Alhumdulillah means “All Praise is due to God” and are the words uttered by a Muslim when he/she is expressing gratitude to Allah. I find myself saying this numerous times a day and this post is a collection of moments when I have said Alhumdulilah during the past month.

Things I said Alhumdulillah for in May:

1. The start of Ramadan, and being blessed to be able to appreciate this month and fast during it. Ramadan Mubarak!
2. My Nana (maternal grandfather) passed away this month back home in the UK after being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer a few months ago. As heart breaking as it is, Alhumdulillah for my family being there with my Nani (maternal grandmother) to support her during this difficult time. May Allah grant my Nana the highest place in Jannah, and give my family sabr during this difficult time.
3. Master Z turning 5! How big that boy is getting and how proud he makes me, words could never express. As I have done each year, I have written him a letter on his birthday which you can read here.
4. Iftar with friends. Being an expat mean although we don’t get to share these special moments with extended family, we do get to do so with friends that become like family.
5. Enjoying good food with impeccable presentation at Trèsind.
6. For good health. I was overcome with dehydration for a couple of days, and it truly makes you thankful for one’s own health. Health is indeed wealth.
7. Mr Z. When I wasn’t feeling too well, he really stepped up and took over all the chores. That man is pure gold.
8. Reading the stories of the Prophets to Master Z, and seeing him learn the Arabic alphabets so quickly. It has been so fulfilling to teach him about Islam during this month of Ramadan, and I hope the momentum continues past Eid too.
9. Mr Z flying off to Switzerland for a week long work trip. Although solo-parenting is a challenge (to say the least), I am grateful for his successful trips…and that he brings me back Swiss chocolate at the end of it! hehe!
10. Successfully travelling with two kids in tow across Dubai…solo. It’s not for the faint-hearted, I’ll tell you that!
11. The arrival of Mr A, my baby brother (I say baby, but he’s actually in his late teens…:P) for a 3 month long summer holiday in Dubai, filled with laughter and adventure! So excited for my boys to be able to bond with him.

These are just a few of the many times I uttered the words Alhumdulillah this month. Check out what I was thankful for last month here. Also, here’s a list of what I was thankful for in May last year! What are you thankful for? Feel free to share your moments in the comments section below.