The inspiration for REFLECT jewellery came about through my struggles with my health in recent years.  In 2014, I underwent surgery to my left hand to insert a metal plate after years of inflammation had eaten away the cartilage. At times, the pain was so intense that I couldn’t even raise my hand in salah or hold a spoon. After the surgery, I needed months of painful physio to get some basic function back into my hand but alhamdulillah it was a success.

Whilst recovering, I was diagnosed with a tumour in my brain and 10 months later, another tumour was discovered in my ear, very close to the first one. Although the tumours were benign, they caused catastrophic damage; I became completely deaf in my right ear and suffered violent vertigo attacks for months that were so extreme, I was bedridden for days at a time and needed 24 hour care. My baby was just 16 months old at the time. 

At the same time, I had been suffering from gallbladder attacks which were so painful I would often be up all night - with a baby to take care of too. I once ended up in A&E at 3am when my baby was just 6 weeks old. I was so terrified as I thought there was something very seriously wrong with me and I wasn’t going to make it. Eventually, I developed obstructive jaundice and needed to be hospitalised. My skin and eyeballs went yellow and they scheduled me in for surgery shortly thereafter. 

My business really suffered during this time as I was absent from it for years. I was too busy fighting for my health and also had a newborn to take care of. I lost a lot of money, further adding to the stress I was under and felt trapped by my difficult circumstances. The short lived periods of time when I was feeling somewhat better, I spent with my baby because that’s all that really mattered.

When I set up Desert Rose Boutique, I had so many dreams of where I wanted to take it, so many amazing ideas that I wanted to bring to life. Business is challenging enough as it is, but with the issues I had, even the smallest action - like sending an email - became impossible. 

The period in which I had the vertigo and gallbladder attacks were the darkest days of my life. Memories of the vertigo and what it did to me have been burned into my conscience; just thinking about it brings me to tears. It’s been 18 months since my last severe vertigo attack but it’s something that will live with me for the rest of my life.   

Throughout my pain and loss, I found myself remembering Allah (swt) more often and turning to Him for help in a way that I had never done before. For the first time in my life, I felt like I understood what true tawakkul was. I was completely helpless, broken and in desperate need of my Creator above anything else. This stark realisation was humbling but also liberating, as I learned to sincerely place my trust in Allah and let Him deal with my worries.   

Likewise, the word ‘sabr’ took on a completely new meaning for me altogether, as I realised it was more than just a word one says to others who are facing difficulties. In fact, I realised how hard it was to actually have sabr when faced with momentous trials and it was definitely something that I needed to work  on. 

Despite the trauma of what I had been through, I had a huge sense of gratitude for the countless blessings I *did* have. They are too numerous to write down here, indeed as Allah says in the Quran “Which of your Lord’s favours will you deny?” 

This positive mindset was absolutely key in helping me to move forward despite the challenges I was facing. And it is from these life changing experiences that the idea for REFLECT jewellery was born. I already had Desert Rose Boutique and even though it wasn’t in good shape, it was the perfect platform to launch the idea.

Recognising the incredible power of faith in healing, I created REFLECT to help Muslim women from all walks of life feel stronger, more positive and connected with their faith through something as simple as wearing jewellery. 

The powerful reminders featured on every piece were specifically chosen by me to encourage more patience, gratitude and trust in Allah, because we all face challenges in life no matter how big or small. 

Similarly, we all have dreams we want to see fulfilled, but they must be followed by sincere dua and action, hence the idea behind the ‘Dream Dua Do’ reminder (which also happens to be my personal favourite!). And so in choosing these reminders, I felt they  would resonate with every woman, no matter where she's at in the journey of life.

The reality is, we all need reminders to strengthen our connection with Allah (swt), because none of us are perfect; we forget and we make mistakes. Allah says in the Quran “And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers”. And so if REFLECT can help to remind someone to make dua, to say a word of thanks or help them feel a bit more positive, then it's a blessing that I'm sincerely grateful to Allah (swt) for and all praise is due to Him alone. 

My struggles with my health are not over but alhamdulillah things are so much better than they once were. The mere fact that I can even write this story is a huge blessing that I once thought was out of my reach. 

I can honestly say that despite my darkest moments, I have emerged as a stronger person with a wholly different perspective on life, which I hope will serve me and others better. I can also affirm that my calamities have brought me closer to Allah (swt) and have made me realise many things, that perhaps may not have occurred to me without everything I have been through.

And as difficult as it has been to openly write this (which is the short version btw!), I hope that in doing so, my story might be a source of hope and comfort to other women who are facing challenges in their life. 

I thank Allah (swt) for everything He has given me; the blessings, the pain, the trials and am ever in need of my Creator, the Lord of the Worlds as I journey back to Him. 

With love and duas

Asima