Nurturing Devotion

Every human being on this earth comes from a mother who was once pregnant. Every pregnant woman in our current world and in times gone by have had their own unique paths, stories, experiences and challenges to give birth to the child or children they rear.In 2023, we hosted our first (and insha'Allah not last) live storytelling event for Muslims. In this event, we heard from Zahra - a civil servant and mum-of-2 - who spoke about the birth of her daughter Noor (spoiler alert: in her kitchen!). In this episode, she talks about the mental and physical journey of labour - but more specifically the mental and spiritually grounding work she needed to do in order to get there - while of course, trusting Allah in the process, and remembering that the only thing predictable in childbirth is: unpredictability. The commentary for this episode was recorded in 2024, and in among our team Alhamdulillah we have also been blessed with more babies between us in that time - as such, the episode took a bit of a backseat in being published. But on a repeat listening, this is a story that needs to be shared with the world. This is not just a story of childbirth - but a series of grounding reflections to remind us of birth, and the One Who created us in the first place. Listen to this episode and share with loved ones - particularly those who are pregnant too, or may have given birth recently. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

In this episode, Madihah, a resident doctor in the USA, shares stories from her journey that reveal the beauty of Al-Shakūr—the One who multiplies even the smallest acts of faith with boundless blessings. Through her experiences, she uncovers the quiet yet profound ways Allah’s appreciation and mercy shine through daily life. Tune in for a heartfelt reminder that no effort goes unnoticed by Al-Shakūr. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Have you ever dreamed of something that felt impossible to achieve? Or come so close to living your dream, only to be met with challenge after challenge?In this minisode, Manal tells us a similar story of her Umrah journey. We learn how every circumstance can shift and every obstacle be removed through complete trust and reliance on Allah. And how Allah grants the most incredible blessings to those who embody the beauty of Tawakkul. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

This Ramadan our minisodes have taken us to the trip of a lifetime, the throes of babyhood and the zeal of youth. Now, as we bid farewell to Ramadan we make one last stop in the twilight years of life. Farewells can leave us feeling bereft and in this reflection, we walk with Asna in a raw and bittersweet contemplation on grief. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Have you ever found that you are reminded of the same subject over and over again in a short space of time? Such that you can now look back and feel so strongly the themes that have characterised the seasons of your life. In this minisode, Aiysha talks us through an uplifting theme that has been emerging from her Ramadan this year and the beautiful reflections that it has sparked. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

From the event Submissions Live: Journeys in Faith we bring you the highly anticipated tale of how sister Aliyah Umm Raiyaan came to embrace Islam. Her words remind us that our fate is inescapable, to the extent where even we are entirely oblivious to the leaning of our own hearts. We catch ourselves behaving in ways that take us by surprise, in their uncommonality yet in their authenticity, in their trueness. And then, we understand. That this is the resolve of faith, of Imaan. That our hearts have been etched with words that shape our lives. La Ilah il allah. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Inayah and Haaniah talk resetting intentions and how this has played out in the wonderful world of parenting toddlers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

Our very own Nafisa was invited to perform Umrah a week before Ramadan. With just hours remaining on her trip, she had one last wish that she had no idea how to fulfil… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

As we enter the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah and our loved ones and friends depart for the beautiful journey of Hajj, join us to revisit this episode from 2021 where 3 storytellers shared their experiences of visiting Allah’s blessed House. May He invite us all, insha’Allah! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com

As the month of Ramadan comes to an end this year, listen to our latest mini episode in which Asna reflects on her personal journey of how the past few Ramadans have strengthened her faith and empowered her to make decisions with confidence. Join us as we explore the transformative power of Ramadan.Our first ever live storytelling event will be held on 13th May @root25ldn where we will reflect over other journeys of faith with storytellers and interactive audience sessions. May Allah bless our plans and yours too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit submissionspodcast.substack.com