Guided by Faith:A Mother’s Journey in America

The Light of Guidance in a Foreign Land

BY:Khan

My name is Balqis Riyaz, and during my stay in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, I was once invited to an Ameen ceremony. My daughter, Saadia, and I arrived at the house, only to find it overflowing with guests. The entire place was buzzing with voices, laughter, and the aroma of freshly prepared food. Many women wore hijabs, radiating grace and modesty.

Among the hosts was Bushra, the wife of a doctor. What fascinated me most about her was that after moving to America, she had not only held tightly onto her faith but had grown into a stronger, more devoted Muslim. She had raised her children with values rooted in Islam, values even deeper and more consistent than what many parents managed back in Pakistan.

Her three children had been guided through a disciplined routine of reciting and understanding the Qur’an. That day, her youngest son, just ten years old, was reciting Surah Ar-Rahman from memory. The room grew still; the chatter melted into silence as his youthful yet melodious voice filled the air. Every guest seemed mesmerized, their hearts swaying with the rhythm of the sacred verses.

When the recitation ended, I congratulated Bushra. “I’m amazed,” I said with genuine admiration. “Raising children with such strong Islamic values in America is no small achievement. Alongside worldly education, you’ve given them the gift of faith.”

I meant every word. Living in a foreign land often tempts people away from their roots. But I had witnessed with my own eyes that if one truly wishes to walk on the straight path, God provides support. No matter how many distractions and temptations surround a person, Allah never abandons a sincere soul. He is closer to us than our jugular vein, knowing our intentions, guiding our struggles, and strengthening our resolve.

Bushra smiled warmly at my words. I then asked her, “Did you always wear the abaya and practice hijab?”

She chuckled softly and replied, “Not at all. Before marriage, I was quite fashionable. Sleeveless shirts, trendy outfits—that was my life. After marrying my husband, I moved to America because he had come here for his medical training. Soon after his residency, he got a job in a hospital, and that’s when life truly changed for me.”

Her tone grew reflective as she continued. “I used to spend a lot of time at home, and one day, I began listening to online lectures by Dr. Farhat Hashmi. Her words struck something deep within me. They touched my heart so profoundly that I resolved to change my life. I made up my mind that my children would not only pursue worldly education but also grow with a strong foundation of Islamic knowledge. I started wearing the hijab, and, thankfully, my husband never objected. Instead, God helped me, and soon, the children themselves developed a love for the Qur’an. Alhamdulillah, today all three have completed their recitation of the Qur’an and are excelling in their academic studies as well. My only prayer now is that Allah keeps us firm on the straight path for the rest of our lives.”

Her sincerity shone through her words. I assured her, “Insha’Allah, God will continue to guide you.” With that, she moved on to attend to other guests, leaving me with a deep sense of reflection.

Sitting quietly, I pondered over the lesson unfolding before me: no matter where you live—whether in Pakistan or in the United States—if you dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to a task, God assists you. A free society does not mean abandoning values. Rather, it makes the role of family and upbringing even more crucial.

A child, when born, is like a blank page—pure, unmarked. Slowly, life begins to write upon it. And the first ink that stains this page comes from the home itself. Parents’ words and actions carve the earliest impressions—sometimes beautiful, sometimes harmful.

When a child hears, “Lying is bad,” yet watches their parents lie in everyday matters, confusion sets in. The young mind cannot reconcile the contradiction. This is why children do not merely learn through lectures; they absorb through environment. A home becomes their first school.

The responsibility is immense. Parents must strive to embody the very values they want their children to hold. When children see integrity, patience, honesty, and kindness consistently practiced at home, their minds remain free from doubts. Good habits settle naturally into their character.

On the other hand, when upbringing falters, the consequences can be painful. A righteous child brings peace and comfort to parents in their old age, while poorly guided children can become a source of sorrow and hardship.

As I looked around that day, surrounded by women in modest attire, children full of energy, and the fragrance of cultural dishes lingering in the air, one thought echoed in my mind: God rewards effort. Bushra’s journey was proof that distance from one’s homeland does not mean distance from faith. She had turned her home into a sanctuary of learning, love, and spirituality.

And so, I leave this thought for every parent: Please, invest in your children’s upbringing. Raise them to be truthful, kind, respectful, and mindful of their Creator. In doing so, not only will they bring honor to their parents, but they will also serve as shining lights for their community and their nation.