Abeer's Journey - Embracing Diversity, Striving for Excellence, and Living Authentically
“Whether it’s performing my job, interacting with people, or completing university assignments, I aim to give my full effort and commitment. Islam teaches us that ihsan (striving for excellence) isn't just about the end result, but about the sincerity and effort we put into the process.”
“Home for me is a blend of both Egypt and New Zealand. Egypt will always be my home in a cultural and emotional sense, while New Zealand has also become home for me and my family over the past six years. ”
Abeer's Journey: Embracing Diversity, Striving for Excellence, and Living Authentically
Abeer moved to Aotearoa New Zealand more than six years ago with her husband and two children. Born and raised between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Abeer’s early life was a blend of rich cultural experiences. This unique upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for different cultures and the importance of inclusivity. Abeer’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity, striving for excellence and living authentically.
From a young age, Abeer was passionate about learning and understanding the world around her. Her engineering background, combined with pursuing an MBA at Massey University, equipped her with a unique blend of technical and strategic skills. These qualifications paved the way for her current role as a Senior Service Manager, where she oversees service operations, manages client relationships, and drives continuous improvements.
Abeer’s Values and Respect for Diversity
Abeer’s professional journey is defined by her commitment to continuous learning and fostering strong teams. She values integrity, respect, and community, her dedication to these values is evident in her approach to work and life, where she continuously learns, builds strong teams, and contributes positively to her community.
“Having lived and worked in multiple countries, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusivity, and the importance of building bridges across cultures,” Abeer reflects.
Identity, Home and Values
As an Egyptian Muslim woman, Abeer holds her Middle Eastern heritage and Islamic faith close to her heart. These identities guide her interactions with others, promoting kindness, integrity, and respect. Islam, with its emphasis on compassion and justice, inspires her to strive for a better version of herself every day.
Living in New Zealand for over six years, Abeer has found a place where her values align with the country’s respect for diversity, equality, and community. “As a proud Kiwi and New Zealand citizen, I am grateful to live in a place that values respect, equality, and community—values that also resonate deeply with my Islamic faith,” Abeer shares.
For Abeer, home is a blend of Egypt and New Zealand. Egypt, with its rich history and close-knit family ties, will always be her cultural and emotional home. New Zealand has become a place of professional growth and personal peace. The country’s respect for diversity and work-life balance has provided a nurturing environment for her family, making it a place where they can truly thrive.
Value of Ihsan (Striving for Excellence)
Abeer's value of ihsan (striving for excellence) is central to how she approaches everything in life. Ihsan means giving her best in everything she does, whether it’s her work, personal relationships, or everyday tasks. It’s about doing things with sincerity, dedication, and striving to do them well.
“Whether it’s performing my job, interacting with people, or completing university assignments, I aim to give my full effort and commitment. Islam teaches us that excellence isn't just about the end result, but about the sincerity and effort we put into the process. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah loves that when any one of you does something, he does it well (with ihsan).' — (Sahih Muslim),” Abeer explains.
This hadith is a reminder that ihsan (striving for excellence) should be applied to everything she does, no matter how small the task. It encourages her to approach every aspect of her life with care, diligence, and the intention to do her best, whether it’s a job, a personal interaction, or a simple task.
Abeer’s Journey from Career Success to Focusing on Spiritual and Emotional Well-being
Throughout her life, Abeer has been influenced by various factors. Early on, her focus was on career success, driven by the desire to achieve professional milestones. However, over time, she realised that true contentment comes from inner growth and personal fulfilment. This shift in focus has inspired her to invest in her spiritual and emotional well-being, helping those around her lead better lives. Abeer’s journey is now guided by the desire to live authentically and contribute positively to people around her.
This realisation has led Abeer to prioritize her inner growth and personal fulfilment over mere career achievements. She now focuses on nurturing her internal self and helping those around her lead better lives. This shift in perspective has been a significant influence on her journey, guiding her towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Facing Challenges with Resilience, Drawing Strength from Her Faith
Facing challenges with resilience, Abeer draws strength from her faith. Her connection to Allah provides her with hope and clarity, reminding her that no matter the difficulties, there is always a way back to peace and strength. This spiritual connection helps her stay grounded and focused on her purpose.
“As a Muslim, what helps me overcome challenges is the belief that there is always a door open to return to, no matter what difficulties I face. That door is my connection to Allah,” she explains.
This belief in the ever-present support of her faith gives Abeer the resilience to face life's challenges. She finds solace in the teachings of Islam, which emphasise the importance of compassion, justice, and caring for those around her. This spiritual foundation provides her with the strength and clarity needed to navigate difficult times.
What Abeer Wants People to Know About Islam
Abeer is passionate about sharing the true essence of Islam and the values it promotes. She believes that Islam is a religion of equality and inclusivity, encouraging respect and appreciation for all people. Her favourite verse from the Quran, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another” (Qur'an, 49:13), reflects this belief in the beauty of diversity.
“What I want people to understand about Islam and Muslims is that Islam is a religion that strongly values equality and inclusivity,” Abeer emphasises.
Abeer explains that Islam encourages respect and appreciation for all people, regardless of their race or background. She believes that the core teachings of Islam align closely with the values of respect, equality, and community that she has encountered in New Zealand. This alignment has allowed her to thrive both personally and professionally.
Motivated by the Desire to Help Others
Motivated by the desire to help others, Abeer strives to make a positive impact in her community. Her commitment to living a life of purpose, respect, and balance is a driving force in her professional and personal endeavours.
“I believe that our purpose in life is not just to achieve personal success, but to use our abilities and resources to uplift others and make the world a better place. This drive to serve my community, whether through my professional work or in my personal life, is a key motivator for me. Ultimately, my motivation comes from my faith in Allah and my commitment to living a life of purpose, respect, and balance, while continuously striving to improve myself and contribute positively to the lives of others,” she explains.
Advice to the Younger Generation
To the younger generation, especially women of colour and Muslim women entering the workforce, Abeer offers valuable advice:
Embrace your identity and share it with pride.
Remember that your identity and perspectives are a strength that add richness to any team and lead to creative solutions and growth.
Find a balance between personal values and the broader workplace culture, building bridges of understanding and respect.
Be patient with people who are different from you.
Consider things from others' perspectives.
Explain your intentions clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
Communication is key to building understanding and trust.
Reflecting on Her Journey
Reflecting on her journey, Abeer is proud of her faith and the opportunities she has had to live in and learn from different cultures. These experiences have enriched her understanding of the world and reinforced the values of empathy, adaptability, and community. Abeer’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and striving for excellence. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of living authentically and contributing positively to the world.
You can connect with Abeer via LinkedIn