There she was, Aisha, sprinting down the bustling streets of Lagos, her abaya flying like a superhero’s cape behind her. “I can’t be late for this meeting!” she muttered, her steps quickening as if her Nike sneakers could somehow defy traffic. Just a few months ago, she had landed a dream job at a multinational firm, the only hijabi in the entire office. As she zipped past busy markets, it wasn’t just the typical city noise filling the air but the echoes of her mother’s words that lingered in her mind: “Remember, Aisha, Allah will always be your guide. Don’t ever compromise your faith.”
As a Muslim woman navigating the corporate world, Aisha had learned that breaking barriers wasn’t just about getting a seat at the table; it was about staying true to herself while sitting there. She could still hear the voice of her coworker from her first day at the company, “You’re wearing that headscarf every day? Isn’t that, like, limiting?”
She had chuckled to herself. Little did he know, her hijab was her strength, not her limitation. It reminded her of the Sahih Hadith: “Verily, actions are but by intentions, and each person will have only what they intended” (Sahih Bukhari). Aisha wasn’t here to fit in or to change her values for a title. Her intention was simple: to prove that you can succeed in a world that often underestimates you by simply being yourself.
And so, Aisha found herself not only thriving in the corporate world but also challenging stereotypes. During presentations, her humor was her secret weapon. She’d start her PowerPoint with, “Let me start by busting a myth: No, my hijab isn’t glued to my head!” Her audience would laugh, and just like that, the tension would disappear.
As Aisha balanced her career with her faith, she was reminded of the verse in the Qur’an that always comforted her: “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Qur’an 65:2-3). Indeed, her success wasn’t from compromising her values but from her reliance on Allah, doing her part, and leaving the rest to Him.
Success, she realized, wasn’t about how much of the world you could fit in your hands. It was about knowing how to keep your heart aligned with your principles while achieving your goals. Whether it was handling negotiations, pitching a project, or navigating office politics, Aisha knew she didn’t walk into meetings alone—her faith walked in with her.
One day, after wrapping up an impressive deal, Aisha’s boss called her aside. “You’re different, Aisha. How do you manage to keep calm even under pressure? And your ideas… always so sharp!”
Aisha smiled and replied, “I guess you could say I have a higher authority keeping me grounded.”
And that was Aisha’s superpower—not just her ability to break through glass ceilings, but her unwavering belief that she could do it all while holding on to her faith. Because when you put your trust in Allah, even in the face of challenges, barriers don’t just break—they shatter.
After sharing her story, Aisha turned to the audience, a room full of bright-eyed young Muslim women ready to take on the world. With a smile, she said, “Look, I get it—sometimes it feels like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, balancing career, faith, and everything in between. But let me tell you, breaking barriers is possible, and you don’t have to compromise who you are to get there.”
Here are some steps that helped me, and I hope they’ll help you too:
- Own Your Identity: “Whether it’s your hijab or the values you live by, don’t feel like you have to tone them down to fit in. People respect authenticity, and when you show up as your true self, you bring something unique to the table. Remember the hadith: ‘Whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure at the cost of men’s displeasure, Allah will suffice him against the displeasure of men.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah).”
- Educate and Communicate: “Sometimes people just don’t know about your faith, and that’s okay. Be open to answering questions and educating others. I always take the opportunity to explain why I wear the hijab or take breaks for prayer. Knowledge breaks stereotypes.”
- Set Clear Boundaries: “Be clear about your non-negotiables. Whether it’s making time for Jumu’ah prayers or avoiding inappropriate gatherings, people will respect you when you stand by your principles. Just be confident and kind in how you communicate them.”
- Build a Strong Support System: “Surround yourself with people who uplift you—whether it’s family, friends, or even online communities. Trust me, you’ll need that support when times get tough.”
- Seek Barakah in Your Work: “Always have good intentions and seek Allah’s blessings in everything you do. It’s not just about doing the job, but doing it well and with the right mindset. The Qur’an says, ‘And say, “Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers…’ (Qur’an 9:105). Make every effort a means to earn Allah’s pleasure.”
- Keep Learning: “Never stop learning and improving your skills. The world is changing fast, and the more you know, the better you can adapt and innovate in your field. Whether it’s taking a new course or learning a new technology, staying ahead will always give you an edge.”
- Stay Humble but Ambitious: “Always aim high, but stay grounded in your faith. As Muslims, humility is key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t chase big goals. Dream big, make dua, and go after those dreams with all you’ve got.”
- Mentor Others: “As you grow, don’t forget to help others along the way. Sometimes the best way to break barriers is to lift someone else over the fence with you.”
- Trust in Allah’s Plan: “You will face challenges, but remember, everything happens for a reason. Allah’s timing is perfect, and even if things don’t go as planned, it’s just part of the journey. Trust that Allah has written success for you in ways you might not even see yet.”
- Celebrate the Small Wins: “Breaking barriers is a process, and every step forward counts. Celebrate your progress—whether it’s mastering a new skill, securing a promotion, or just staying true to yourself in tough situations.”
Aisha finished, looking out at the audience. “Remember, success isn’t just about reaching the top. It’s about how you get there. So, break those barriers, but do it with your head held high, your faith intact, and always seeking the pleasure of Allah.”
