Living a life of fulfillment with Fitrah- My Personal Story - Fouzia Usman

In the summer of 2022, when I was getting ready for a family trip to Turkey with my sister and our families, she suggested that I should take a complete break from “work” and enjoy the vacation. She was referring to my commitments to Ummah Stars.

I pondered her suggestion silently. As a solopreneur with a full-time job, it seemed almost impossible to not take advantage of this time. The thought of whether I could or should disconnect completely was a constant back-and-forth in my mind. During this contemplation, my husband inquired, “Fouzia, have you packed all your gear for writing, recording, and capturing?” Puzzled, I asked him if I really should.

His response was a moment of clarity for me: "Absolutely, you should. We're visiting a Muslim country rich in historical significance, culture, and people. This trip will offer you a wealth of content and meaningful messages to share with parents. The question of whether you should work shouldn't even arise.”

Hearing this, I felt as if a door had been flung open, a barrier removed. When you are engaged in work that aligns with your passion, your fitrah, it doesn’t feel like a chore; it's more like nourishing your soul.

During the trip, I created a whole new video series on “Why children need to travel?", “How to bring your children closer to deen during vacation?" and “How does travel change a Muslim’s perspective?”.

And the very first one that I started off with, the series hit 25k.

Alhamdulilah, I did enjoy the vacation but I also squeezed time here and there to write and record these. During that trip, we checked in and checked out of many hotels and one time everyone was waiting in the lobby for me while I was recording the “There is no check-out in Jannah” video, which was my favorite one. 

I found immense joy and fulfillment in writing and recording those videos during my Turkey trip. By integrating my passion into the holiday, I transformed it into a purposeful vacation, blending relaxation with meaningful work. This experience not only enriched my time away but also allowed me to stay connected to my vision and share valuable insights with parents, making the vacation much more than just a break – it became an extension of my life's work and passion.

Sr. Sharmeen Kazi, MNB Team Lead, shared the following statement in one of her posts.

“In a nutshell, the work I do for Muslim Nation Builders feeds my soul.”

That statement applies to me 100%.

The work I do for Muslim Nation Builders is more than just a job or a professional endeavor; it's a profound source of spiritual fulfillment for me. It's like living my fitrah. 

Every aspect of my involvement with MNB aligns perfectly with my innermost values and beliefs—my fitrah. 

It's not just about the tasks I perform or the projects I oversee; it's about the deeper sense of purpose and meaning that this work instills in me.

When I engage in activities for Muslim Nation Builders, it feels like I am contributing to something much larger than myself. I am part of a mission that aims to nurture and guide the future generations of the Ummah. This work allows me to use my skills and talents in a way that serves the Ummah and aligns with Islamic principles, thereby feeding not just my professional aspirations but my soul as well.

Furthermore, my role at Muslim Nation Builders gives me the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for making a positive impact in our Ummah. These connections and the collaborative efforts we undertake are incredibly enriching and give us a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Every success story and every milestone reached by Muslim Nation Builders resonates deeply within me, bringing a sense of joy and accomplishment that transcends ordinary job satisfaction. It's as if each achievement is a testament to the fulfillment of my own spiritual and personal goals - fulfillment of my fitrah.

In essence, the work I do for Muslim Nation Builders is not just a profession; it's a calling. It's a path that Allah has chosen for me to not only contribute to the Ummah but also to grow and flourish spiritually.  It's a journey that continuously challenges me, inspires me, and, most importantly, feeds my soul in ways that are both profound and deeply satisfying. 

That is exactly my vision for parents, teachers, and children who are part of this MNB community: Find, fulfill, and feed your fitrah to grow to your fullest, all the while feeling whole.