Adopting Faith over Fame: Ayesha Naseem’s Early Retirement and her Journey of Faith

• Ayesha Naseem, the talented Pakistani cricketer, announces her early retirement at just 18 years old. She prioritizes her devotion to Islamic principles and decides to be a practicing Muslim.

• The young cricketer conveyed her decision to retire from cricket to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and announced it on July 20.

Leaving Sports for Spirituality

At the age of 18, Pakistani cricketer Ayesha Naseem has decided to retire from international cricket, leaving many surprised by her early departure. Naseem showed ample promise in the sport but recently revealed her decision to move out of the cricketing world. The decision was by her devotion to Islamic principles. Ayesha made it clear that it was her personal decision and that she wanted to be a practicing Muslim and live her life as per Islamic teachings.

Peer Pressure on Naseem

Despite being lauded as a “serious talent,” Ayesha Naseem remained firm in her resolve to prioritize her religious beliefs. A source in the board confirmed that Ayesha had first informed the PCB in February-March that she had left playing cricket. Even amidst efforts by fellow players, including Nida Dar and others, to convince her otherwise, Ayesha stood her ground and chose to adhere to her faith.

Some media outlets display a bias towards the roots of her decision, reporting on Ayesha’s cricket career. With the developments, they emphasize the challenges she faced due to her conservative family background. These reports tend to emphasize family disapproval, and directly overlook Ayesha’s statement about her desire to live her life following Islamic principles.

Naseem isn’t the only One

There have been many before Naseem who sorted to bring themselves out of their worldly careers and indulge in a healthy spiritual journey.

· Several high-profile Pakistan men’s team players, including Saeed Anwar, Inzamam ul Haq, Muhammad Yousuf, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Mushtaq Ahmed, turned to religion during their career peak times.

· Ex-Bollywood actress Zaira Wasim, who began her career with Aamir Khan’s movie, decided to quit her film career in 2019. She announced her disassociation from acting, expressing unhappiness with the line of work and feeling that her relationship with her religion was being threatened.

· French singer Julien Drolon underwent a transformative journey, embracing Islam after walking 1000 km in search of God. His profound experience occurred when he heard the Quran for the first time during a taxi ride in Abu Dhabi, touching his heart deeply.

Prioritizing Akhirah over Dunya

The decision by Ayesha Naseem and others reflects a profound belief in the value of spiritual health over worldly pursuits. In Islam, “Dunya” symbolizes the transient and lesser importance of this earthly life compared to the everlasting life of the hereafter, known as “Akhirah.” The Quran reminds us that our actions should be guided by the knowledge that true life lies in the hereafter.

“The present, worldly life is nothing but a pastime and play, but the abode of the hereafter is truly alive. If they but knew”

(29:64)

By embracing their spirituality, these personalities and individuals exemplify the essence of devotion and understanding that the present worldly life is temporary, and the true purpose lies in preparing for everlasting life to come.

“This worldly life is no more than play and amusement, but far better is the ‘eternal’ Home of the Hereafter for those mindful of Allah. Will you not then understand?”

(6:32)