Umm Taha
About Me: Umm Taha
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
My name is Umm Taha, and I would like to share a little about myself so you know who is behind this space.
I was born in Kazakhstan and come from a Russian background. I moved to the United States at the age of 17 during my third year of university. Leaving my home was not easy—it was a time filled with trials and uncertainty. There were moments when I struggled greatly, even to the point of not having enough to buy something as simple as bread. Yet, by the permission and mercy of Allah, I remained patient and continued forward.
Over the years, Allah blessed me with the ability to build a life here from the ground up. Today, at 34, I am a wife and a mother to three wonderful boys. And by the will of Allah, we have recently been blessed with the news that we are expecting identical twin boys.
When I first arrived in the United States, I took on many different types of work. I cleaned homes, delivered flyers for a small pizzeria, and worked in hotels and restaurants. At times, I found myself in difficult and unfamiliar situations, but each experience was a means of learning and growth. With little support, I learned to rely on Allah and to navigate life’s challenges with patience and perseverance.
One of the more impactful experiences I had was working in customer service in New York City. I was part of a company that specialized in designer dresses, where I communicated directly with designers and assisted clients with their orders. Through this, I learned professionalism, attention to detail, and how to carry responsibility with care and integrity.
Later, I worked in Italian and Turkish restaurants in New York. Over time, I came to realize that this environment was not aligned with the direction I wanted for my life, and I began seeking other paths that would be more beneficial for my dunya and akhirah.
After coming to America, I continued to seek knowledge and develop myself. I studied accounting and took courses in business administration, all while adjusting to a new culture and way of life.
In time, Allah blessed me with marriage and children, and I embraced the role of a wife and mother. Although my days became centered around my home and family, I was mindful not to remain stagnant. I continued to invest in my personal growth by taking various courses and studying both Western and Islamic perspectives on psychology.
I have always found comfort and direction in reading. Books became a means of reflection, learning, and growth for me during different stages of life. During this period, I also explored small creative efforts from home, such as sewing Tula baby carrier accessories, which I sold online while caring for my first child. Through this, Allah provided me with a level of financial independence and a sense of fulfillment in using my skills in a beneficial way.
Over the years, I explored a variety of business opportunities, each one teaching me valuable lessons and shaping my path:
Gardening: I grew flowers in my backyard and sold them during the spring season. It was a simple effort, but one that brought both benefit and joy.
Home daycare: I briefly ran a small islamic daycare from my home. It was very successful. Through this experience, I came to better understand my own limits and realized that it was not the path best suited for me at that moment.
Baking and pastry: I developed a strong interest in baking and learned to prepare bread, cakes, and pastries at a professional level, including taking courses in Europe to refine my skills. Even during pregnancy with my third child, Allah gave me the ability to manage orders and serve clients consistently. Over time, however, this work began to take a physical toll on my health, particularly my back. I also served a wide range of clients, creating cakes for many types of occasions, including birthdays and various widely celebrated holidays. Eventually, I reached a point where I was asked to create a cake for an occasion that did not align with my values as a Muslim. This became a moment of reflection for me, and I chose to step away from this line of work in order to preserve both my well-being and my principles.
Cat breeding: Later, I became involved in professional cat breeding, raising and selling high-quality cats. This work required significant effort, patience, and responsibility, and through it, I developed a deeper appreciation for care, trust, and commitment. However, this chapter of my life also came to an end when I came to understand that aspects of this work were not fully aligned with my Islamic values. Letting it go was not easy, as I had invested a great deal of time, effort, and attachment into it. But this dunya is temporary, and we are only travelers within it. For the sake of Allah, I chose to step away, trusting that whatever is left for His sake is replaced with something better.
Alongside these efforts, I continued seeking knowledge in psychology and personal development, benefiting from both structured learning and personal study, as well as reflecting through real-life experiences and interactions with others.
However, as I continued to learn and grow, I came to a deeper realization: that in Islam, we already have everything we truly need for guidance, healing, and understanding ourselves. I began to see that much of what is presented in modern psychology is rooted in a worldview that does not fully align with our deen. It can sometimes appear as a solution, but in reality, it does not fully address the heart in the way that Islam does. With time, I chose to step away from these studies, recognizing that the knowledge found in Islam is complete and sufficient. What we know is only a small drop compared to the vast ocean of our deen, and I wanted to dedicate my efforts to seeking knowledge that brings me closer to Allah and benefits me in both this life and the Hereafter.
I also spent a period of time as a blogger, sharing reflections and motivating other women. I created content primarily for a Russian-speaking audience, and I was part of the “mom blogger” space—showing daily life, my children, my home, what I would buy, and where I would go.
Although it did not bring any financial benefit, it was extremely time-consuming and, over time, began to feel overwhelming and draining. It became something that was taking more from me than it was giving. But that is a longer story for another time.
Eventually, I chose to step back to refocus on what truly matters—my personal growth and my relationship with Allah. For me, money has never been the ultimate goal; it is only a means, not the مقصد.
After this pause, I returned with a clearer intention and a renewed vision: to create a space where women can grow, seek beneficial knowledge, and strive to better themselves in a way that is pleasing to Allah.
Through my personal journey, I began to see how many women are searching for direction, yet feel lost about where to begin. But as I went deeper into learning the deen, I came to a humbling realization—the more I learned, the more I understood how little I truly know. And this only increased my desire to keep seeking knowledge.
At the same time, I became more aware of the gaps within our society, especially for women. Today, many women are overwhelmed, carrying countless responsibilities and expectations, with little time even to pause and reflect. There are many voices and agendas competing for our attention, which often leave us feeling confused, drained, and disconnected.
This made me realize how important it is to return to authentic knowledge and to create space for it. Seeking knowledge in Islam is not limited by age or stage of life—it is for everyone: whether you are a mother, a student, or in your later years; whether you feel strong or completely lost.
I also came to see that not all spaces offering “Islamic knowledge” are grounded in what is correct. There are many places where incorrect teachings and innovations are spread, and many fall into them without realizing. This increased my sense of responsibility to be careful in what I learn and share.
As I continue learning myself, I feel a strong need to open a door for others—to invite women to come together upon sincerity, to learn step by step, and to support one another in خير.
My goal became to build a place where women can:
Grow in their deen with clarity and الصحيح understanding
Develop personally with purpose and intention
Benefit from books, lectures, and structured learning
Build confidence rooted in their identity as Muslim women
- Improve their character, priorities, and relationships
Take care of their health and daily lives in a balanced way, and much more.
This is how Baytul-Ukht was born—a space for sisters to learn, grow, and support one another on the path of seeking knowledge and striving for what is pleasing to Allah.
Why I Do This Work
Helping women grow and realize their potential has always been close to my heart. I have always sought to advise, guide, and support other sisters in ways that are beneficial, sincere, and grounded in what is pleasing to Allah. Through this club, I now have the opportunity to support women directly and purposefully, providing tools, knowledge, and a nurturing environment to grow both in this life and the Hereafter.
Whether you wish to strengthen your confidence, understand yourself better, balance family and personal life, or seek knowledge and new skills, this space is for you. It is a place where you can feel seen, understood, and empowered, while keeping your intentions and actions in line with Islam.
From my early struggles as a young immigrant to building businesses, raising a family, and studying both worldly and Islamic knowledge, my journey has been one of patience, learning, and self-discovery. Every challenge was a lesson, every setback a reminder to rely on Allah, and every success an opportunity to give thanks and reflect.
Now, my goal is to share these experiences with women who are ready to invest in themselves, grow sincerely, and find balance and fulfillment in ways that honor our faith.
Welcome to This Space
If you are reading this, you have already taken a meaningful first step. By exploring this space, you have shown a willingness to grow, seek beneficial knowledge, and invest in yourself for the sake of Allah. I am genuinely grateful and happy to have you here, and I look forward to accompanying you on this journey of learning, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Together, we can build a community where women thrive — confident, knowledgeable, and empowered, while remaining rooted in the values and guidance of Islam.
Umm Taha.