EP18: You’ve Been Programmed Since Birth | Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui
Hey everyone, Umer here!
What path did you choose?
That’s how the conversation started. And Shahrez Hayder didn’t hesitate.
“Allah’s path.”
But what stood out wasn’t just the answer. It was everything behind it.
Here’s what I learned.
It’s All Preparation
Shahrez’s story isn’t linear. From being homeless… to building influence… to navigating tests most people never see… He made one thing clear.
“If you ask Allah for greatness, He’ll give you the tests to become it.”
What feels like chaos is often preparation. What feels like delay is often development. And the truth is, most people quit in the phase that was meant to shape them.
It’s Not About How
We spend so much time trying to figure things out.
How will this work? How will I get there?
But Shahrez reframed it in a way that sticks.
“The ego wants to know the how. Tawakkul knows the who.”
When you truly trust Allah, you stop needing every answer. You don’t need to see the full path. You just need to keep walking it.
Every Door Is A Test
One of the simplest but most powerful ideas he shared:
Life presents doors. And every door is a test.
“There is no delay in Allah’s tests. They come immediately.”
Sometimes it’s patience. Sometimes it’s ego. Sometimes it’s temptation.
But every choice either moves you forward… Or holds you back. And over time, those small decisions define everything.
Identity Changes Everything
This is where things got practical. Shahrez broke it down in a way that applies to anyone.
“You don’t get the risk until you become the person who can hold it.”
If you want more, you have to become more. It’s not about waiting for opportunities. It’s about aligning yourself with the person who’s ready for them. And once that shift happens, things start to move differently.
Trust Changes Perspective
The biggest shift is internal. How you see yourself… Is a reflection of how you see Allah.
“If you place limits on yourself, somehow you’ve placed a limit on Allah.”
That line stays with you. Because it forces you to rethink everything. Doubt isn’t just about you. It’s about what you believe is possible.
If this resonated with you, the full episode dives deeper into immigration, leadership, resilience, and building a life grounded in values.
Watch the full conversation on The Path We Choose.
Watch Full Episode
Thanks for tuning in. I hope this episode encourages you to live authentically and embrace your own path with resilience.
Best,
Umer Farooque
Host, The Path We Choose
