Date Palm Tree LogoDate Palm Tree

A publishing house dedicated to nurturing young Muslim authors, celebrating their stories, amplifying their voices and sharing their gifts with the world.

Main Menu

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Publications
  • Interactive Quizzes
  • Resources
  • Submission

Company

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Partner with us

Contact

  • info@datepalmtree.com.au
© 2026 Date Palm Tree. Built to inspire, educate, and create.
Date Palm Tree Logo
BismillahDate Palm TreeA Publishing house for young Muslim authors
Sign In
Home
About Date Palm TreeTestimonialsContact Us
EbooksShort StoriesMindful Poems
Interactive QuizzesResourcesSubmission
Home
About Date Palm TreeTestimonialsContact Us
EbooksShort StoriesMindful Poems
Interactive QuizzesResourcesSubmission
Cover
Back to short stories
First Place

My Mother

Zeinab Al Helfy
May 21, 2026·6 min read
0

Nestled among lush hills and meandering streams in the center of our town was a woman whose presence brightened our community like the sun peeking through the clouds in the morning. She was my mother, a personified virtue known for her unshakable faith, limitless kindness, and unselfish commitment to helping others. Everyone who knew her pronounced her name with reverence, but to me, she was just Mama.

I could sense Mama’s strong dedication to Islam even in my early years. Every morning, even before the sun rose, I would discover her on her knees in prayer, her forehead pushed against the chilly ground while she uttered earnest pleas to Allah. Seeing such a sight gave me a feeling of astonishment and wonder, since I could sense the depth of her relationship with Allah even as a small child.

As I became older, Mama served as both my mother and my spiritual advisor and mentor. She taught me the ins and outs of prayer, the meaning of the Ramadan fast, and the value of being kind and compassionate to all living things. She gave me a great appreciation for the principles of Islam and a deep love for Allah by her words and deeds.

However, Mama’s influence extended beyond our house. She was well-known in our village for being a comfort and support system for the less fortunate. If it was consoling Mama’s generosity knew no bounds, whether it was helping a bereaved neighbor, giving food and shelter to the destitute, or paying visits to the ill and frail. Her kindness was not limited to Muslims; it included people of other faiths and cultures as well, since she thought compassion was a universal language that cut over religious barriers.

Nevertheless, despite her altruism, Mama was not exempt from life’s difficulties. Her faith was put to the ultimate test during one very trying period of life. My older sister, Huda, became quite sick and experienced excruciating pain and fever. Doctors could not offer a conclusive diagnosis, and Mama’s anxiety increased daily.

I shall always remember the evenings I spent by Huda’s bed. Her pale face was shadowed by the oil lamp’s weak glow. Mama sat next to her, her hands around her, and she prayed into the darkness, whispering healing words. Her faith remained unwavering even as the lines of tiredness appeared on her face. She never wavered in her conviction that Allah, in spite of how difficult this trial may appear, would lead us through it.

Mama’s determination was put to the test like never before as the days turned into weeks. She balanced managing our home, taking care of my sister, and continuing her community work while never letting her faith waver. She took comfort in the Qur’an’s messages even in the darkest of times, taking courage from verses describing the kindness and compassion of Allah.

More

Short Stories for you!

The Mystery Forest

Read

Lilly’s Story

Read

Then a ray of hope emerged on the horizon one fateful morning. Huda’s fever broke, and his cheeks took on color again, almost as if a miracle had occurred. As Mama led our family in prayer and gave gratitude to Allah for his kindness and mercy, her delight knew no limits.

Mama’s reputation as a woman of unshakeable faith and infinite compassion only blossomed following Huda’s recovery. People from all over the world were drawn to the light that came from her spirit and came to seek her blessings and guidance. But even in the face of others’ love, Mama maintained her humility by giving Allah all the credit and honor.

Thinking back on Mama’s trip, I am overcome with a feeling of thankfulness for the gift of having her in my life. She has imparted to me not just the fundamentals of Islam but also the significance of putting those precepts into practice by being nice and helpful to others. Her unshakeable faith has helped me get through life’s challenges with courage and grace, serving as a light of hope in my darkest hours.

One thing will never change over the years, no matter how our lives evolve: Mama’s unwavering legacy of love and commitment to Allah. And I will always be appreciative of that.

Time passed, the seasons changed, and Mama’s influence on our lives and the lives of those around us persisted. She seemed to become more and more devoted to helping others and to her beliefs as time went on.

However, it was not only her deeds that made a lasting impression on our me everyone who met her was won over by her genuine smile, kind touch, and sincere heart. Individuals would go great distances to consult with Mama, confident that they would receive strength and direction in addition to a listening ear.

Mama never wavered in her faith, her confidence in Allah being a lighthouse that guided her even in the darkest of circumstances. She instilled in us the values of perseverance, faith in His purpose, and optimism despite seemingly hopeless circumstances.

Mama’s lessons stayed with me as I got older and into adulthood, influencing my behaviour and perspective on the world. I discovered that I was emulating her, trying to imitate her kindness and selflessness.

Her example of love and faith inspires us even now, showing us that anything is possible with Allah’s help, no matter how challenging the path may be.

Upon reflecting on Mama’s life, I am overwhelmed with immense thankfulness for all the many gifts she gave us. She was more than simply a friend or mother; she was a living example of the virtues of compassion, love, and faith in Islam.

Even though she is no longer with us, her memory will live on in our hearts as a constant reminder of the amazing influence one person can have on the lives of others. With the knowledge that her legacy endures, may her soul rest in peace in the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired.

I frequently find myself looking to Mama’s lessons for direction during my alone times of contemplation. Her words have a calming melody that plays over and over in my head, reminding me of the value of faith, tolerance, and tenacity in the face of adversity. I take courage from her example, knowing that Allah’s kindness and mercy will carry me through any difficulties that may arise.

Comments & Reviews (0)

✍️ Share Your Thoughts

Write a review or comment on this publication. Your email address will not be published.

The Last of Her Family

Read
View all