Together We Thrive

Sbba has been on a rollercoaster of emotions sincer her cancer diagnosis in October 2021.

She speaks powerfully about the time when she was told the news, her treatment journey and the complications that came with that to now where she is a powerful advocate and is educating others about cancer. She has a particular interest in making sure that women of colour and those from marginalised groups are not forgotten and receive equal treatment.

Sbba also shares about the role her Islamic faith played in her recovery and it is moving to hear about the support she has had from her family and friends and what difference that has made to her.

There are a few words used in this chat that people may not be familiar with:

“Dhikr” Arabic word for remembrance, supplication, reminding oneself of God/Allah

“Namaz” the Urdu word for prayer. “Salah” is the Arabic word for prayer

“Deen” Arabic for religion or belief

“Allah” Arabic for God.

Sbba mentions one of the charities she is working with, Target Ovarian Cancer.

Find out more on their website and you will see our very own Sbba is featured.

https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/stories/sbbas-story

Our conversation today is with Samina Hussain. .

Born and brought up in Slough, Samina takes us back to her childhood sharing fond memories and then helps us look into the window of her world working for the Local Authority, empowering women and working to support migrants and refugees. She married at 16 and she shares some of how her early experiences shaped who she is today.

Then in August 2014, Samina found a lump in her breast and was told she had cancer.

She talks powerfully about those early days, how she processed it, how others around her did too and the role her Islamic faith played in all of that.

She used social media as part of her coping strategy and has gone on to set up a charity, Sakoon Through Cancer, supporting particularly South Asian women to navigate their cancer journeys through the stigma, shame and taboos that often surround the topic in some communities and families.

Her optimism and positivity is infectious, she inspires anyone who hears her talk about her life and this journey with cancer and she absolutely lives out her favourite saying “It’s not about waiting for the storm to pass.... it’s about learning to dance in the rain”.

With subjects like cancer, people can feel alone and not know who to turn to. Thank you to Samina and her team of awesome volunteers for all they do to make sure people know they are never alone and that it is OK not to be OK.
To find out more about Sakoon Through Cancer visit their website or social media channels.

Connect with them if you can volunteer or support them in any other ways.

Sakoon Website

Sakoon Facebook page

Sakoon Instagram

Our conversation today is with Akeela Ahmed.
In it, we hear her talk about the important work she does with government, in the various charities she is connected to and how she shows up to be a voice for those who otherwise would not be heard or included.

Akeela opens up about experiences of racism and prejudice in her childhood which she has only recently realised have shaped who she is today.

Growing up alongside her hard working, immigrant parents in many different parts of the country has given Akeela insights into how different people live their lives and the struggles and challenges they face.

We hope this conversation will encourage people to reflect on contribution, what that can look like and the important parts we can all play in shaping the world to be a better place.

We thank Akeela for being the person she is, standing up with integrity and working so hard for social justice and equality for all.

Find out more about She Speaks We Hear:

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And find Akeela online including on LinkedIn and on her website

Aliyah's book, Ramadan Reflections, has just been confirmed as a Times bestseller

She is in high demand following the official release by her publisher, Penguin.
We are so grateful that she gave us some of her very precious time.

We hear about how Aliyah grew up with a love of reading and books. We also touch on her work with convert Muslim women and the Charity she set up in 2010, Solace UK, to deal with some of the issues and to support women in need. Through her life and particularly during last year’s Ramadan, Aliyah has prayed to God for an opportunity to write a book and we hear the wonderful story of how that prayer was answered, starting with an unusual message in her instagram DM’s. The book is the talk of the town people are already saying how much they love it and it looks set to become a big part of this Ramadan and many more ahead.

Connect with Aliyah on Instagram here and LinkedIn here

And order copies of her book through her website or at all major bookshops and online:

https://www.aliyahummraiyaan.com/

Anisa’s life growing up always had food at the heart of it. She talks fondly about her grandmother and moments with her that she carries as beautiful memories and the lessons that come from those times together as a family

Last year she was approached by well known publisher, Penguin.

Initially thinking it was a scam Anisa was sceptical but she soon realised the offer was real. Surprised that no one had done a book called "The Ramadan Cookbook" before, the idea took shape and just a few weeks ago the book had its official launch.

Anisa remains grounded and humble as she shares some of her journey and experiences with social media, her early days of video making and the links she has now made with big brands and supermarkets like Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. The book is beautifully presented and will make a perfect gift to yourself or to someone else and of course, food and cooking is for life, not just for Ramadan!

Connect with Anisa on Instagram here, LinkedIn here and her YouTube channel is here

Order copies of her book online, in Supermarkets and all major bookshops.

https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/articles/cook-from-the-book-the-ramadan-cookbook/