Me & My Faith: Salma Masrour
Originally I’m from Morocco, but I was born and raised in the UK. Growing up with a strong connection to my Moroccan heritage, from the language to the traditions, has always been important to me. At the same time, living in London has given me a unique perspective, and I feel lucky to have this blend of cultures. It’s allowed me to take the best of both worlds, and that’s really shaped the way I see things.
I grew up in a Muslim household, where faith has always been a central part of my life. Islam isn’t just a religion to me, it’s a way of living. From a young age, I was encouraged to learn more about my faith, and I started practicing early on, including wearing the hijab. As I’ve grown older, my relationship with Islam has deepened. I feel more connected to my religion with each passing year, and I’m constantly striving to improve myself and expand my understanding every day.
The most special thing about being a Muslim is its guiding principles and how they shape a way of life. The daily prayers, for example, instil a sense of discipline and structure in my day, while also keeping me spiritually grounded. Through these practices, I’m constantly reminded to be grateful for what I have and to thank Allah for His blessings.
Beyond the personal aspect, being part of the Muslim community is incredible. There’s a strong sense of unity and support, especially during times of worship and events like Ramadan or Eid. Whether it’s through shared faith, advice or simply the bond of common values, there’s a sense of belonging and encouragement. In times of challenge or uncertainty, I know I can turn to others for guidance, whether it’s through spiritual advice or just emotional support. The sense of brotherhood and sisterhood within the community reminds me that I’m never alone, and that we are all striving together to improve ourselves and support each other on our spiritual journeys.
One of the traditions I cherish most is Ramadan. It’s such a special time where I feel deeply connected to Allah through the five daily prayers, fasting and reflection. I love the sense of spiritual renewal it brings and the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my faith. It’s also a time for self-discipline and gratitude, helping me reset and refocus on what truly matters. I enjoy the sense of community – from sharing meals at Iftar to coming together for extra prayers. It’s a time for both personal growth and bonding with family and the wider Muslim community.
As a Moroccan family, we have special traditions for celebrating key Islamic holidays. For example, during Ramadan, we enjoy traditional dishes such as harira and shabakiya, which are both so delicious. One of my favourite aspects of the month is having Iftar together as a family; it’s a cherished time where we connect and share our Iftar together. We also attend Taraweeh prayers together every night where we meet our friends and pray.
Eid is another special occasion for us. We make it a point to invite friends and extended family over to celebrate, creating a warm and festive environment. Plus, we believe in giving back to our community, so we always prepare extra food to share with our neighbours, regardless of their faith. It makes these celebrations even more meaningful.
Like everyone, I experience ups and downs in life. During challenging moments, my faith has helped me stay grounded. Turning to prayer and seeking guidance offers comfort and clarity. I find that my faith also encourages resilience and helps me maintain perspective in the face of difficulty. Additionally, the sense of community is incredibly supportive; knowing that I have others who share my beliefs and values gives me strength.
Prayer is a fundamental part of my daily routine and serves as a vital connection to Allah. The five daily prayers create important moments of reflection that help me step back from my busy life. They provide an opportunity to recharge and refocus, fostering a sense of mindfulness that allows me to approach my tasks with clarity and balance. The Quran, on the other hand, is my source of guidance and inspiration. I try to read and reflect on its teachings regularly, which helps me navigate life’s challenges and encourages me to embody the values of compassion, patience, and justice. The wisdom found in the Quran not only strengthens my faith but also enriches my understanding of the world and my place in it.
I follow a halal diet. For me, this means consuming food that complies with Islamic dietary laws, which includes eating meat that has been properly slaughtered and avoiding certain prohibited foods. Living in London makes it relatively easy to find halal options, as there are many restaurants and grocery stores that cater to this. When eat out or cooking at home, I always check for the halal certification and choose vegetarian options when halal choices aren’t available. I also make sure to eat halal even when I’m traveling, often researching restaurants in advance to ensure I have suitable options.
One of my favourite halal restaurants is Fait Maison, which has a lovely selection of dishes and a cosy atmosphere. Dishoom is great for delicious Indian cuisine, while Bari Bari specialises in Korean BBQ. Berenjak offers fantastic Persian dishes, and Oshpaz showcases flavourful Central Asian cuisine. Each of these places has its own charm.
For me, being Muslim works perfectly well for modern life in 2024. It doesn’t limit or restrict me; rather, it offers a framework that helps me navigate today’s fast-paced world with purpose. Being a modern-day Muslim means that I can fully engage with the advancements and opportunities of the present while staying true to my faith. Islam encourages reflection, growth and adaptability, and these qualities help me balance both my spiritual life and worldly goals. It’s about living authentically, aligning my daily actions with my beliefs, and demonstrating that faith and modernity can coexist harmoniously.
My faith encourages me to approach my work with a strong sense of ethics and responsibility. It reminds me that my skills and talents are a form of service to others, and I aim to use them to make a meaningful impact in my field. Whether through teamwork, leadership, or mentorship, I strive to embody the principles of fairness and respect in my professional life. Ultimately, my faith provides a foundation for my aspirations and motivates me to seek both personal fulfilment and a greater good.
I always take my faith into consideration when on social media. I strive to post content that is beneficial and uplifting, aligning with the values of compassion, honesty and respect that Islam teaches. I believe in the importance of sharing positive messages and promoting kindness, as these principles not only reflect my beliefs but also contribute to a more supportive and understanding community. I also aim to use my platform to raise awareness about important issues, whether they pertain to social justice, mental health, or community support. Ultimately, I want my online presence to reflect my values and be a source of inspiration, fostering connection and dialogue that can lead to positive change.
There are misconceptions about Muslim women being oppressed or limited in their capabilities. Through my content, particularly by sharing my travel experiences and personal journey, I aim to challenge and change that narrative. I want to show that Muslim women can be adventurous, empowered, and successful, breaking down stereotypes and highlighting the rich diversity within the Muslim community. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others while staying true to my faith and values.
Fashion is a big part of my identity, and I initially started out as a fashion content creator. I love exploring modern trends and I like to find ways to adapt them to be more modest while staying true to my personal style. I enjoy layering, wearing longer silhouettes and adding stylish accessories to create outfits that showcase current trends while staying modest. My goal is to demonstrate that modest fashion can be both chic and fashionable. Some of my favourite modest fashion brands include Storewf, Daksa Fashion, Turana Atash London and Lyra Modest. Each of these brands offer unique pieces that blend contemporary fashion with modesty.
My advice to young Muslims navigating their faith in the social media age is to stay true to yourself and surround yourself with a supportive circle of friends. Authenticity is crucial; it’s important to express your beliefs and values honestly while engaging with online content. Choose friends who uplift and inspire you, as they can help reinforce your faith and provide a positive influence. Additionally, be mindful of the content you consume and share. Aim to engage with positive messages that align with your values and contribute to your personal growth. Remember, social media is just a tool; it’s up to you to use it in a way that reflects your true self.
There are many misconceptions about Islam that I wish more people understood. However, I feel that things are slowly changing, and social media is playing a significant role in this shift. It allows people to learn more about the religion from authentic sources rather than relying solely on television or media portrayals. This accessibility to information helps foster a deeper understanding of Islam and its diverse communities, ultimately breaking down stereotypes and promoting dialogue.
One aspect of my faith that brings me immense joy and fulfilment is the understanding that Allah is always there for us. We can turn to Him at any time, knowing that He listens and cares. This belief gives me comfort and reassurance, especially during challenging times. I have faith that, ultimately, everything will work out as it should because He is the best of planners. This sense of trust and reliance on Allah not only strengthens my faith but it also brings peace to my heart.
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