Salmas Journey: From Struggles to Success

Salma’s Journey of Struggle and Success

BY:Khan

Salma Zaidi was a hardworking and conscientious young woman. She was born into an extremely poor family, but the honesty of her parents’ livelihood and their upright upbringing shaped her thoughts in a pure and disciplined way. From her earliest years, she firmly believed in hard work and perseverance.

Her father was a low-ranking employee in a local firm, and her mother was a simple housewife. Mrs. Jabbar, her mother, was an unworldly woman whose world began and ended within the four walls of her home. She had no knowledge of the outside world, yet she carried a passionate dream: to see her three children educated, no matter the circumstances. Despite financial struggles, both parents made great sacrifices to ensure that their children could attend schools and colleges according to their means.

Salma was their eldest child, followed by two younger brothers, Amir and Shahid, each two years apart. Salma proved to be an exceptionally bright student. After completing her matriculation, she passed her intermediate and bachelor’s exams with distinction. She was preparing for her Master’s in Education when she was married to Shahid.

Shahid, by nature, was a kind and respectable man. In the early days of marriage, he treated Salma with care, and she too believed that perhaps her days of hardship had finally come to an end. However, soon her optimism turned into disappointment. Her in-laws began to reveal their true colors. Her mother-in-law and sister-in-law created constant problems for her, making her life difficult.

Salma was not only educated but also skilled in household management. Her mother had taught her the arts of cooking, sewing, embroidery, and every aspect of domestic life. Yet, her abilities were never acknowledged. Instead, she was insulted with harsh words such as ignorant, ill-mannered, and poor. This bewildered her deeply because she had always been told by her parents and teachers that education was the greatest wealth, while money was a temporary possession. Why then was she being humiliated for her poverty? Gradually, she realized that in this society, wealth held undeniable importance.

Nevertheless, her parents’ upbringing had instilled in her a firm belief in honesty. She never allowed herself to even think of earning money through wrong means. Providence soon came to her aid.

One day, her old school friend Razia visited her. Upon seeing Salma’s condition and hearing of the cruelty she faced at home, Razia was filled with sorrow. Salma, unable to hold back her tears, poured out her heart. Razia consoled her and advised her to make use of the distance-learning program of Allama Iqbal Open University. This way, she could continue her higher studies while also managing her household duties.

Encouraged, Salma saved a little money, sought her husband’s consent, and applied for admission. When her mother-in-law found out, she reacted furiously, questioning who would do the housework if Salma studied. Shahid, however, calmed her down, explaining that the system did not require Salma to attend university daily and that she would still manage her domestic duties.

Alongside her studies, another opportunity came her way. A boutique opened nearby, and its owner was in need of skilled women to stitch dresses. Salma contacted her, took orders, and began sewing clothes on her machine at home. She soon upgraded her machine with a motor, increasing her efficiency.

Meanwhile, because of her excellent academic record, parents in a nearby affluent neighborhood began sending their children to her for tuition. Her teaching style won admiration, and her reputation as a capable tutor grew quickly. Her in-laws, who had initially tormented her, became less strict once they realized that she was not only managing household chores but also contributing to the family income. Their greed softened their cruelty, though their attitude never truly changed.

Years passed. Despite the heavy workload of household chores, tuition, and sewing, Salma persevered silently. She handed over all her earnings to her in-laws. Shahid saw everything, but he lacked the courage to confront his mother, sister, and brothers. To support the family further, he too began working evenings at a local factory.

Two years into marriage, Salma remained childless. This gave her mother-in-law another weapon—taunting her as barren. Yet, during this time, Salma successfully completed her Master’s degree with distinction and applied for further specialization.

Soon, an advertisement appeared in the newspaper announcing vacancies for school principals and senior teachers. Salma did not have the required experience for the post of principal, but she applied for the senior teacher position. At the same time, her M.Phil. studies were near completion. She was selected for the post, though the placement was in Pano Aqil, Sindh.

Salma discussed this with Shahid, who after much effort convinced his family. Their acceptance came only because of the money involved. Quietly, Shahid also sought his own transfer to the same region and, after persistent appeals to his superiors, succeeded.

It seemed as if fate was finally rewarding them for their patience and sincerity. Once settled in Pano Aqil, another blessing arrived—Salma conceived. In time, Allah blessed them with both a son and a daughter.

After five years of service, Salma applied again, this time for the position of principal. She passed the written test, and her brilliant academic background and professional record impressed the interview panel. She was chosen as the top candidate.

Meanwhile, Shahid arranged his sister’s marriage with an elderly but respectable clerk from his office and sent his idle brothers abroad by taking a loan. There, forced to work hard as laborers, their bad habits diminished. Shahid also brought his parents to live with him, ensuring they were cared for in their old age.

Through honesty, persistence, and faith, Salma and Shahid rose from poverty and humiliation to honor and respect in society. They supported their siblings, fulfilled their duties with sincerity, and built a dignified life for themselves.

Their story proves a timeless truth: when life presents difficulties, one must not drown in despair. Instead, by holding firmly to faith in God, working with determination, and maintaining sincerity, success will surely follow. Hard work and pure intentions never go unrewarded.