Assalamu Alaikum & A Warm Welcome
Sincerely, Sumayah
Podcasts and posts sharing spiritual insight and practical guidance for Muslim women finding themselves without losing sight of who He is (swt).
I’m Sumayah Hassan, I mentor Muslim women on the path to spiritual alignment and embracing the fullness of their identity. This is a space for Muslim women who want honesty, depth, and direction.
As a firm believer in authenticity over performance: and I'm here to confirm it's entirely possible to fully be yourself and still be a good Muslim.
You might know me as the voice behind the Sincerely, Sumayah podcast, a co-host of Honest Tea Talk, or from my Instagram. I'm also the author of 50 Reflections on the Qur'an, and the founder of Recite & Reflect: an online and in-person workshop I designed and launched in 2015 to teach Quranic Reflection or Tadabbur to English speakers using English resources.
Surat Al-Baqarah and Istighfar
One of the primary goals of my work is sharing the transformational practice of daily Istighfar, ideally 30k+ and reading the Qur'an in general—Surat Al-Baqarah specifically—and how it will change your world for the better in ways you can't begin to imagine or even grasp.
If you haven't started yet…
Get yourself a little tally counter or Tasbeeh ring and start your istighfar while you listen to the podcast. In the meantime, it's as simple as saying, “Astaghfirullah” repeatedly.
You don't have to count it, but knowing that you're increasing in quantity is motivating and helps you stay focused. Counting on your fingers is easy to get distracted from, and the clicker/counter serves as a physical tangible reminder to continue your istighfar.
Whatever in your life that isn't working out, feels stuck, pains you, has been delayed—or any type of challenge or difficulty, can be resolved with Istighfar. It's the key to other acts of worship and increased wealth, health, ease and every Khair. Start now. When you see how Allah will bless you, you'll wish you started sooner.
Don't forget to reach out and let me know all the amazing ways Allah is continuing to bless you and change your life and those around you through istighfar and His words.
Here's a great primer on Istighfar and Surat Al-Baqarah in an interview on the Women of Qur'an Episode 8
Renew Your Intentions:
It's free to subscribe. However, for those choosing to elevate to a paid subscription, I invite you to pause and renew your intentions. Make sure you include getting the full blessing and reward for everything I share and everyone who applies it. What's with Allah is never lost.
May Allah accept from every single one of you, and only increase you in Khair
Free subscription
The free episodes of Sincerely, Sumayah podcast.
Access to all free posts and content
I've listened to some episodes of the Sincerely, Sumayah podcast, and at least on two occasions, in the midst of deep introspection and in the midst of making/having made big life decisions. On both of these occasions, l've felt more grounded, and clearer and more affirmed in my next steps post listening. —listener
Paid subscription
Subscribe for £22 per month or £220 year for access to the premium content and paid posts.
Access to an exclusive community through regular online chats on Substack
Access to the Casual Conversations with Interesting Characters, podcasts where I explore the minds of my favorite people.
What my paid subscribers are saying:
"I admire your realism, your writing and authenticity. Your work with reflection and encouraging people to read the Quran helps me feel like I’ve found community with you. — N
"Your article on surah Al Baqarah has changed my days. " — Sister R
"I've been following your work since "Honest Tea Talk." I deeply admired how you spoke; and the wisdom you shared on how we can grow into our most authentic selves with more ease, grace and courage. It's been inspiring to see this beautifully merge with your faith and the in which way you embody it with so much love for the divine. " —Liz
"Thank you for all you do, Your work has helped me through a very long hardship I am still currently enduring.
"Someone sent me your podcast when I was diagnosed with a tumor and you spoke about Surah Baqarah and istighfar. Alhamdullillah!
Here's another interview with Khadijah Safari on YouTube where I discuss my journey and career path along with Surat Al-Baqarah and Istighfar
When Allah Writes Your Success Story How to Recognize (and Trust) Divine Timing Sumayah Hassan
Still want more?
The Crew: Group Mentoring
The exclusive tier for women who want more can join my group mentoring experience called The Crew, billed annually at £1,200 which includes:
2-hour monthly group Zoom Call
Voice-note Q&A
Archived replays
Priority responses
And of course, all of the publicly available content will always be free!
If a paid subscription isn’t an option, and you’d like access to this content, email me at sumayah@substack.com and I’ll take care of you.
Want to Ask Me A Question?
for the Dear Sumayah advice column or otherwise
Go ahead and email it to me at sumayah@substack.com
Disclaimer: Sincerely, Sumayah is not therapy or a mental health service, nor is it a substitute for counseling or mental health services of any kind. I am not showing up in this space as a counselor— I am showing up here as a creative and fellow human. If you are looking for mental health support or therapy, please consult with your local mental health resources.
