BOOK REVIEW: FABULOUS AT 45

By

Ibn Abdillah As-sudaisiy Al-Iloori 

30th Shawwal, 1446 AH (28th April 2025)

While reading through the draft of the book "Fabulous at 45" written by my sister, Majeedah Ashimi-Idris, the first thing I was able to discover from the first two chapters is the fact that this life is full of trials and as Muslims, we need to be prepared for them. No one will be great in life except he or she will pass some difficult hurdles. 

Then, in the face of life challenges, with faith, prayers, determination and resilience, it is possible to attain lofty heights without trading the Deen. Despite losing her Dad at a tender age of 11 when it looked like everything was over, the author did not lose hope in Allāh. She fought her battles at various stages of life and excelled in her chosen career (Nursing) while still being conscious of her religious values. 

I have known the author in the course of her social media da'wah efforts for close to 13 years now. She is well known for her sincerity, selflessness and charity. Her passion to put smiles on the faces of others is extraordinary. I have participated in many of her philanthropic initiatives. With her Majmol Queen Foundation, she is always ready to give anyhing she has in charity. Anyone who is familiar with her projects can attest to this. She is not rich but gives her all, especially to women and children with the faith that Allāh will replenish her. 

Umm Sumayyah Mai is the type that supports other people to succeed. This can be seen in the fact that she is always the first to buy any of our books on Amazon whenever it is out. She will not just buy the books, she will advertise them as if they are her works.

I once had a rare opportunity of meeting her husband and he testified she is a virtuous and supportive wife. She is a mother who has successfully nurtured her children with the learning and memorization of the Qur'ān and sunnatic values. She is a successful Niqābi-Nurse in an Islamophobic environment. Her spiritual journey has been highly inspiring. Her passion to influence the teachings of Islām among women is exceptional. As an experienced Muslimah in the field of da'wah, her books have greatly benefitted the Muslim world.  

One of the best ways to preserve legacies is to write an autobiography. In the book "Fabulous at 45", Ummu Sumayyah Mai tells her story by herself and her main objective is to inspire other women to believe in themselves and in the fact that they can achieve their mundane dreams within the confines of the Sharī'ah. Muslim sisters, wives and mothers have a lot to learn from this great book. 

May Allāh make the book beneficial to readers and reward the author for her wonderful efforts. May Allāh grant her sound health and more prosperous years upon goodness.

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