BAVINA SOOKDEO
“Islam liberates us as Muslim women. I love my Islam so much because to me it makes so much sense and it is so complete.”
For Nareeda Ali, a 40-year-old teacher, wife, mother, community leader, and counsellor, Islam is not just a religion – it is the foundation upon which she has built a fulfilling and purposeful life.
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, Ali spoke to Newsday on her journey as a Muslim woman balancing multiple roles while staying deeply connected to her faith.
Holder of a bachelor of education degree with first-class honours, Ali is also certified in child psychology, marriage counselling and stress, and anger management from the National Islamic Counselling Services.
Born and raised in Dow Village, California, Couva, she grew up in a close-knit, Muslim family with her parents, Rasheed and Jennifer Ali, and her two older sisters, Nadia and Narisa.
Her early love for Islam was nurtured by her standard one teacher Imam Clyde Ali who played a significant role in shaping her spiritual foundation through his weekly religious instruction class at California Government Primary School.
“I was always most present for his sessions, and he would allow me to research and present to the class,” she recalled.
It was the iman who first learnt of her decision to wear the hijab at just 11 years old. While her mother was initially hesitant, both her parents supported her decision.
“Alhamdulillah, I still wear my hijab today. It has become my identity.”
[caption id="attachment_1145995" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Nareeda Ali, right, with sisters Narisa, centre and Nadia. -[/caption]
Quite the "tomboy," Ali rode her bicycle throughout her community.
“I truly believe in the statement: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ In the village, where I still presently reside, we all live as one family, regardless of race or religion.”
Growing up in a diverse village where a masjid, church, and temple stood in close proximity, Ali was raised with profound respect for all religions.
“We were always taught by our parents the importance of love and respect for all,” she said, emphasising how this upbringing continues to shape her own children.
Throughout her life, Ali’s faith has provided her with solace and strength, particularly in times of hardship. The passing of her father in 2010 was an immense loss, made bittersweet by the birth of her first son, Naeem, the very next day.
“In that time of pain and sadness, simultaneously we were granted ease and happiness. SubhanAllah (Glory be to God).”
Tragedy struck again when she suffered a stillbirth with her second son Abdur Rahmaan. It was her unwavering faith that kept her grounded. She holds on to the words of Prophet Muhammad:
“When a child dies, Allah asks his angels, ‘Have you taken the life of the child of My servant?’ If the parents praised Allah and said, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon’ (To Allah we belong and to him we will return), Allah says, ‘Build a house for My servant in Paradise and call it
Bayt-ul-Hamd (House of
