Noor ul ain

F2018-050

History of TFA

Submitted to Ms. Sonia

In the time of Corona

These three items are my most favorite and basic items that I wear everyday specifically my gold hoops and black shirt. I could never bring myself to discard these three things in my lifetime, because I'm deeply connected with them.

Gold hoops: these were gifted to me by my Mom on my first birthday. It was a tradition in our family that when a girl was born, the mother gave the newborn her very own first piece of gold jewellery. I was born after five brothers and am the 'baby' of the family. I always wear these gold hoops in my everyday routine and even to events like marriages, parties, etc. I prefer hoops over every other style of earrings and have a huge collection of hoops. I prefer gold over silver and these hoops are a smooth, minimal design.

Black shirt: When I started designing three years ago I struggled a lot because it’s hard for me to sew. The first thing I stitched was a black shirt, because I'm obsessed with the color. I can wear black almost all year round and always prefer it to any other colors. This shirt is simple black and there is no design and aesthetic in it because I prefer minimal clothing. I usually don’t like prints and patterns. This is the basic shirt that I wear a lot in university and gym. 

Ajrak shawl: this is my grandmother's ajrak shawl. She used to wear it when she was young. She gave it to my mother at her marriage anniversary and my mom passed it down to me because I wanted something timeless and easy to wear in daily routine no matter what my personal style is. What a beautiful shawl and timeless design. Whenever I see this shawl it reminds me of my grandmother and our love.

How I live my Life in Quarantine:

Everyone is dealing with the pandemic and its fallout across the globe in different ways. People everywhere have been ordered to stay home and remain safe to curb the spread of the disease. Life as we know it has drastically changed. Three months ago things were completely different to the way we live our lives now.

When my university initially closed down, things were really tough for me. I couldn’t understand online classes and what criteria they required, but as time went by, things got easier and better.

Before the lock-down began, I was in a different city and away from my family for three years. Initially it was hard for me to adjust with them in isolation. I never realized that the day I left home for higher education, was the last day of my life with family as I remembered it growing up.

No matter how many times I visited my home subsequently for holidays or vacations, it was never the same. I always missed the old days. Then finally in quarantine I got to experience my old life again and spend quality time with my family like I'd always wanted to.

I have been reading lots of books on psychology and self awareness during the lockdown hoping to discover myself. I exercise daily for 45 mins as I’m very conscious about my fitness.

I prefer an easy going approach to everything and I always keep a positive attitude. I don't give up until I get something right and in quarantine, I focused on these aspects of my personality a lot.

Spirituality: Since the lock-down, I have regained spiritually stronger as I have had ample opportunity to focus on my faith. When I was away at university, I barely got enough for everyday religious practice, but in isolation I have had plenty of time for such things and now I am regular for various voluntary worship just because of COVID-19.

Family: during this isolation I got to spend more time with my family, precious moments that I never realized I was missing out on. I learn so much from them every time we sit together and talk. Before the lock-down, we all were so busy that we couldn't find time to spend with each other, but now I have fulfilled the need I felt to develop old bonds with my family. This entire experience has strengthened our ties. I will always put my family before everything else in this world because my parents and all five of my brothers are very supportive in all my affairs, one of the perks of being the youngest and only female sibling. 

Savings: I spent a lot of money when I was living away from home because of every day expenses. But now because there are no expense at home I'm saving a lot of money, which has made me appreciate home even more than ever before. 

Humanity: I always try to spend my spare time in productive ways and do little things for deserving people. During this chaos, we slowed down long enough to recognize the poor people around us, their weight on humanity, the implications of our actions and how we all are connected because of COVID-19. I also work on kids rights, education and violation charity projects. I realized how we neglect these issues in our lives. These are basic things and give purpose to life. 

There is one negative impact of COVID in my life that I can identify so far; the fact that I was forced to use various social media platforms all the time, many of which I've never used before as I’m not a very sociable person.

During this pandemic, my heart goes to people who live in toxic environments and suffer their lives in depression. My friends' cousins are facing these issues. I always try to help them out as I’m good at counselling. They are making social distancing difficult. Please be strong enough and let’s have courage through this together. Find yourself  and work on yourself. Always keep an optimistic mindset in every difficult situation and have faith in Allah.

Spread love and sprinkle kindness around. Please wash your hands frequently and stay at home. Please take care of every one around you. Sending hugs and healing vibes.

May Allah protect all of us.

Ameen.