“My Dear Child…” | Heartfelt Letters from Muslim Adoptive Parents

Written by Fozia Saleem-Rasheed

To my dearest daughter,

I want you to know how much love and happiness you bring to me and your dad. The days are so rushed with school and sports and homework, that there is little time to slow down and reflect on all the blessings in our life.

My dear sweetheart, I know that the phrase “you are adopted” doesn’t always bring you warm, loving affection as it should. I cannot take back some of the silly things that have been said by kids who don’t even know what adoption is. Without this incredible process of adoption, we wouldn’t be together and I wouldn’t have your spunky self to love and be so proud of. Adoption is this beautiful process that brought you to the place you were meant to be. As your dear grandmother said, “You were always intended to be with us.” I was always meant to be your mama. Allah just brought you to me in a different way — a very beautiful and special way.

You know that your dad and I are big believers in prayer and God’s plan. It is with many prayers that we were blessed to have you in our life. It was God’s plan that I be your mama and Abu be your dad. I am so grateful to God that He chose me and Abu to be your parents. You make me very proud and remind me that the power of love is incredibly strong. When I think of the word “adopted,” I think “love.” I think of God’s love that brought you to us. I think of the love that showers you from all over because you are who you are. I think of love because that was the emotion that came over me the first time I held you when you were just a few days old.

Now you are nearly a teenager, and I am amazed at what a beautiful, smart, and talented young lady you are growing up to be. My prayer is that God accepts how I have raised you and that you always know that you are where you were meant to be. I do not take it lightly that He chose us to be together. I am thrilled to see how you continue to grow and blossom into an adult. In the meantime, I will continue to be thankful for the beautiful blessing I was given.

Always remember that you are loved, my dear. You have always been loved and you always will be loved.

Love,
Mom