Yasminah

Once,
My heart was a trembling bird, caged by whispers of fear.

“Fear Allah, cover up.”
“Fear Allah, don’t ask questions about the religion!”
“Fear Allah, don’t listen to music.”

So I did the opposite.

I let my hair dance in the wind. I asked every question that burned in my chest. I filled my soul with melodies, and sang blues.

And then—I understood.

Allah did not create me to shrink in fear, but to expand in love. To marvel at His beauty in the golden light of dawn.

Fear builds walls. Love builds bridges.

Allah is Al-Wadud—the Most Loving.
Allah is Ar-Rahman—the Merciful.
Allah is Al-Lateef—the Subtle, the Gentle.

To Parents: The language you use becomes your child’s inner voice. When you teach them to fear Allah before they learn to love Him, you risk building a faith based on dread, not devotion. A child who obeys out of love will stand firm. A child who obeys only out of fear will one day ask, “Why should I obey?” and rebel.

A religion that thrives on threats does not nurture souls—it suffocates them. The Prophet (ﷺ) spoke of Allah’s mercy more than His punishment. Why don’t we?

Let us raise children who run to the Quran not because they’re afraid of hell, but because they’re thirsty for its light. Who pray not from terror, but from gratitude. Who cover not because they’re forced, but because they feel cherished.

And love? Love is what brings us home. 🤍

So, please teach your children differently. Not to tremble before Allah, but to run toward Him—to explore His mercy, to seek His light, to love Him so deeply that obedience becomes joy, not burden.

Because a heart that loves is a heart that truly worships. Fear may control, but love transforms. |

Guess where I am at?

Literally the best place to be when it’s raining. The sounds of rain is completely calming at this restaurant.