father is truly like no other, he raised  my siblings and I the best he can, however, I didn’t always think this way. I always wished he was there more, that the problems in the communities we lived in didn’t come before his children. As I sit now, and reflect on this gift Allah has given me, I couldn’t be more blessed for the way I was raised.  I learned selflessness, by watching him give his time willingly to others. As much as I longed for my father’s attention, this was the job that Allah gifted him with, a job that he took serious and is darn good at. There are no words or actions that I can ever do to show God how grateful I am for his gift to me. Nor, can I thank my father enough for all he has done to make me the person I am today.

What I love the most is how my father raised me and my siblings: Islamically, never culturally. He raised me on the teachings of my Prophet through the guidance of our Quran. He taught me the stories of the Prophets, the history of Islams legends;  from its great women to its scholars. He never limited my dreams, he encouraged me in every choice I took, supported me in every struggle and cheered with me at every accomplishment. He is my rock. He gave me the opportunities to travel the world, to experience different cultures and meet new people. He taught me to aim high to have pride  in who I am. He raised me to be an honorable and respectful woman. My father taught me life.
I started this blog to break down the stereotypes that surround us, the children of an Imam; to remove the thought that I was oppressed or limited in the experiences my father let me have.

Many can’t say that their father let them travel half way across the world with their best friend to experience a country in ways like never before. Whose father takes the time to teach them the Quran, so that it can be a guidance and savior in the day where there is no protection except from the most high? This man thinks my obsession with Harry Potter is crazy, but he let me travel to Florida just so I can go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. My Baba connects my heart year after year as he takes me to visit the blessed lands of Makkah and Medina. This father chose a career that taught me that the real beauty in life lies behind giving to others.

I seek Gods forgiveness in every shortcoming I have had towards my father. You see, my father and I are so similar in character that we constantly bicker or butt heads.  However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I get so infuriated with how nonchalant he is about the evil that exists in the world; frustrated when I see him giving to people who only hurt him in return. However, he never seizes to amaze me, he chooses to only see the good in people.  He taught me love with no condition. The man he is lives within me; I dream to be just a fraction of the man he is. I want to leave behind the same essence of love, genuity and care.

While he may be my gift in this earth, I know that Allah has also made him a gift for the many who have crossed his path. The many hearts he touched with his beautiful character, they will always remember him and pray from him.

He is a legacy. He is my father. He is my gift from Allah.

No man will ever take the love he holds in my heart. I couldn’t be more honored to call myself “Bent Al Shiekh Sayed.”

Hug your fathers and make dua for them. Thank Allah every day for your gift. ​

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