Update on my upcoming collection, coping with my Mother's cancer journey & her passing.
All Details
PAINTINGS
Typically, I work on about five paintings (48"-60") over the span of one year. This year, my collection will be different- there will be three large paintings.
Size: 96"x60" | 8x5 FT
Medium: mixed media on canvas
TIMELINE
Aiming to launch end of November inshaAllah
These paintings have been emotionally challenging. The weight of honoring my mother's legacy and creating pieces that can serve as comfort to those going through similar experiences of terminal illness, is so heavy. May Allah swt give me the ability to do justice to these pieces, ameen.
Each painting is being filled with heavy texture and detail so the observer can interpret the piece like a mental puzzle.
1-DAY AUCTION
Once the auction date is scheduled, members will receive an official invitation to RSVP. All important details will be provided.
Every year, the last 60 seconds are absolutely intense, subhanAllah. The online auction is open to members worldwide. Majority of my past collectors are based in the UK & US.
INVESTMENT
In 2017, the collection sold within minutes, prompting members to propose an auction system to ensure fair access to originals. Given the limited number of paintings, collectors now determine the prices.
In 2023, the auction prices for paintings varied from $10,000-$20,000 USD
My mother's passing:
After a two month battle with pancreatic cancer, my mother returned to her creator peacefully on the 11th of Muharram- the month of Allah. Throughout her journey, she remained an active and joyful soul, making those around her laugh despite her pain. Allah swt blessed us with the opportunity to care for her.
She had lived a life of being of service to others and had impacted so many lives. Her final days and janazah was a testament to her status in Allah's eyes, alhumdulillah.
The masjid was overflowing. There were hundreds of people. "I have been coming to this masjid for over 30 years, this is the biggest janazah I've seen," someone said. As I stood amongst the crowd, I couldn't stop smiling while repeating, "Alhumdulillah". May Allah accept her into Jannah, ameen.
This experience has made me reflect a lot. As humans, we are flawed. So what quality of ours will make someone drive across the city in the middle of a work day to attend our janazah?
The women who held me close and told me their stories, all had similar experiences. My mother was a cheerful personality that brought happiness and was always there for everyone in their time of grief. Always ready to help. From children to elders, they all had a story.
This journey has taught me that illness can be a profound opportunity to seek forgiveness, earn rewards, and grow closer to Allah before returning to Him. It is a blessing.
Now, I am channeling the lessons learned from her life into a collection of three large-scale paintings in her honor. I miss her a lot. As her daughter, it's my duty to carry on her legacy.
These works are rooted in the Quranic stories that gave me comfort throughout this experience, and my hope is they bring solace to others, as they did for me.
Thank you for your prayers and support throughout this time. May Allah swt bless you and your loved ones, forgive us all, and grant our parents Jannatul Firdous, ameen.
-Saleha, Nasim's Daughter
How Quranic stories helped me navigate my mother's cancer journey
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DIAGNOSIS | Maryam as
With such devastating news and not knowing how to process this pain, I imagined Maryam AS under the tree, giving birth alone.
The birth of Prophet Isa teaches us how to trust and rely on Allah to protect us in any situation. Having tawakkul. Through the years of worship, Allah was preparing her to trust in Him during this crucial moment.
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HOPE | Hajar as
With every scan, searching for a glimpse of hope, I imagined Hajar AS running between the mountains tirelessly & witnessing the miracle of Zamzam.
Despite being in an empty dessert,
Hajar AS continued to run and search for water or any sign of life.
Allah says, "I am what my servant expects
of me". Allah will always make a way out for those who are conscious of him. Try your best and then put your
trust in Allah.
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SICKNESS | Prophet Yunus
When it got overwhelming, I imagined myself in the belly of a whale. Complete darkness, seeking forgiveness and in desperate need of help. Repeating Ayat-E-Karima.
The story of Prophet Yunus AS was sent down to comfort the Prophet PBUH during his most difficult moment. The Prophet PBUH said, no one calls upon Allah with this dua, except that Allah grants him refuge and relieves him of the hardship he is in.
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FINAL DAYS | Prophet Ibrahim
When the time was near, I imagined myself in the blazing fire & being certain that the coolness was coming. He swt would make the passing blessed.
"Hasbunallah Wani'mal Wakeel"
This one powerful statement transformed the scorching fire into a soothing coolness of protection for Prophet Ibrahim AS. Each time this verse is mentioned in the Quran, Allah mentions that it removes harm and paves
the way for goodness to come into our lives.
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AFTER PASSING | Prophet Yusuf
After witnessing the beautiful passing and the overflowing janazah, I imagined Prophet Yusuf, when he had a climactic reunion with his family and he said, "my master is so subtle"
FAQs
Frequent Questions
Do you take commissions?
Apologies, but I do not take on commissioned work. To honour the creative process, I spend the year dedicated to working on only one collection.
Does the 5-Star hotel in Makkah have original paintings?
No. There are a limited number of originals due to the time dedicated to each piece. The hotel requested a large quantity of prints. Fine art posters were framed as per the specific design requirements of each area of the hotel. Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel.
Most prints under "Best-Sellers" can be seen at the hotel.
Do you sell paintings outside of an auction system?
The auction system was suggested by members to allow a fair opportunity for all. For this reason, originals are only sold during the annual auction.
Do you exhibit your paintings before the auction?
Not at the moment. Once the annual collection is complete, members receive information regarding the online auction date.
"Your paintings are like a mental puzzle. Aesthetically pleasing & intellectually stimulating"