The daily chronicle of my family as we embark on our quest to relocate from New York to Cairo... the impending journey to get there and the daily lives of myself, my husband and our four children... and other random thoughts while living in Cairo!

Looking to make contact with other Muslimahs who are like myself with small children living or will be living in a foreign country.

I invite you to share the experience with us as we try to make this happen!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Moral Support


It has been said that a health benefit of friendship (or what I like to refer to as sisterhood) is a longer, healthier life... another great benefit of having "real sisterhood" is that your attitude and ability to deal with stress and problems are greatly increased.


Surprisingly enough, even spending time with your significant other can not provide the same healthy benefits as friendship. Good sisters offer a different kind of support than our husbands, siblings, parents or children can. Caring Muslimahs can provide a different level of understanding and communication... and this can positively affect your health, wellness and attitude coupled with a strong feeling of connectedness or place of belonging.


A good friend/sister can help you relax, take a deep breath and remember what really matters... and why. The connection you feel when you’re with your friends can boost your feelings of hope, faith and belief that things will eventually be okay. Friends provide comfort and companionship... laughter and honesty! A strong support network can make you feel motivated and energized... as it isn't just about our emotions and/or feelings.


So when you see your sister having a rough time or she may seem depressed or if you just feel things might not be so right in her life, ask her how she's doing and if she needs to talk about anything- and actually listen to what she has to say... you never know... just by asking a question you could lift her spirits, lighten her load and help put her on track to recovery.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jazak Allah Khair for posting this sis! Believe me; I know that first hand and I work on doing that myself when I can. Because even yesterday I was having some personal issues and one of the blogging sisters sent me an e-mail to check up on me; she really helped me come down from the ceiling. And not to say that my sweet husband didn't try when he found out how I was feeling and was able to help today as well; sometimes it just helps for a good sister to check up on you and offer that support because as we all know. Men just don't understand us all the time (Though I give them credit some really do try) But to have that sisterhood like you said, it does help lighten the load and lift spirits which is something we all need to work on together :o)

Empress Anisa said...

Salaam my wonderful sister... yes, been there with this issue and having someone to lean on can be the difference between having a total meltdown or finding a solution to your problem... so when I sense one of my girls aren't up to her usual self, I ask the question- some are even hesitant to talk to their husbands as they just can't relate like a sister can... and more than likely she has been where you currently are or knows someone who was... sometimes we just need to let it out to a non-judgemental ear!
We have to have each others back to make it through- I can't stress enough how important true sisterhood is!

Nooj said...

sisterhood reminds me of this verse from surah fath

"Muhammad () is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)"

alhumdulillah in SA we have active ladies halqa and book/movie club groups :)

بنت بيتر said...

subhanAllah - it really is such a blessing alhumdullah!

Desert Housewife A. (The Canadian in Jubail) said...

Masha'Allah, well said :-S