It is with great honour and heartfelt admiration that I nominate my dear sister, Sajidha Naseer, for the Aalimah of the Year Award. She is a woman who embodies dedication, sacrifice, compassion, and the pursuit of serving her community through the knowledge of Deen. 

From the very beginning of her journey as an Aalimah, my sister has shown remarkable perseverance and love for teaching. What stands out most is not just her commitment to imparting Islamic knowledge, but the way she lives it daily, making her lessons a reflection of her own actions. Her students not only learn Qur’an and Hadith from her, but they witness sincerity, humility, and steadfastness in her character. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of her service is how she has balanced her responsibilities as a mother with her passion for teaching. From the time her children were babies, she has taken them along with her to madressa, never allowing motherhood to be an obstacle to serving the community. Instead, she turned it into a strength. Her children grew up in the blessed environment of the madressa, learning to love the Qur’an by watching their mother teach it with passion. Many people would have paused their work for the sake of convenience, but my sister chose perseverance. This proves her devotion to both her family and her students. 

Over the years, she has taught many students at Lotus Park Madressa, Isipingo, nurturing their hearts and minds with the values of Islam. Her students admire her patience and gentle approach, while parents trust her to instill not only knowledge, but also good character in their children.  

What further sets my sister apart is her deep compassion and generosity. Despite her own responsibilities, she spends all the wages she earns on supporting our niece’s madressa education. This quiet act of sacrifice reflects her sincerity and her constant effort to put others before herself, ensuring that no child is deprived of Islamic education. 

Her strength lies in her humility. She never seeks recognition for her work, and she carries out her duties with devotion. Yet, the influence she has had on her students, her family, and her local community is profound. She has shown that true service is not about being in the spotlight, but about consistently showing up, day after day, with the intention of pleasing ALLAH (SWT). 

After 7 years of continuous service as an Aalimah, her contribution has touched hearts in ways that words cannot fully capture. She has been a guiding light for so many including myself, an anchor of faith and a source of inspiration. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than her. 

May Allah (SWT) accept her efforts, grant her barakah in her work, and continue to make her a source of guidance and inspiration for generations to come. Allahumma Ameen. 

JazakAllah.
Farzana Naseer