ajwa

my parents are my everything. alhmadulillah.
forever grateful for what they did for me and my siblings,
but especially for me, their daughter.

growing up with the societal norms they were expected to follow
they went against the crowd, ignored their critical stares
and didn’t pay them no mind.

in a village where traditions and customs held strong
where women’s roles were set in stone,
my parents dared to change that
and made a life for me that was my own.

they allowed me the opportunity to be educated,
to go to school when others said it was wrong.

they taught me to drive and let me out to explore the world,
to navigate the streets on my own, and enjoy my time
with friends. with family but most importantly, alone.

they let me stay single, work, and be independent
not stay home and raise a family.
even when marriage was the expected goal
and divorce was a looked down upon act.

they allowed me to choose my own path,
when others would have pushed for a family.
letting me find my voice, my own way,
in a society often never changing.

knowing the consequences of your ‘rebellious’ acts,
did you consider what that would do to you?

i long to understand that, baba and mama.

the risks you faced, the sacrifices you made,
the courage it took and the strength you grew.
the whispers, the glares, the bad talk.

yet you stood firm, never giving up
and never listening to what they had to say.

your choices, your bravery, set me free,
allowed me to become who i wanted to be.

for this, my heart overflows with gratitude,
forever grateful for your love and support,
for teaching me to stand tall
in a world that wants me to fall.

in every step i take, i remember your fight
accomplishing more and making you proud each day,
ensuring your fight never goes to waste, in every way.

your strength, your love, i will never forget.
forever thankful baba and mama, forever in your debt.