Episode 26.
Nayma speaks from the heart in describing the ups and downs of her journey – growing up in Bangladesh and moving to America with her family after university. Despite the challenges of immigrating, she has persevered. Internalizing the belief that it was God’s plan to continue her path in a new country, she set about building a new life. Graduate school and work, along with teaching children at local mosques and taking in the natural beauty of her adopted country have given her joy. She is grateful for all the opportunities.
Highlights:
· Despite the difficulties of life in the USA, she believes that it was God’s plan to bring her to America. Things became easier once she internalized that belief.
· Nayma’s skills and interests combine logic and creativity.
· Nayma is uplifted by the dedication and joy of the children she teaches at the mosque.
· There are many names of God, and she feels most connected to ‘the one who decrees’ and ‘trusted friend’.
· Mohammed’s life experiences, such as being an immigrant, provide guidance for her.
· Life is like a marathon, with stretches of varying difficulty – from easy to almost impossible.
· The invisible hand of God helps pull her through difficult times.
Quotes:
“Like every first-generation immigrant, the question that went along is where do I belong?”
“This understanding [that God is behind the decree for me to move to the US] made me see those relationships more, and actually I should say this is what is helping me to becoming a local, more a local, and it's an ongoing process.”
“The locals [in Medina] said, when [Mohammed] came, the city was lit up with the light, and when he was gone, [it was] as if that light was gone.”
“For me, God's will, this is what He decreed. How do I act upon it is my part.”
“I look at hijab as an honor.”
“We are in Massachusetts. It's a very welcoming community. But many parts of USA it's not. And to some parts, it's not just unwelcoming, it's alarmingly unwelcoming.”
Social Media links for Nayma:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayma-islam-8912b651/
Instagram – @naymaislam815
Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/11746071-26-nayma-tasnim-islam-grateful-to-god/edit
Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
Comments? Questions? Email Méli -
info@talkingwithgodproject.org
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
