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Strength from Within: Personal insights on how to cope, grow, and flourish during life’s trials based on my life with physical disabilities

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This book is the fulfilment of my promise to Allah, the One that heard, answered, and released that eight-year-old-girl from the hospital. It contains the most challenging encounters from my life with physical disabilities. It delves into the struggles that I faced both externally and internally, and how I coped. It delves into the reality of how we all face adversities and the beauty that can be found within these hardships. 
It uncovers lessons that will allow us to appreciate life on a whole different level. This book contains the hidden gems and treasures unearthed from the trials in our lives. The attainment of these treasures may be painful, but it ultimately provides comfort and hope. It allows us to discover strengths that we never thought we had, and to eventually have a more enriched experience. It is a source of encouragement to remain hopeful. It is a reminder to never give up, just like the chosen examples before us. 
This book is not a self-help book, nor a memoir, but instead contains personal insights based on what I learned throughout my experiences. Questions posed on social media platforms by the public for the past six years on my work as an international writer and speaker contributed to shaping the content of this book. I have been consulted on a range of topics such as dealing with loss, shame, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, addiction, isolation, discrimination, bullying, dealing with marriage, and recovering from trauma. These questions came not only from those going through such difficulties but also from those witnessing loved ones endure them. I attempt to share my experiences in a way to provide direction, comfort, and hope—the hope to grow and flourish from our adversities instead of letting them bury or drown us. 

142 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

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24 people want to read

About the author

Sa’diyya Nesar

2 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
1 review
September 18, 2024
This vulnerable, personal and emotional book shares beautiful insights into the world of
Disability and Faith. Sa’diyya Nesar shares her connection not only with Allah, but also
with her family. At every step of her journey, as she learns and grows, she takes the
reader along with lessons to take away. Her innocence as a little girl questioning her
fate, brings out a sincere view into the thoughts people with disabilities may encounter
and her responses to her life’s tests that she writes about, are truly valuable. Sa’diyya
writes “Our trial is not our eternal fate. Our reward - fruits of growth - is our eternal fate."
1 review
September 17, 2024
A masterpiece that intertwines strength from the stories of the Prophets with profound lessons. From overcoming physical challenges to finding courage, forgiveness, and faith, this book is a beacon of hope.
Profile Image for Samar Asamoah.
5 reviews
May 13, 2024
"I'm in love with this book. It literally gave me shivers. Sa'diyyah has been blessed with a level of consciousness and awareness that is lacking in many these days perhaps due to living a fast paced lifestyle and the distractions of social media.

In this book she shares some of her life experiences along with profound reflections of the stories of the Prophets which I found refreshing. In this way she points to why Allah shared them with us, teaching through her examples of pondering and implementation. They are not just stories, they are lessons in how to overcome and survive lifes trials. They are lessons in how to find Strength from within."
3 reviews
May 14, 2024
"Strength from Within" is a profound exploration of the human experience, weaving together personal anecdotes with universal themes of resilience and growth, drawing examples from the lives of the Prophets, and highlighting the opportunity for transformation and growth within our inevitable struggles. I found sister Sa’diyya’s perspective on navigating life's challenges with such strength and dignity both enlightening and deeply inspiring. A highly recommended read for all Muslims. Kate Hepburn, Finding Sakeenah.
Profile Image for Zainab Bint Younus.
393 reviews439 followers
August 24, 2024
The dearth of Muslim literature about life with disabilities is deeply unfortunate, and I was genuinely excited to see this new book by Sa'diyya Nesar.

Unfortunately, I was unable to appreciate it. Once again, Kube Publishers did their writers and customers a disservice by not providing rigorous editing services for chosen manuscripts.

This book is meant to cover themes of struggle and resilience, contending with the realities of life with disabilities, and spiritual inspiration - and it could have done all of this so much more effectively IF ONLY A READlL EDITOR WAS INVOLVED.

The content is rather scattered, and the writing requires significant tweaking and guidance from an experienced editor. Sadly, I don't think this book provides readers with the depth and benefit that it **could** have offered, with intense development and necessary edits.

I truly wish to see more work about disabilities from a Muslim perspective. I only hope that Muslim writers and publishers keep in mind that it's not enough to whip out a rough draft and publish it, but that books *must* be given time, attention, and ruthless editing to turn them into worthy literary gems.
1 review
September 21, 2024
Strength from Within is a beautiful and inspirational story of a young girl who comes to terms with living with disabilities and ultimately embraces her struggles as a strength. I found myself shedding tears as I read about an eight year old girl trapped alone in the hospital for four months. Those tears turned into smiles when she described with precision how she felt like she was journeying in the footsteps of prophets who have been tested with fear and darkness, such as Yunus in the belly of the whale, to be saved only by the Grace of Allah. The connection to the stories of prophets and verses from the Quran throughout this coming of age story illustrates to us how relevant and critical faith is for each of us, regardless of what struggles we face. The purity of faith described first through the lens of a child is a type of purity that we all aspire to achieve, and this book provides a welcoming guide for those who are willing to explore their own vulnerabilities and turn them into strength by turning to faith. Highly recommend!
1 review
February 7, 2025
Thought provoking, insightful, personal and inspiring are just some of the words that comes to mind after finishing Sa'diyya's book.

The book is Sa'diyya's personal journey of her struggles growing up and living with physical disabilities. Through personal and insightful reflection, the book delves into the challenges and limitations faced by Sa'diyya and how her faith became a catalyst for spiritual growth.

On a personal level as a parent with a child of developmental disabilities, the book offers an exploration of disabilities through the lens of religious beliefs, to find solace and strength and an acceptance within the context of faith.
1 review
May 14, 2025
One of the most beautiful and inspiring books I’ve ever read. Strength From Within is more than a guide, it’s a lifeline for every special needs mom seeking meaning and strength through life’s trials. Sa’diyya masterfully combines her personal journey with powerful lessons from the lives of the Prophets and Islamic history, showing how faith can anchor us in even the toughest moments. Her writing is heartfelt, hopeful, and deeply rooted in spiritual wisdom. This book is a gift to anyone navigating hardship with courage and faith.”
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138 reviews24 followers
May 25, 2025
“It is in a place of weakened that we first find strength. Strength can be found in what we complain about and whom we complain to about our suffering.”

“Trials are not there to degrade us; they exist to honour us towards growth.”

“If we are worthy of being saved - are we not worthy of self forgiveness?”



Such a good book 😭 I really needed it.
17 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2025
Strength From Within by my friend Sa’diyya Nesar is such an inspiring and heartfelt read. Sa’diyya writes with honesty, courage, and hope sharing her experiences of disability in a way that uplifts and empowers. Knowing her personally, I can say this book truly reflects her compassion and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the hardest moments, strength really does come from within.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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