Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim reads a wisdom from the “30 Days” book that my (then 16-year old) son wrote — one that has clearly guided him.

When Peter Sanders was a young boy, he used to make a frame using two fingers of each hand – so he could take away the clutter, and focus on what’s right in front of him.

Asma Khan, founder of the acclaimed restaurant Darjeeling Express, shares her reflections on patience — and her mother's wisdom.

An honor to speak alongside the Ambassador of Pakistan Asad Majeed Khan at an event promoting Peace and Understanding.

We talked about the role of storytelling in a fast-paced, short-attention-span world of swipes and likes.

The book’s beautiful cover design and art by Sughra Hussainy fit so beautifully with the exquisite art of the Alhambra I couldn’t resist taking ‘30 photos’!

The billboard outside announced my talk; I had to take a picture – never in my dreams did I think I would get a chance to share my book in this beautiful, soulful corner of the world, once the center of Islamic art, architecture, thought, and power.

Absolutely gorgeous setting (the venue matched the book beautifully!) to launch ‘30 Days’ in Madrid with an interesting mix of people from art, culture, journalism, philanthropy, law, and more.

I was waiting for this picture - my mom (middle) and her two sisters (and another smiling down from heaven) - reading my book, our book.

"Contentment. That's what I learned from my mother and my father," Ambassador Khan tells me. "They were very content, with whatever they had; they were the least material people.”

Want to write your story, but don’t know how to start? Take a listen for a dose of inspiration.

My Mom’s wisdom, which I continue to turn to over and over. Take a listen (1 min).

Salma Hasan Ali used her passion for storytelling to create a 10-year Ramadan tradition. Now, she’s turned it into a book.

By Aliya KarimPublished on 5/11/2021

When I think of the word gratitude, you are the first thing that comes to mind. Not just because you are writing this blog or because it is a value that you have worked so hard to try and instill in Zayd and me for years, but because there is nothing in the world that I am more grateful for than you.

My mother is extraordinary. I don’t tell her that enough. What I am, I am because of her. Her duas are what have sustained me, what have sustained our family.

Kazi Mannan, owner of Sakina Halal Grill in Washington, D.C., grew up in poverty in a small village in Pakistan, without electricity or running water, one of ten kids. "Even when we were going through extreme poverty, my mother, whenever she cooked something good, she would say …

I used to wonder why people of different faiths or none would follow the ‘30 Days’ Ramadan blog each year? I think I have a pretty good idea …

Our stories become even more important when someone you love passes - the stories you have about them become your lifeline. As it did for me.

“You have captured with this project something ineffable and vital: we are our stories, and we are our best when we honor our unique stories in ways that connect us to something bigger than ourselves.” -Shields

Salma is mad at me. She’s been asking me for my dua for the '30 Days' Ramadan blog for two weeks and I haven’t given her one. It’s not because I haven’t wanted to or don’t feel the importance of contributing. It’s that I feel it too much.