'Who would have thought a book of fictional letters would produce such deep reflections about my 19 years as a mother? I found my safe space as a Muslim mother within the pages of Dear Mother - Letters from the Heart. The chapters took me back to when my children were young, made me feel seen and validated as I navigated being a mother to teenagers, and provided insight into what is to come in the future inshaAllah. This is the book I wish I had from the moment I discovered I had conceived my first child. Suma, my dear, you've done it again.
Beautiful and comforting mashaAllah. A must-read for every mother and mother-to-be.'
Aliyah Umm Raiyaan
Founder and CEO at Solace UK for Muslim Revert Women & Sunday Times Best Selling Author of Ramadan Reflections
'Author Suma Din produces another pertinent book sharing the various stages, experiences, and realities of Muslim women. It is not a stereotypical book of how wonderful motherhood is (which it can be) but the phases and stages that women go through themselves in their own words (fictionalised).'
Humera Khan
Co-founder & Trustee of An-Nisa Society
UK
'Exploring Muslim motherhood this book takes the reader through different experiences, journeys, generations, and life stages of being a mother. The joys, difficulties, roller coasters, and emotions of motherhood, coupled with the books central focus on interactions with Muslim faith and spirituality, are exceptionally captured throughout the collection of letters.
The conversations are real, raw, and heartfelt - each letter offering unique angles, perspectives, stories, and advice about different aspects of motherhood. It's a must-read book for Muslim women of all walks of life and across generations, whether they are mothers or not, as there are many struggles and joys of being a Muslim woman illustrated throughout that we can relate to.'
Dr Sarah Akhtar Baz, Research Fellow, University of York (Health Sciences)
'As a woman who has been in and out of being a stay-at-home mother, a working mother, an active in the community, and somewhat in between them both, I agree with the statement that Suma makes, "Damned if we do and damned if we don't,". This beautiful collection of letters reminded me that a woman is valuable and worthy, not only due to her roles but how she managed to stay afloat despite the challengesand tests that come with life. This struggle is one that we all face and Suma describes it through our lens and gives us the reassurance, empathy, and understanding to know that we are not only valuable in our communities and families, but foremost to Allah, our Creator. Thank you for speaking to me on my terms, in my language, through my emotions, and hearing the voice that yearns to not only be listened to but heard by all.'
Ustadha Alima Ashfaq
Author ofDuas of the Superstars& founder of Baraka Madrassah
It felt like a very warm and welcoming embrace.
'Suma Din's writing in this series of heartwarming letters is like a welcoming invitation to go back in time and forward into the future, through the lens of motherhood. It's like speaking to a kind and nurturing figure who understands what is sometimes unconveyable. Islam, and our unique relationship with Allah, is the connective thread that ties this deeply insightful piece of work together, and anchors our experience together as Muslim mums. It is truly a book, and a moment, to savour.'
Mariya bint Rehan author ofThe Best Dua
'Suma writes with such gentleness. Each letter is so poetic and poignant making it a perfect companion for Muslim mothers everywhere.'
Ruzina Ahad, author ofDream, Du'a Do.
