Qadr is Near
Jummah Mubarak, sis! As we enter the last 10 days of Ramadan—a time of deep spiritual reflection, heightened worship, and seeking Allah swt’s mercy—your celebration of Sumayyah bint Khayyat (RA) is especially meaningful.
Her unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice align beautifully with the themes of perseverance and devotion emphasized in these final blessed nights. The last 10 days are a time to embody her steadfastness through increased prayer, dua, and seeking Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, which holds immense reward.
Additionally, as we honor Women’s History Month, remembering Sumayyah (RA) highlights the powerful role of women in Islamic history—women who shaped our faith with resilience and strength. Her legacy encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, just as she did in the face of hardship.
May these last days of Ramadan bring you closer to Allah, fill your heart with tranquility, and inspire you with the courage and patience of Sumayyah (RA), Ameen.
Surah Al-Qadr | 97:1
إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
“Indeed, ˹it is˺ We ˹Who˺ sent this ˹Quran˺ down on the Night of Glory.”
The Arabic word "Qadr" (قدر) carries multiple meanings in both linguistic and Islamic contexts. One of its primary meanings is Divine Decree or Destiny, referring to Allah swt’s absolute knowledge and control over everything that happens. This concept is central to Islamic belief, as faith in Qadr (predestination) is one of the six pillars of faith. The Qur’an states, “Indeed, all things We created with predestination (Qadr)” (Surah Al-Qamar 54:49), emphasizing that everything occurs according to Allah swt’s will and plan.
Another significant meaning of Qadr is Power or Might, highlighting Allah swt’s infinite control over all things. This is particularly relevant to Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), when the Qur’an was first revealed and divine matters for the coming year are decided. Allah swt describes this night as “better than a thousand months” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3), signifying its immense spiritual value. Additionally, Qadr can mean Measurement or Proportion, referring to how everything in creation is precisely allocated and balanced by Allah swt. The Qur’an states, “And We have sent down from the sky rain in a measured (qadr) amount…” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:18), illustrating how Allah swt’s wisdom governs even the smallest details of the universe.
Lastly, Qadr also conveys the meaning of Honor or High Status, indicating the greatness of Laylatul Qadr, which is filled with blessings, mercy, and divine favor. Allah swt asks, “What will make you realize what the Night of Decree (Qadr) is?” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:2), highlighting its significance. Collectively, these meanings reflect Allah swt’s supreme authority, the precise order of His creation, and the immense spiritual opportunities provided during Laylatul Qadr. Understanding Qadr deepens our appreciation of Allah swt’s wisdom and encourages us to seek His guidance, especially during the blessed nights of Ramadan.
Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a mechanical engineer, writer, and activist who promotes diversity in STEM fields and advocates for social justice. She has spoken globally about Islam, feminism, and representation, embodying the resilience and intellect of Muslim women throughout history.
Early Life and Education
Born in Khartoum, Sudan, in 1991, Yassmin moved to Australia with her family when she was two years old. Growing up as a visible Muslim woman wearing hijab, she experienced firsthand the challenges of being a minority in predominantly white, male-dominated fields. However, she excelled academically and pursued a career in mechanical engineering, a field where Muslim women are often underrepresented.
She graduated with first-class honors from the University of Queensland in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in the oil and gas industry. As a woman of color in STEM, she frequently speaks about the barriers that minorities face in technical and corporate spaces, using her own experiences to advocate for change.
Engineering Career and Breaking Barriers in STEM
Yassmin started her career as a mechanical engineer on offshore oil rigs, making her one of the few hijab-wearing Muslim women in the field. Working in such a male-dominated industry, she navigated challenges with resilience, often using humor and education to break stereotypes about Muslim women’s capabilities.
Her experiences in engineering fueled her passion for making STEM fields more inclusive, leading her to establish platforms and initiatives encouraging young women and marginalized communities to pursue careers in science, technology, and leadership.
Advocacy and Activism
Beyond her work in engineering, Yassmin is a powerful advocate for racial and gender justice, focusing on topics like Islamophobia, women’s rights, and refugee rights.
Founder of Youth Without Borders: At just 16 years old, she founded Youth Without Borders, a non-profit organization empowering young people to lead social change in their communities.
Champion for Women in STEM: She has spoken at TEDx events, the United Nations, and various global conferences about the importance of diversity in STEM fields and equal opportunities for women and minorities.
Public Speaker and Media Personality: She frequently appears in international media, challenging misconceptions about Muslim women and advocating for inclusivity in workplaces and media representation.
Challenges and Controversy
Yassmin has also faced significant backlash for her outspoken views, particularly in Australia, where she has been a target of Islamophobia and political criticism.
In 2017, she posted a controversial ANZAC Day tweet that sparked national outrage, simply reminding Australians to extend their remembrance of war victims to include refugees and those affected by modern conflicts. This led to intense media scrutiny, online abuse, and eventual relocation to the UK for her safety.
Despite the challenges, she continues to advocate for justice and remains an influential voice in the global Muslim community.
Writing and Literature
Yassmin is also an accomplished author who uses storytelling to inspire and empower. Some of her works include:
“Talking About A Revolution” – a collection of new and revisited essays which explores resistance, transformation, and revolution.
"Yassmin’s Story" – A memoir about her journey as a Sudanese-Muslim woman breaking barriers.
"You Must Be Layla" – A novel for young readers about a Muslim girl navigating identity and school life.
"Listen, Layla" – A sequel that continues Layla’s journey of self-discovery and activism.
Her writing provides much-needed representation of Muslim voices in literature and encourages young Muslim girls to embrace their identities with confidence.
Impact and Legacy
Yassmin Abdel-Magied continues to be a trailblazer in activism, literature, and STEM advocacy. Her courage, intellect, and dedication reflect the legacy of strong Muslim women throughout history, including the likes of Sumayyah bint Khayyat (RA), Aisha (RA), and Fatima al-Fihri.
Her work serves as an inspiration for young Muslims, especially those striving to balance faith, career, and activism. As we reflect during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, her resilience in the face of adversity reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice, seeking knowledge, and breaking barriers.
