The greatness of a Muslimah lies in her tenacity, in her unyielding will to persist and push forward despite the odds against her. The great scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah said: “Satan rejoiced when Adam came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.” Every time we are thrown into hardship, we have the opportunity to collect pearls of wisdom and begin again. Hardship gives us a chance for renewal. The Muslimah can emerge from the brackish seas of hardship as a new woman, humbled and revived.
This world can move at a blinding pace. We don’t take time to reflect, and in order to cope, we settle into our comfort zones. A labyrinth starts to take over our souls. The rivers of our faith become still and stagnant. We become doomed to have the same arguments and conflicts with our loved ones, repeat the same mistakes over and over again, and become heedless of our Lord. Change can be scary for all of us. But in order to grow, we often have to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. In order to reawaken to the reality of this universe and to reforge our connection with our Lord, we have to let go of a past that has hurt us and the people who tear us down. How does the Muslimah do this?
This year’s theme explores the fierce heart of the Muslimah and her invincible spirit. This conference will focus on how you can change, adapt, and ultimately grow to be your best self. Your heart can change, your soul can be enlivened –take this opportunity to let go and renew your relationship with your Creator. You stand on the precipice of a new dawn, on the cusp of greatness. It’s time for your soul to reawaken.
