We would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude and support to all of those who have supported our venture from the beginning 

When will the lockdown end? How many times has this question been poised in the last few months? Too many to count I imagine. Understandably so, this last year has probably been amongst one of the most difficult experienced in recent history. Lockdown after lockdown has inevitably led to mental and physical fatigue. Every day we coin new terms and phrases to capture the roller coaster of emotions we experience in this bizarre experience. But regardless of the mass collection of statistical data it seems politicians and medical experts alike cannot speak with any degree of certainty.

Ultimately, one micro-organism not even visible to the naked eye has put the hold of humanity on hold. Personal and professional plans fell into disarray. Many going back to the drawing board simply to survive. If this year and a half have taught is that life is unpredictable and does not run the course, it bends to its own twists and turns. Digital media has taught us that we can fit things in excel spreadsheets and apps.  This false sense of security and comfort has misled us. In this context the sense of frustration we feel when life does not adhere to our self-designed mould is immense.

All these experiences lead us to one poignant fact. We are not in control. Ultimately, not a leaf falls without Allah’s permission. Once we remind ourselves of this simple fact then our stress should fall to the wayside. At The end of the day everything is predestined. Qadr, a pillar of a believers emaan, without which our faith is incomplete. Every morsel eaten has been written in the law Lawhun Mahfooz - the divine preserved tablet. Once the mind and heart expand to incorporate such ideas and values the soul finds ease and comfort. What is meant for me will find my way. No amount of stress or worry will benefit. Such contemplations and reflections provide a source of ease and comfort to the believer. Delays arise. Deadlines are missed and frustrations happen. This is simply the human experience. Striving for perfection is impossible as only Allah is perfect but striving for excellence is a moral obligation. When we trust Allah (swt) for guidance at each stage the load is lightened the burden feels a little lighter. Allah knows his wisdoms behind each delay and behind each frustrating moment.

Work began on Riwaya in the summer of 2020 and we only launched recently. With many late nights, stresses, things going wrong and delays out of our control, one of the key beliefs that kept us going was that if it we are meant to find success with this venture it will happen and if we are not meant to, then it will not. We as a team can only try our hardest. Now that we’re finally up and running the Riwaya team wants to extend a heartfelt gratitude and support to all of those who have support our venture from the beginning and inshallah we will continue in our mission to help level up and support Islamic business!