The story of Rahma... an indomitable will

In the heart of the dark continent, under the shadow of the towering Kilimanjaro peak, Rahma was born. She was an innocent child playing in the green fields of Tanzania, not knowing that fate would hold challenges for her that would shape and strengthen her. Her childhood carried the spirit of adventure and strength, as Tanzania is a vast, sprawling land, where Rahma learned the value of a simple life and the hidden beauty in everything around her. She did not know then that this inner strength would be her weapon in facing the biggest challenge she would face in her life. At the age of five, Rahma moved with her family to the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and her journey was to a new world full of love, smiles and games. She grew up in that city and finished high school with an honorable percentage (88%). She dreamed of a university soaring above its sky, but fate wanted another path for her. Rahma says about that stage: “I wished to complete my university studies, but due to special circumstances, I joined the Quran memorization centers for two years, and found my refuge and peace there.” Rahma got married and moved to Riyadh, where her husband worked, and bore four children. In 2018, she began to feel a small lump in her breast, and she had a strange feeling. Was it just an illusion or the beginning of an impending storm? She did not know. Rahma says: "At first, I did not pay any attention to the lump, but I had a feeling that it was cancer, but my information about this disease was very little. Fate wanted me to take her to the land of my ancestors, the land of Yemen. I cried over the separation from my loved ones, but I found in its embrace a warmth that I did not expect in Mukalla, the city that welcomed me with its simplicity. My actual journey with the disease began." The lump began to grow, and she faced an intense fear of the unknown. She went to Al-Burj Hospital, where the oncologist Dr. "Mohammed Baamer" works, who diagnosed her with cancer. Despite the shock, Rahma was able to find strength in her faith in God, so she thanked her Lord for this ordeal, certain that God does not test His servant except with what he can bear. But soon the joy of faith turned into deep anxiety. The treatment Rahma needed was not available in Hadhramaut at the time, and the costs of travel and treatment abroad were beyond her financial means. She had two bitter choices: surrender to the disease, or strive with all her might to obtain life-saving treatment. At that difficult moment, the strength of the family emerged. Rahma’s husband stood by her like a rock, and did not hesitate to take a loan from his workplace to finance her travel to Egypt. The money he raised was barely enough to cover the costs of the trip and initial treatment. As for Rahma’s mother, she spared no effort in supporting her daughter morally and financially, donating everything she had to ensure that her daughter received the best medical care. Together, they decided to face this challenge with strength and faith. The beginning of the road was difficult, especially on her first night in the hospital before receiving the first dose of chemotherapy. She says: “I could not sleep that night, fear and anxiety filled my heart. But I remembered the words of God Almighty: {And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.} So I said to myself: This is God’s decree, and I believe in it and am satisfied with it. So I started repeating the remembrance of God and seeking forgiveness, and resorting to the legitimate ruqyah. I felt peace creeping into my heart, and I knew that I would overcome this ordeal, God willing.” With each treatment session, Rahma strengthened her faith and became more certain that God was with her. Despite the side effects of the treatment, such as hair loss, fatigue and exhaustion, nervousness, lack of sleep and insomnia, Rahma maintained her smile and optimism. She did not let the disease control her life, but continued to live as normally as possible, with her family and children who were the source of her strength and happiness. Rahma talks about her mother’s support during this difficult stage and recalls her memories, saying: “While I was facing the challenges of the disease, I drew my strength from my mother’s love and prayers, as if she were my guardian angel. In every moment of weakness, my mother was my safe haven and my impregnable fortress. The touch of her warm hand was like the sun that warmed my heart, and her prayers were like the rain that watered my soul. In the darkest moments of illness, her words would soothe my soul and plant hope in my heart. I will never forget her sacrifices, as her love was a healing medicine for me, and helped me overcome the ordeal. These words of love and loyalty were written for her: My mother, the source of compassion, during my illness you were my safety, your prayers pushed me forward, and I found in your eyes all the compassion.” After recovering, Rahma discovered that the disease had changed her outlook on life. She valued health and wellness more than ever before, and committed to a healthy, well-regulated diet that was compatible with diabetes, which is one of the long-term side effects of treatment. She also increased her connection to God and the Holy Quran, parts of which she had memorized. Not only that, but she also joined the Institute of Islamic Studies.
She also acquired new craft skills by joining the vocational programs implemented by the Hadramout Foundation for Cancer Control, such as the course on making accessories and resin and the course on making gypsum candles, which helped her spend useful time and get closer to people.
After recovering, she became fond of reading, walking and writing, through which she wrote: “Cancer taught me the value of life and health, and I realized that true happiness lies in contentment and satisfaction with what God has allotted us. I advise every patient to take care of themselves and not give in to sorrows, as life is a trust that we must preserve. We must invest every moment to elevate ourselves and get closer to God through remembrance and supplication. And faith in God is the most powerful weapon in the face of any calamity.” As for her message to every patient, she wrote: “I would like to say to every patient: You are stronger than you think. Illness is a difficult experience, but it is an opportunity to change your life for the better. Do not let fear paralyze you, and do not allow pain to steal your smile. Enjoy the beautiful moments, and thank God for his many blessings. Remember that you are not alone, there are those who love and support you, and life is a journey full of challenges and twists, but it is an opportunity for growth and development. Every difficult experience we go through makes us stronger and wiser. Let your life be a success story, write its chapters yourself, and achieve your dreams and ambitions.” Today, Rahma sits in