Sa'diyya Nesar received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in English Language & Literature from Hong Kong University. After that, she pursued her Islamic studies and worked as a writer for a variety of outlets, including the HuffPost. She is currently RESOLVE's social justice 2020 fellow for 'DisABILITIES: less assumptions, more conversations,' in Hong Kong. She is an international and TEDx speaker that delivers talks on her life with physical disabilities and how to derive strength from adversities. She finds inspiration using examples of those in Islamic history and is currently developing the ""Community Care in Islam"" series in Hong Kong while also pursuing her passion for poetry.
"""This book removes the reader from the darkness of ignorance surrounding disability and towards the light of understanding, hope, and change for all. For an author to achieve this with a book written about a niche topic points to the strength she has found within her disability and within her faith. Get ready to have your own faith and possibilities transformed."" - Aliyah Umm Raiyaan, Sunday Times Bestselling author of Ramadan Reflections and The Power of Du'a, Founder and CEO of Registered Charity Solace UK for revert women in difficulty ""In this world, all of us in different ways and to different degrees face hardships that test our character and personality. No one is exempt from such a test. All readers therefore will find something in this book to comfort and console, and to inspire them to look for signs and directions in their particular situation which will inspire them, and enable them to overcome their difficulties with inner strength and dignity."" - Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi, Oxford University, Cambridge Islamic College. ""As a disability rights activist and disabled Muslim woman, I wanted to vicariously experience another woman's disability journey of trials and triumphs with whom I share some of my intersectional identities including faith and ethnicity. Sa’diyya articulates and correlates faith in deep and meaningful ways to reconcile the questions before her in order to develop her resilience. Her spiritual reflections about verses from the Holy Quran, Prophetic sayings and stories of the prophets who had disabilities in their lives deepens the reader’s understanding of how a Muslim should view disablement whether they have their own lived experience or not. This book is a must read because Sa’diyya does an incredible job of enlightening the reader and capturing their attention with her words and wisdom, describing significant moments in her life, and how she resolves them with her faith, dispelling any myths and fears that one may have about living with a disability."" - Rabia Khedr, CEO of DEEN Support Services and Founder of Muslims With Disabilities International ""A masterpiece that intertwines strength from the stories of the Prophets with profound lessons. From overcoming physical challenges to finding courage, forgiveness, and faith, this book is a beacon of hope."" - Brother Belal Elkadri, Motivational Speaker ""This vulnerable, personal, and emotional book shares beautiful insights into the world of Disability and Faith. Sa’diyya Nesar shares her connection not only with Allah, but also with her family. At every step of her journey, as she learns and grows, she takes the reader along with lessons to take away. Her innocence as a little girl questioning her fate brings out a sincere view into the thoughts people with disabilities may encounter and her responses to her life’s tests that she writes about, are truly valuable. Sa’diyya writes “Our trial is not our eternal fate. Our reward- the fruits of growth- is our eternal fate."" - Joohi Tahir, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Muslim disability organization MUHSEN ""A must-read. The Islamic perspective is also illuminating and enduring."" - Sr Yvonne Ridley, British author and journalist ""Strength from Within evokes the Qurʿānic verse: “And so, verily, with hardship comes ease” (94:5). Sa’diyya Nesar demonstrates that there are no lost causes when one keeps faith in the wisdom, might, and mercy of Allah and recognizes the indomitable spirit He has implanted in us. Inspired by heroes of faith, Nesar’s forthright sharing provides lessons about what is possible when we meet adversity with a balance of inspiration from above and aspiration from within.""- Prof. James D. Frankel, Chinese University of Hong Kong ""A survival manual for every human who needs inspiration."" - Tasnim Jadwat, Spinal Muscular Atrophy warrior, Master Chef South Africa ""A thoroughly enjoyable book that brings to life the author’s experiences and takes the reader on a journey of emotions, lessons, and life experiences. In particular the connections drawn to the verses of the Quran and prophetic narrations really inspires in the reader an attachment to Allah and a focus on the hereafter.” Sheikh Dr. Saalim Al-Azhari ""The brilliantly written book compellingly redirects focus toward endurance, growth, and seizing the best from challenging situations, making it a highly spiritual and relatable read."" - Rafia Haniff-Cleofas, Life Coach, Disability Advocate, Founder of Muslims with Disabilities International ""A profound exploration of the human experience of navigating life’s challenges with such strength and dignity is both enlightening and deeply inspiring."" - Kate Hepburn, Finding Sakeenah ""I'm in love with this book. Life experiences, profound reflections from a refreshing perspective."" - Samar Asamoah, author of 'How to be a Single Muslim Mum' and 'The Niqabi Diaries' Podcast host."