Robina Story

On the morning she was set to fly to Morocco to pick up her adopted daughter, Robina received an important phone call that could have altered the course of her life—she had been awaiting a medical diagnosis regarding an abnormal lump in her breast. The doctors gave her the all-clear, informing her that there was less than a 5% chance of a malignant tumour. This gave her the reassurance to continue with her plans.

Upon her return to Canada, three months to the day after adopting her daughter, Robina received devastating news: a breast cancer diagnosis. Although Robina was aware of her increased risk of breast cancer due to family history—and had therefore begun early screening tests as a preventative measure—the news came as a shock. Robina had always lived an active and healthy lifestyle, and the timing of the diagnosis felt deeply unfair. It was devastating not only for her, but also for her newly adopted daughter, who had already experienced so much loss and instability.

Allah SWT had opened the doors of adoption to Robina, for which she felt deeply grateful—but it was difficult to accept what was happening. Like anyone in her situation, Robina felt anger and confusion. It felt unfair, as if she was being robbed of precious time with her daughter. Even more heartbreaking was the thought that her daughter would face yet another difficult journey.

Robina had no choice but to fall back on her rational and practical mindset. She focused on what she could control and let go of what she couldn’t, as she prepared to fight the battle of protecting her health and body—an amanah entrusted to all Muslims. Drawing on her faith, she practiced tawakkul: a deep, unwavering belief that Allah SWT would ensure the best outcome, no matter what. She believed that ultimately, she and her daughter would be okay. The ayah, “Verily, with hardship comes ease” (Qur’an 94:5), replayed in Robina’s mind, as did the story of Prophet Ayyub (may peace be upon him), who was tested in patience through illness. This was Robina’s test from Allah SWT, and while it took time, she slowly came to accept it. She felt strength grow within her and committed to trusting in Allah and showing patience.

Looking back, as she navigated the difficult journey of cancer treatment, Robina saw her daughter as her greatest blessing. Her daughter, Noor (meaning “light”), became the reason she pushed through the darkest moments—the reason she got out of bed each morning and carried on. Robina needed her daughter just as much as her daughter needed her. This cemented a bond that had always been part of the beautiful and most perfect plan of Allah SWT:

“But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners” (Qur’an 8:30).

Noor was the ease in Robina’s life during her time of hardship.

By the grace of Al-Wadud (The Most Loving) and Al-Muqeet (The Sustainer), Robina had a large family and a close network of friends who supported her through this difficult time. Her experience is a powerful story of tawakkul and qadr. She now reflects on the immense love she has as a mother for her daughter, and on the hadith in which our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Allah is more merciful to His servants than this mother is to her child” (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5999, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2754)—a reminder that strengthens Robina’s faith and tawakkul even more.

Robina now shares her story to inspire women to prioritise and advocate for their physical health and well-being. As caregivers in Muslim communities, women often hesitate—due to modesty or stigma—to address health needs openly. Robina encourages women to speak honestly about cancer risks and to overcome the barriers that prevent timely screenings and interventions. She urges women to advocate for their own health, because no one else will. Most importantly, Robina’s story reflects why managing cancer through the lens of our faith, as Muslims, is so integral to cancer support services. Her message of hope carries an important reminder about having faith in Allah SWT:

“Allah loves you more than a mother loves her child. Being a mother, and appreciating how much I love my daughter—and knowing that Allah loves me more than that—I trust that He will look after me and care for me, and that I will be okay.

Coming to that realisation, and feeling that love, is one of the most beautiful things I’ve experienced on this journey.”

Robina Khan