Where Am I Going?

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to live a life where deen and dunya coexist. We talk about Qur'an memorization, discipline, consistency, and building the right mindset to thrive in both worlds.

You'll hear practical tips on:

• "Staying consistent, even when it feels hard"
• "Developing discipline without burning out"
• "Learning from failure and adopting a growth mindset"
• "Surrounding yourself with people who elevate you"

This conversation is about showing that intentional effort, good systems, and the right mindset can help you excel in your dunya while keeping your akhira in mind.

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In this episode of Where Am I Going, I sit down with Ruqayya Rabiu - a content creator, storyteller and emerging filmmaker whose creative journey began long before she fully understood its impact.

From picking up a camera at just 11 years old to exploring storytelling through different artistic forms, we talk about what it means to grow up creative and follow curiosity before everything makes sense.

This conversation explores creativity identity, and the ways our early passions shape who we become.

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As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan and make it transformative for us. Ameen.

I’ve created a Ramadan resource hub with everything mentioned in this episode, all organised in one place:

• A free Ramadan journal

• A Salah journal & prophetic prayer guide

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir

• A full English translation of the Qur’an

• A Qur’an journaling guide

• A Ramadan Qur’an playlist

• Reflection prompts playlist

• Names of Allah resources (explained and categorised)

• A du’a list

• An istighfar guide

• A tahajjud guide

• The Deeper Look series by Bayyinah TV

• A paid accountability group

• A free istighfar group

• Verified donation links

• And more

If you have any questions or resources to share, feel free to message me on Instagram.

When I first started wearing hijab, it wasn’t easy, there were doubts, distractions, and moments I questioned myself. 

Now, by the will of Allah, it’s been almost two years since I made that decision and I am filled with gratitude that I get to talk about this on my favorite platform!

In this episode, Salma and I share our journeys, the challenges of navigating modesty in today’s world, and how friendships, social media, and everyday life shape our experience. Listening back, I realized how much I’ve grown, and I hope this conversation brings value and insight to anyone tuning in.💓

Listen to Salma’s Podcast, The Deen Corner💓

Follow Akhwat Foundation on Instagram to keep up with our ongoing projects, events and donation campaigns💓

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In this episode, I reflect on moments, big and small, joyful and challenging-that have shaped who I am

today. From unexpected lessons to quiet realizations, explore how growth isn't linear, how identity is complex, and how our past experiences quietly guide the way we move forward.

As we step into the new year, I invite you to consider not just what you want to achieve, but who you want to be. Let your intentions, not just your goals, guide your path.

Full Poem:

days will come

and you will ask“who am i?”

years will pass

and you will ask”where am i going?”

you’ll ask in mistakes and failed affiliations 

you’ll ask in regret and anticipation 

when all is said and done

you will see yourself in the mirror that is passion

and in what lies your satisfaction 

maybe your identity even lies in your contradictions

sometime,somewhere,somehow

your eyes will see this journey 

for what it truly is

no destination exists 

if the ride is ordinary 

so drive slowly on this path

before you’re done and it breaks your heart 

💓Follow along @whereamigoing.pod for more episodes

this episode is a reflection on one of my favorite poems, exploring what it means to be allowed to exist as you are, without pressure or perfection. Just listening, noticing, and letting the words sit with me.

Full Poem:

Wild Geese, by Mary Oliver

“You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-over and over announcing your place in the family of things.”

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💓 YouTube video mentioned:

bitterness as a crutch

In this episode, I talk about what it’s been like finding inspiration again in the smallest things, in curiosity, in myself.

I’ve realized that inspiration can be a form of self-care; it’s how we reconnect with who we are and what we love.

This is a soft reminder to create your own lane, be your own aesthetic, and love the process of becoming.

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With faith in where you’re going,

Karima💓

welcome to season 2 of Where Am I Going💓

In this episode, I talk about the shift that happens when you stop seeing yourself only as a victim of your circumstances and start recognizing your own power in shaping your life. 

We'll explore what it means to accept your flaws, take responsibility for your actions and reactions, and begin the real work of change.

For more updates, follow the podcast on Instagram💓

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With all the love and light in this world,

Karima💓

In this episode, we talk about the uncomfortable, often unspoken side of growth the identity shifts, the loss, the insecurity that lingers even when you're doing everything “right.”, we reflect on how growth isn’t always pretty, but it’s necessary. Join me and the amazing, intelligent Fareedah Ajibola on this episode
💓Follow along @whereamigoing.pod for more episodes

💓Connect with my guest, Fareedah on Instagram and Substack
💓Books mentioned:
– The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
💓Youtube Video mentioned:
The Persistence of Insecurity