The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Illness

what it means to have faith. Cheering me on every step of the way. Dropping off halal and tayyib treats at my doorstep, reading all my books, implementing all she learned, we were in this together. She edited every book I wrote multiple times, including this one two weeks before she passed away. When this mission seemed too big, she would tell me, “Middo, Allah put you on this planet for his purpose, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” Zaina, I love you so much, your support, love and friendship has meant more to me than you will ever know. Can’t thank Allah and her parents for bringing her into this world and into my life, when I needed her most. May Allah protect her children, Noah and Isaac, to exemplify all she taught them to be righteous human beings.

I can’t thank Allah enough for adopted parents, Uncle Fahim, Aunty Naseem, Sr Jill and Dr Ahmad who blessed me with their wisdom and support. Thank you, Jazak Allah Khair for opening my eyes to, deepening my love for the Qur’an and Sunnah, helping me to understand the Qur’an in a whole different light. Can’t thank Allah enough for Aunty Ayesha, Dr Uthman and Susan Cavallo that opened my eyes to the wonders of integrative, holistic and functional medicine.

I can’t thank Allah enough for Kube Publishing, helping me make my dreams a reality. I can’t thank Allah for all the leaders in functional, integrative and holistic medicine, that have educated and opened my eyes to real whole system healing, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle and helping me understand tayyib in more detail.

Most importantly, my children, Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, Qasim—my gifts from Allah. While writing this book one day, while they fold laundry, I asked them, “Why did Allah bless me with such amazing children?” They replied, “Mama, Allah made a deal with you. If He gave you good children, you would have to work for Allah, teaching people how to take care of the blessings Allah gave us. You start it and we can work with you!”

May Allah continue to bless each step we all take. May every word I speak, and even letter I write, continue to shower those that blessed my life with Allah’s infinite blessings. The power of unconditional love and sacrifice, completely for the sake of Allah, can open doors that one could have never even imagined.

My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.

(Qur’an 46:15)