About the Book
This book is the fulfilment of my promise to Allah, the One that heard, answered, and released that eight-year-old-girl from the hospital. It contains the most challenging encounters from my life with physical disabilities. It delves into the struggles that I faced both externally and internally, and how I coped. It delves into the reality of how we all face adversities and the beauty that can be found within these hardships.
It uncovers lessons that will allow us to appreciate life on a whole different level. This book contains the hidden gems and treasures unearthed from the trials in our lives. The attainment of these treasures may be painful, but it ultimately provides comfort and hope. It allows us to discover strengths that we never thought we had, and to eventually have a more enriched experience. It is a source of encouragement to remain hopeful. It is a reminder to never give up, just like the chosen examples before us.
This book is not a self-help book, nor a memoir, but instead contains personal insights based on what I learned throughout my experiences. Questions posed on social media platforms by the public for the past six years on my work as an international writer and speaker contributed to shaping the content of this book. I have been consulted on a range of topics such as dealing with loss, shame, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, addiction, isolation, discrimination, bullying, dealing with marriage, and recovering from trauma. These questions came not only from those going through such difficulties but also from those witnessing loved ones endure them. I attempt to share my experiences in a way to provide direction, comfort, and hope—the hope to grow and flourish from our adversities instead of letting them bury or drown us.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments VII
Preface IX
Chapter 1: Trials in Life—A Seed Preparing to Sprout 1
Chapter 2: The Process of Accepting Life’s Trials 7
Chapter 3: Entrapment due to Anxieties 19
Chapter 4: From Fear to Courage 31
Chapter 5: From Guilt to Forgiveness of the Self 45
Chapter 6: From Holder of Pain to Forgiver of Others 57
Chapter 7: From Guarded to Approachable 75
Chapter 8: From Caged-in to Unlocking of Potential 87
Chapter 9: From Inspirational Figures of the Past to the
Blooming You of Tomorrow 109
Announcement of Upcoming Book 119
Readers’ Discussion Circle on Book
‘Strength from Within’ 121
Bibliography 127
About the Author :
Sa'diyya Nesar is a TEDx speaker, poet, and award-winning author of Hearts that Remember and Strength from Within. Born with muscular myopathy, she transforms personal adversity into advocacy, sparking conversations on resilience, faith, and inclusion.
She earned a Bachelor's in English Language & Literature from The University of Hong Kong, and studied Islamic studies at Cambridge Islamic College, deepening her understanding of faith and storytelling. Her work has appeared in HuffPost, SISTERs magazine, Muslim Matters, and Malaysia's Qalby app. She has prioritized her books to be accessible in braille and is recognized as a Zubin Foundation diversity list candidate and RESOLVE's social justice fellow for DisABILITIES & Empowerment: Less Assumptions, More Conversations. Sa'diyya has participated in disability and interfaith panels, using her platform to foster dialogue and understanding. She has led initiatives like Women in Islam and Community Care in Islam in Hong Kong's Muslim space, and spoken at international forums, including the Disability & Islam conference.
She currently leads workshops on disability awareness, addressing misconceptions about visible and invisible disabilities to promote inclusive environments. Additionally, she offers book-themed workshops, creative writing, and advocacy sessions on both disability and Muslim-faith based needs for corporate and educational spaces.
Review :
"This book removes the reader from the
darkness of ignorance surrounding disability and towards the light of
understanding, hope, and change for all. For an author to achieve this with a
book written about a niche topic points to the strength she has found within
her disability and within her faith. Get ready to have your own faith and
possibilities transformed." - Aliyah Umm Raiyaan, Sunday Times Bestselling author of Ramadan
Reflections and The Power of Du'a, Founder and CEO of Registered Charity Solace
UK for revert women in difficulty
"In this world, all of us in different ways and to
different degrees face hardships that test our character and personality. No
one is exempt from such a test. All readers therefore will find something in
this book to comfort and console, and to inspire them to look for signs and
directions in their particular situation which will inspire them, and enable
them to overcome their difficulties with inner strength and dignity." - Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi, Oxford
University, Cambridge Islamic College.
"As a
disability rights activist and disabled Muslim woman, I wanted to vicariously
experience another woman's disability journey of trials and triumphs with whom
I share some of my intersectional identities including faith and ethnicity.
Sa’diyya articulates and correlates
faith in deep and meaningful ways to reconcile the questions before her in order
to develop her resilience. Her spiritual reflections about verses from the Holy
Quran, Prophetic sayings and stories of the prophets who had disabilities in
their lives deepens the reader’s understanding of how a Muslim should view
disablement whether they have their own lived experience or not. This book is a
must read because Sa’diyya does an incredible job of enlightening the reader
and capturing their attention with her words and wisdom, describing significant
moments in her life, and how she resolves them with her faith, dispelling any myths
and fears that one may have about living with a disability." - Rabia Khedr, CEO of DEEN Support Services
and Founder of Muslims With Disabilities International
"A masterpiece
that intertwines strength from the stories of the Prophets with profound
lessons. From overcoming physical challenges to finding courage, forgiveness,
and faith, this book is a beacon of hope." - Brother
Belal Elkadri, Motivational Speaker
"This vulnerable,
personal, and emotional book shares beautiful insights into the world of
Disability and Faith. Sa’diyya Nesar shares her connection not only with Allah,
but also with her family. At every step of her journey, as she learns and
grows, she takes the reader along with lessons to take away. Her innocence as a
little girl questioning her fate brings out a sincere view into the thoughts
people with disabilities may encounter and her responses to her life’s tests
that she writes about, are truly valuable. Sa’diyya writes “Our trial is not
our eternal fate. Our reward- the fruits of growth- is our eternal fate." - Joohi Tahir, Executive Director &
Co-Founder of Muslim disability organization MUHSEN
"A
must-read. The Islamic perspective is also illuminating and enduring." - Sr Yvonne Ridley, British author and
journalist
"Strength from Within evokes the Qurʿānic verse: “And so, verily, with hardship comes ease” (94:5). Sa’diyya Nesar demonstrates that there are no lost causes when one keeps faith in the wisdom, might, and mercy of Allah and recognizes the indomitable spirit He has implanted in us. Inspired by heroes of faith, Nesar’s forthright sharing provides lessons about what is possible when we meet adversity with a balance of inspiration from above and aspiration from within."- Prof. James D. Frankel, Chinese University of Hong Kong
"A
survival manual for every human who needs inspiration." - Tasnim Jadwat, Spinal Muscular
Atrophy warrior, Master Chef South Africa
"A thoroughly enjoyable book that brings to life the author’s experiences and takes the reader on a journey of emotions, lessons, and life experiences. In particular the connections drawn to the verses of the Quran and prophetic narrations really inspires in the reader an attachment to Allah and a focus on the hereafter.” Sheikh Dr. Saalim Al-Azhari
"The brilliantly
written book compellingly redirects focus toward endurance, growth, and seizing
the best from challenging situations, making it a highly spiritual and
relatable read." - Rafia Haniff-Cleofas,
Life Coach, Disability Advocate, Founder of Muslims with Disabilities
International
"A
profound exploration of the human experience of navigating life’s challenges
with such strength and dignity is both enlightening and deeply inspiring." - Kate Hepburn, Finding Sakeenah
"I'm
in love with this book. Life experiences, profound reflections from a
refreshing perspective." - Samar Asamoah,
author of 'How to be a Single Muslim Mum' and 'The Niqabi Diaries' Podcast
host.
