Welcoming parenthood: It's all about Dew

HER first cries were loud and her head full of hair. At that moment, we knew she was certainly ours.

As I held our newborn daughter in my arms, a profound sense of joy and love overwhelmed me. Reciting the azan in her ears for the first time was humbling.

Her arrival after a nine-year wait (and coincidentally in the year of the Dragon) has filled our family’s hearts with happiness and our home is now abuzz with excitement.

How things change so quickly. Just last week, my wife Dina and I were “DINKWACs” (Double Income No-Kids With Cats), TikTok’s way to describe the current generation of couples who channel their parenting spirit (and finances) to their pets.

Today, we are parents responsible for a human life, her dreams and hopes, and a future that is to come.

We have given our daughter a traditional name: Embun.

Meaning "dew", it reflects the morning mist, a droplet of water that on its own protects the life of the tiniest of insects and plants, while collectively ensuring entire planetary ecosystems survive and thrive.

Just as a single droplet can nourish life, we hope that Embun will grow to contribute positively to the world around her.

However, I am acutely aware of the realities that await Embun. The world today is vastly different from the one I grew up in, and her grandparents prior.

So, here are some of my reminders and hopes for Embun, as she finds her way in this world.

Dear Embun...

First, prioritise knowledge and learning. Did you know that the first Quranic revelation was “Iqra” (read)? Prophet Muhammad’s first exposure to Islam was an emphasis on the importance of intellectual pursuit, curiosity and seeking knowledge. Other matters of faith and commerce came after. This lesson continues to inspire my life daily.

Embun, you’ll live in a time where all of mankind’s knowledge will be at your fingertips – such a great privilege and heavy responsibility.

Explore new horizons, discover new things to make society better – be it in the sciences, arts, or humanities.

Technological advancements like artificial intelligence will try to aid you, while misinformation and disinformation will try to confuse you.

So, when in doubt, trust your faculties of thought (aqal) and instincts (fitrah), and remember that knowledge combines that which is encyclopaedic (worldly and scientific), ijtihadic (reason) and Quranic (religious and spiritual).

Second, be just and kind. Already in my time, there is growing inequality, widening wealth gaps and impoverishment. The powerful play by a different set of rules while the poor are marginalised.

There are wars and geopolitical conflicts, with children (just like you) being the innocent victims of the heartless.

The environment isn’t in good shape either with global warming seriously threatening our existence.

But all hope is not lost as history has shown that there will be ups and downs, and justice may take time – it comes in cycles.

I hope whichever path life takes you, that you always remember that helping others is the greatest joy – no matter how big or small.

e good to others regardless of religion, race, or status. You don’t have to look too far. Your grandmother, a former journalist, is a great role model, having helped many, the young and the old, the stateless and the lost. You’ll find out more about her soon enough.

She often reminds us that charity starts at home. Your other grandparents are cool too.

Third, build meaningful and respectful relationships. Way back in 1938, Harvard started the longest study on happiness which continues until today. Their major finding? Good relationships are key to a long, happy, healthy life, and mental health. Wealth or fame, or even working hard, are not as determinant.

So, Embun, along the way you’ll meet all sorts of people. Different ideas, interests, and insights. You’ll make friends, lose them, and make new ones. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry.

Be a friendly person, but always stay vigilant – especially on social media. Remember that building quality social connections is a process. So, don’t rush but take your time.

hen in doubt, remember that you always have your family’s backing, and it is the most meaningful relationship of all.

Oh, and once a guy comes along... I’ll let you speak to your mum about this later.

There are many more things that can be shared: eat healthily, pick up a sport, learn a musical instrument, avoid materialism, travel the world, give to charity, etc.

But I have to contain my excitement. God willing, there’s time.

Welcome to this world, Embun. May you make it a better place.