Additional information
by Nesar (Author)
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.
Author Biography
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.
