Success Stories
Inspiring stories of triumph and determination.
Light in the Fingertip:
Sakina's Unwavering Fighting Spirit at 69
The life of Sakina, a native of Manjeri, is a beautiful poem of determination.
Sakina's journey from a childhood of groping on dark roads to the present day of absorbing the light of knowledge through her fingertips is amazing.
The unrecognized number:
Sakeena's eyes became dark when she was two and a half years old. When her younger sister contracted smallpox, her mother moved the child to the upper floor of the house to prevent the disease from spreading.
When Sakina cried and said she wanted to see her mother from the stairs, everyone scolded her, saying that she was being naughty.
The child was unable to convince her family that she was blind.
Finally, the truth came to light one Friday during lunch.
The father placed it in the hands of his daughter, who was still crying despite having her favorite pappadam in front of her.
When the family saw the change in the way she bought pappadam, they were shocked to realize that the reason her daughter had been crying for so long was not because of her eyes, but because of her blindness.
Medical errors and delayed medical care:
Since allopathic treatment was not widespread at that time, they relied on traditional medicine.
The doctor said that the child had a black eye.
The family ignored the doctor's advice not to treat the black eye and applied medicine to the wound, and the doctor ruled that Sakina had lost her sight forever.
Later, when she was nine and fifteen, she went to medical college, but the doctors threw up their hands, saying that nothing could be done because it was too late to seek treatment.
The parents' ignorance and the lack of timely treatment plunged the girl's world into darkness.
A thick sheet of paper and an unchanging heart:
Sakeena watched her siblings go to school with new clothes and books with longing.
In 1973, a thick sheet of paper from a cement sack was held in Sakena's hands.
It was full of dots. Her mind whispered that it was a secret language.
She constantly prayed to God, seeking the meaning of those dots.
It was after 33 years that the wind of change blew in Sakena's life.
In 2006, her mother registered Sakena's name in the Braille literacy program of Areekode Block Panchayat, but due to opposition from other family members, she could not go.
Sakena cried for a week without food or sleep.
Then, the woman who came to see her brother's daughter in labor understood Sakena's distress.
They succeeded in convincing their relatives that it was cruel to hinder Sakina's insatiable desire to learn.
However, their persistent advice paid off.
Finally, her mother decided to send her daughter to a Braille literacy class.
That six-month course turned out to be the greatest joy in Sakina's life.
At that time, she could only learn Malayalam in Braille.
That's how Sakina realized the meaning of the dots she saw on that thick paper in 1973.
Spring blossomed through Braille:
In 2018, Sakina joined the Global Islamic Foundation for the Blind (GIFB), a sister organization of the Assabah Society for the Blind, in Pulikkal.
Learning Arabic Braille from there was a big turning point in Sakina's life.
Sakina, who learned Arabic Braille at the age of sixty, now recites the Holy Quran with her fingertips. She also memorized some chapters.
Sakina, who used to be shy and reserved, has now become an active personality who jokes and interacts with people of all ages.
Unfading enthusiasm:
Today, Sakina is an active presence in Quran exams.
Her joy lies in gaining that knowledge more than in winning prizes.
Sakina, who loves traveling and cherishing friendships, is still energetic at the age of 69.
"I have regained many things at this age that I thought were lost," Sakina's words are a great inspiration to anyone who feels discouraged in life.
A beacon of survival in the darkness:
Born and raised in the greenery of Karuvarakund in Malappuram district, Nusayba's life was as colorful as any other girl's until the age of 18.
But when fate took away her sight, it was not the beginning of weakness, but the beginning of a strong fight.
Days when the light was hidden:
Darkness began to spread in Nusayba's world during her degree studies.
First in her right eye, then in her left eye
Although she underwent nine surgeries, her vision completely gave way to shadows by 2007.
While confined within the four walls of her house, the only question in front of her was "What next?".
Sajna Teacher, a turning point:
In 2021, meeting Sajna Teacher became a turning point in Nusayba's life.
She learned about the 'Assabah Society for the Blind' and the Global Islamic Foundation for the Blind (GIFB) in Pulikkal from her teacher.
There, she got the opportunity to learn computers and Braille.
After learning Arabic Braille, she gained the confidence to recite the Holy Quran on her own.
Hearing the experiences of other sisters in similar situations, she was convinced that she could do a lot.
A career that overcame challenges:
Nuzaiba's perception that teaching was the only path for the visually impaired was corrected after joining GIFB.
That day, she realized that visually impaired people write the exams conducted by PSC for various posts and get jobs.
Nuzaiba, who was ranked in the PSC exam, is hopeful of getting a government job as soon as possible.
Her relationship with Assabah changed Nuzaiba's life and outlook on life.
Today, Nuzaiba is not just a beneficiary; rather, she is a heroine who provides direction to hundreds of people as the state secretary of the Assabah Society for the Blind Women's Section.
"My change was from worrying about what I would do next to thinking about what I could do for others." - says Nuzaiba.
That's how she rose to the leadership ranks of Assabah Nuzaiba was able to rise.
'Wonders Kitchen' - The rise of an entrepreneur:
Nuzaiba's strength is not limited to the visually impaired.
She started a catering service called 'Wonders Kitchen' by uniting unemployed housewives.
The local lunch prepared using vegetables directly collected from farmers is today a favorite taste of the country.
The lunch prepared by "Wonders Kitchen" is delivered to various offices, institutions and homes by the members themselves.
Nuzaiba, the CEO of this venture, is today providing a source of income for many women.
Nuzaiba also oversees an institution called 'Mizhi Ambience' in Karuwarakund.
Lunch box and social service:
Nuzaiba's social work through the 'Lunch Box' group, formed with her friends from SSLC days, is exemplary.
* Environmental protection: She plants and protects tree saplings on the roadsides
* A Watering Can for Birds: A project to prepare water in earthen pots for birds during the summer.
* A Touch of Comfort: Medical assistance, marriage assistance, and relief work are provided to the needy.
Each member is dedicated to coordinating and implementing the activities of the Lunch Box.
Nusaibah is also currently the president of the Lunch Box.
A Daughter as a Shadow:
Nusaibah, who lost her parents, now has a daughter, Alfa Fatima, who is a ninth grader, to support her.
Nusaibah continues her journey with a big dream of creating more job opportunities for the visually impaired.
This Malappuram native is proving through her life that vision is not just in the eyes, but in the mind.
When faith and determination became light: Usman's success story
The life of Usman, a native of Alanelloor in Palakkad district, who did not give up in the face of the limitations of his vision and changed his life by taking advantage of his confidence, is a textbook for everyone.
His growth from a life that would have been confined within the four walls of his home to a teacher and imam who is a role model for the community is astonishing.
A childhood that challenged limitations:
Usman did not receive any primary education or training for the visually impaired.
However, he overcame his physical limitations with hard work.
He was able to do any household chores alone, including climbing coconut trees and doing hard work in the fields.
But his connection with the outside world was still distant.
He was unable to travel alone.
Wisdom beyond letters:
Usman proved that age is not a barrier to education at the age of 20.
Although he wanted to go to a madrasa to study, his inability to read letters became an obstacle.
But he asked his teacher's permission to learn by listening to others.
By memorizing the verses recited by the teacher and seeking help from his sisters at home, he memorized more than half of the Quran.
However, he did not have the confidence to recite the Quran in front of others.
This was because, since he did not know how to read, Usman did not have the opportunity to refine his spelling or listen to the recitations of famous reciters to improve his accuracy.
A turning point in his life:
Ten years ago, at the age of 49, his relationship with Badusha, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, led to a big change in Usman's life.
Usman happily joined the Global Islamic Foundation for the Blind (GFB) in Pulikkal, Malappuram, after learning about it from Badusha.
After three years of intensive study, he mastered the Arabic Braille script.
With this, he was able to read the Quran on his own and gain a deep understanding of Islam.
He also received Orientation and Mobility training from there.
Now he travels alone everywhere.
Towards teaching and leadership:
It was a recognition of his talent that he was able to serve as a teacher in the same institution where he studied.
Later, he also worked as a teacher in the Kolathara Madrasa.
Now, Usman, who has been working as an Imam in a mosque for the past four years, also leads the Tarabeeh prayers during the month of Ramadan.
Usman's name often appears in the top three positions in the All Kerala Quran Knowledge Examinations conducted by the Assabah Society.
All the achievements that were once unimaginable have become a reality in Usman's life today.
Usman, who lives happily with his wife and four children, is a great inspiration to all those who want to move forward without blaming their limitations.
The light of survival that blooms in the darkness
This is the amazing story of a man who was suddenly uprooted from the world of sight and turned that darkness into light for others.
The life of Hamza, the state vice president of the Assabah Society for the Blind, is synonymous with untiring fighting spirit.
A childhood of trials:
Hamza was born on March 3, 1971, in an ordinary family in Vengara Iringallur, Malappuram district.
The second of six children, he was unable to complete his schooling due to financial constraints.
He shouldered the burden of the family at a very young age and found a way to survive by doing jobs including tailoring.
The dark dawn of fate:
That shocking change happened at the age of seventeen. Hamza, who went to bed as usual, woke up the next morning to the news that the whole world was in darkness.
The teenager, who had completely lost his sight, remained silent for two years, without any contact with the outside world.
New doors of survival:
The intervention of a local master, Muhammedkutty, was the turning point in Hamza's life.
With his help, he joined an institution called KFB-RC in Kozhikode.
From there, Hamza learned 'chair carving' and started to get his life back on track by repairing chairs in government institutions.
In the meantime, he got married, and his wife and four children supported him through all the difficulties.
In search of the light of knowledge:
Even when his material conditions improved, the lack of religious education troubled him.
His search for facilities for the visually impaired to gain knowledge led him to the Global Islamic Foundation for the Blind in Pulikkal.
While living and studying there, he became proficient in Arabic Braille, Quran recitation, Islamic lessons, and self-cultivation.
After his studies, he served as a teacher in the same institution.
He got the opportunity to lead Taraweeh prayers in many mosques during the months of Ramadan.
To the leadership ranks:
Hamza's sincere work took him to high positions in the organizational field.
Hamza, who performed excellent work as the Malappuram District President of the Assabah Society for the Blind, was later elected as the State Vice President of the organization.
Today, his field of activity is wide.
• Supervision of madrasas from Thrissur to Kasaragod.
• Direct teaching at the Kasaragod Madrasa.
• Teaching the Quran to people in various areas online and through WhatsApp groups.
The journey continues...
Hamza was also fortunate enough to perform Umrah twice.
Although he has lost the light in his eyes, he is today a beloved teacher of hundreds of students with the light of knowledge within.
This man, who did not flinch in the face of crises, is a great textbook for every ordinary person.
Fiyaz, who never gives up despite the crisis
The life of Fiyas, a native of Kottapuram in Malappuram district, who defeated the unexpected blows of fate with determination, is an example for everyone.
The story of this young man who fought tirelessly and regained his life even when darkness fell on his dreams and happiness is a powerful lesson in survival.
Collapse of hopes:
Fiyas was in the most beautiful period of his life after completing his master's degree in economics in 2016, working in several companies, getting married in 2021, and having a child in his arms.
But a bike accident that took place on January 18, 2022 turned Fiyas' life upside down.
Fiyas, who was born with sight, lost his sight completely in that accident.
Many treatments were tried, but to no avail.
His daughter was just two months old at that time.
For those eight months, mentally and physically exhausted, Fiyas was confined within the four walls of his house.
Those days filled with fear and anxiety were the hardest time in his life.
Assabah: The beginning of change:
It was during that time of despair that Fiyaz came to know about the organization 'Assabah Society for the Blind'.
Although he visited the institution with his father, he was initially afraid of stepping into a new situation.
However, the constant encouragement and support of his family, his late father Razaq Master, and friends led Fiyaz back to the world of studies.
The Global Islamic Foundation for the Blind (GIFB), under Assabah, which operates in Parlikal, was a turning point in Fiyaz's life.
The training he received from there to use a mobile phone and the orientation and mobility training he received gave him great confidence.
Steps to Achievement:
With the full support of Assabah, Fiyaz started his B.Ed studies. He attended B.Ed classes from Monday to Friday and special trainings at Assabah on Saturdays and Sundays.
Meeting many people who were visually impaired like him but faced life with a smile helped him recover from the mental trauma caused by the accident.
Fiyas, who had passed K-TET during his studies, passed the computer course organized by Assabah (C-DIT) with the highest marks.
After mastering English-Malayalam typing and MS Office, he was able to use the computer better than when he was sighted.
He also trained in bicycle assembling and umbrella making during vacations, shortening the distance to self-sufficiency.
Towards the goal:
From washing his own clothes to traveling independently, Fiyas learned through Assabah.
The hard work soon paid off.
Fiyas was appointed as a teacher at Kondotty Ulavattoor HIO HSS.
He has been doing his job there with excellence for the past one year.
Meanwhile, he wrote the PSC exam for the post of High School Teacher (HST) and was shortlisted.
With gratitude...
"It was Assabah and GIFB who rekindled my dreams.
Their support and encouragement brought me to where I am today," Fiyaz recalls gratefully.
Today, Fiyaz is a good teacher and a loving family man.
This young man has proven through his life that vision is bigger than sight.
A journey of letters that overcame limitations:
Badusha's struggle to seek the light of knowledge even when the world of vision was closed is an example for everyone.
Badusha made her life a living from a childhood that was denied formal education due to congenital visual impairment.
Badusha had adopted small ways of earning money since childhood.
Making paper bags and weaving chairs are some of them.
Later, she improved her income by running a flour mill, which was considered impossible for the visually impaired by the general public.
First steps towards letters:
She started by attending Quran classes with her father Abdul Karim Sahib and learning by listening.
Later, when she learned about Braille, she learned English Braille with the help of her friends.
Learning Malayalam Braille was not successful at that time.
However, her desire to learn Arabic Braille did not materialize at that time due to circumstances.
Family and Education:
After her marriage in 2001, decisive changes took place in Badusha's educational life.
With the full support of his wife and children, he successfully completed his 10th standard through Equality Education and then his Plus Two through NIOS.
The wonder of Braille:
His association with the organization 'Assabah Society for the Blind' was a turning point in Badusha's life.
In 2006, he mastered Braille under the tutelage of Abdullah Master at a camp held at Chala Juma Masjid.
As a result of that study, he was able to complete the 'Amma Jusu' of the Quran in Braille in his own handwriting.
He still preserves that manuscript like a treasure.
Further studies and GIFB:
His desire to learn more led him to GIFB (Global Islamic Foundation For The Blind) in 2011, which operates in Pulikkal, Malappuram.
With the help of As-Sabah State President Karim Master, he joined a six-month residential course there.
There, he mastered basic Islamic knowledge, including the Arabic Braille Quran.
His parents' encouragement also gave him great strength. Later, he also participated in the Quran Hifl (memorization) course.
Towards service:
After returning home after his studies, Badusha became active in Quran study activities.
In 2020, he was elected as the President of the As-Sabah Society for the Blind, Southern Region.
He did not limit himself to religious studies alone, but also gained knowledge in modern technology.
Thus, he was also able to get training in computers and mobile phones.
In the meantime, he also got the opportunity to learn acupuncture.
Today, he also serves as an excellent acupuncturist.
A new goal: Assabah Academy:
With the hope that other visually impaired people should not have to go through the hardships he experienced, he is currently running an institution called 'Assabah Academy for the Visually Impaired' in Thiruvananthapuram with the help of well-wishers.
Badusha and his friends are opening a big door of knowledge and survival for the visually impaired.
Badusha's life shows us that limitations are no obstacle, and that with willpower and hard work, any peak can be conquered.