The Journey Continues: Vancouver to Sudan

I am Sumaiya Tufail, a 22 year old Muslim Canadian on a journey to pursue Islamic Studies and be a benefit to the Ummah. On this path I had the opportunity to study at Madina Institute USA with Shaykh Muhammad bin Yahya Ninowy and complete the 1 Year Usul-Ud-Din Intensive program! But as he told me at the end of the year "If you want to go any further you must know the Arabic language well". Thankfully through one of my teachers I found an opportunity to fulfill a huge part of my larger dream and got the opportunity to do the Arabic program at the Open University of Sudan starting in September! This opportunity takes me one step closer to my ultimate dream of Islamic scholarship. However, I need your support to get there!

Overall Impact:

More About Me: My Story

I am a first generation Canadian born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia. My parents immigrated to Canada so that me and my 3 siblings could have a better future with more opportunity. My parents struggled to raise us as my father-the main provider-got into a car accident when all 4 of us were children and had to remain on disability. I quickly learned how to become independent and make my own money to support myself and my family at a young age. 

Throughout my youth-even though I was raised in a practicing Muslim family-I never had Muslim friends as there were basically none in my high school. Islam became cultural to me and became my last priority unfortunately. I was lost and even mixed with the wrong crowd. Alhamdulilah at the age of 19 through struggling with anxiety due to family issues and a good friend being diagnosed with schizophrenia, I submitted myself to Allah. I realized I couldn't go through life without Him. I finally started practicing. I started praying 5x a day, wearing the hijab, and striving to live a more intentional and God conscious life. I felt like a new person!

As I started this new chapter in my life I started meeting Muslims in the community, making friends and volunteering! I became so passionate about Islam and wanted to keep learning! Unfortunately I soon realized where I lived there were no places to learn at the level I wanted. Through frustration and prayer for guidance I found Madina Institute USA in 2015 which completely changed my life. That one year experience ignited the dream for Islamic scholarship, dawah and even resurrected my inner poet!

Currently I work full-time in the non profit field in fundraising and I am extremely active in my community. I started doing halaqat  (Islamic study circles) every month and volunteering for charitable fundraisers and Islamic events right after returning from Madina Institute. I also started my poetry page "Sumispeaks" where I share and post videos performing my spoken word poems using art as a form of dawah and connection with others. I've been asked to perform at various events to spread my message and experience alhamdulilah! 

Your Role: Ways to Support

1. Donate on LaunchGood right now!

2. Share on social media using the tools listed above!

3. Make a sincere prayer that Allah (SWT) grants me success in my studies and that many other Muslim women have similar opportunities, insha' Allah!

Thank you!